Since 1973 the Awlgrip finish has been a standard in our industry that has endured. Over that time there have been many changes to improve the way that boats are painted, as owners and applicators alike strive for the ultimate expression of quality. At the same time, regulators introduce restrictions that pop-up as hurdles along the way.

The goal at Awlgrip is always to provide customers with the best, and this includes accommodating regulatory requirements without compromising results.

2010 is another year that brings change. Regulations that limit the use of certain chemicals come into force, and as a responsible company this is something Awlgrip has anticipated.

History
In 2007 Awlgrip introduced a revision to its Awlgrip topcoat (Replacement of a solvent driven by the need to improve the safety profile of its topcoats.)

Shortly after this there was an increase in the number of customers experiencing problems getting a defect-free finish. Unable to swiftly determine the root cause, and with some customers associating their problems with the solvent change Awlgrip was asked to revert back to the earlier recipe which was done in early 2008.

Since that time Awlgrip has successfully undertaken a deep and thorough investigation to find and eliminate the issue and after a lengthy evaluation was able to establish root cause. Subsequently actions have been taken to prevent recurrence.

During this evaluation Awlgrip identified many opportunities to tighten up on manufacturing processes, worked with its raw material suppliers, improved quality and took steps to reduce variation in its product. Close to 50 different ways to make the same product, but in a more consistent and controlled fashion, were implemented as a direct result of the investigation.

The future
The good news for customers is that Awlgrip is now in a position to take the necessary step and change away from a solvent that has become increasingly difficult to find secure supply for and to replace it with one that is acceptable in the more regulated times we find ourselves in.

Awlgrip identified a replacement that provides the same flow and evaporation characteristics as the one that it replaces and, in order to be able to use this on a worldwide basis, spent over a quarter of a million euros to secure registration in Europe. Awlgrip is now the sole user of this solvent in the yacht paint field.

For Awlgrip the hard part has been to meet impending regulatory changes without changing the product. However, for those with a keen eye (or accurate measuring equipment), the gloss has increased by between 1 – 1 ½ percent. Application and in-service performance remain unchanged from the current version.

At the recent American Superyacht Forum on Newport Rhode Island Awlgrip completed a demonstration of the current and future formula with the assistance of ten paint applicators.



The panels were reviewed by conference attendees who were asked if they had any preference or thought the panels looked the same. The results are shown below:

ASF Preference (White) ASF Preference (Blue)

No clear preference was shown for either the current or future variants in white with a marginal preference for the future variant in blue.

Awlgrip also points out that for the past 2 ½ years, Awlcraft 2000 has had this new solvent incorporated without any customer complaint.