Need advice on awlgrip

[sailsurfski]

I painted the black stripe under the rubrail last year with interlux brightside one part polyurethane. This was sort of a test before I embarked on painting the rest of the black on my X. Now, The white gelcoat in the high traffic areas of the non-skid are wearing so thin that the black gelcoat that was sprayed between the white and the fiberglass beneath is showing through. So, in addition to painting the black, I am considering painting the whole topsides. The hull is fine and I am not going to paint more than I have to.

So, the question is, does anyone have experience with polyurethanes on their boat? The black one part I painted last year still looks good, but research suggests that it will start to dull in a year or two. The two part urethanes like awlgrip will last 7-10 years. Interlux makes a two part called perfection and it is supposed to be easier than using awlgrip. Anyone ever used it? The distributor in FL that I plan to purchase from sells to profesionals and sells about 300 cans of awlgrip a day versus 1 or 2 cans of interlux.

I plan to spray the paint and have used two part epoxies before with good results. I have a regular gun and an HVLP gun. Neither are automotive paint quality guns, but I would have to spray two or three coats and sand between, so I will know if the quality of application is acceptable before the final coat.

I think a couple of guys on here are painters and I seem to remember Moe mentioning awlgrip before. Any advice would be appreciated.

BTW, it is 95 to 100 degrees here with high humidity for the rest of the summer and that should be taken into consideration with a two- three part process.

[waternwaves]

Well,

If you are going to have soemone else apply it......... Awlgrip is probably alright.

If you are going to do it yourself....... probably Awlcraft will be easier, and can be feathered and blended for repairs much easier than awlgrip.

Most of the other vendors offer equivalent products.

I have decided to go with awlcraft or the sikkens product, The ability to repair, blend etc... easily is more important to me than the 3 year duration difference.

Awlgrip does not get blended for repairs..... you are going to shoot the whole side again.

[Flathead_Sailor]

Just a word of caution. Many of the 2 part polyurethane boat paints contain icocyanates. These require extra caution when sprayed including positive pressure masks and suits. It is recommended by most manufacturers that they only be sprayed by professionals.

Mike

[sailsurfski]

I have had a change of vacation plans, and now want to get the boat back in the water on or before the 4th. This is going to limit me to just doing the black this week. I was able the get Interlux "Perfection" 2 part urethane in jet black locally. It is supposed to be easier to work with than awlgrip. None of the two part poly's can be painted over one parts or enamels, so I will have to sand down the stripe below the rubrail that I did previously.

I had noticed the Awlcraft online and was wondering if it was a one or two part product, but didn't have time to research it or order it in time for this weekend. Meanwhile, I am still gathering info about what to use for the white. I like the idea of being able to repair and feather as well.