MAINTAINING AN AWLGRIP FINISH

MAINTAINING AN AWLGRIP FINISH

Maintaining Awlgrip topcoat, Awlcraft 2000, Awlcraft SE basecoat/clearcoat or Awlgrip HDT
 

It is difficult for dirt grime and grease to adhere to Awlgrip finishes (Awlgrip topcoat, Awlcraft 2000, Awlcraft SE

 basecoat /clearcoat or Awlgrip HDT). However, over time, a build-up of dirt, grease and other contaminants can cause the finish to appear dull.

The mirror-­like gloss can be easily maintained by following these simple rules.

DO:

1. Wash the surface regularly with Awlwash 73234 and water. Regular cleaning will avoid build up which can slowly attack the topcoat, prematurely ageing the coating. Use soft, non-abrasive cloths, sponges or washing mitts when washing.

2. Awlgrip topcoat only:
Solvents such as Awlprep T0008, Awlprep Plus T0115, toluene, lacquer thinner, M.E.K., acetone or kerosene may be used to soften or remove heavy build ups of grease and grime, felt tip markings or spray paint on the topcoat.

Awlcraft 2000 and Awlgrip HDT only:
Use only mild solvents to remove stubborn stains. Awlprep T0008, mineral spirits, xylene, kerosene and diesel fuel are acceptable for use on these topcoats.

For all Awlgrip finishes: 
Apply solvents with soft clean cloths. Wipe up solvent quickly. Do not allow solvent to dry on the surface or puddle and soak into the surface. Wash these areas with mild detergent and water to remove solvent residue. When using solvents to remove stains, test an inconspicuous area first. 

3. Always thoroughly rinse all surfaces with fresh water after cleaning with Awlwash or solvents. Latent solvent residue can attack the topcoat, while detergent residue will attract dirt.

4. Use distilled white vinegar and hot water to remove stubborn salt stains. Washing with Awlwash after use of vinegar is recommended.

5. Use Awlcare 73240 by hand only to remove stubborn diesel soot stains.
For all Awlgrip finishes: Protecting the surface with Awlcare 73240 will help maintain the gloss of your Awlgrip finish. Awlcare is a hand applied, non-abrasive, synthetic polymer. It will remove mild stains, water spots and diesel soot while increasing resistance to attack from acid rain and other pollutants, when applied regularly. It contains no harsh abrasives. Awlcare leaves a nonyellowing, protective polymer coating which lasts through multiple washings. Use Awlcare to temporarily seal and restore gloss to painted surfaces dulled by age or mistreatment.

DO NOT:

1. Do not use traditional waxes.

Traditional waxes break down rapidly. The residue can cause the finish to appear yellow, plus it attracts dirt. This creates the need to maintain the wax, increasing overall maintenance. Traditional waxes which contain no abrasives probably do little harm to the coating, but offer no benefit. Awlgrip has developed Awlcare Protective Polymer Sealer 73240 for those who want to enhance their finish and need the additional cleaning power of a hand applied, dry wash product. Awlcare is a non-yellowing sealer that will protect your Awlgrip finish with regular applications.
Hand applied Awlcare will not harm Awlgrip finishes and can easily be removed with Awlprep Plus T0115 (or T0340 Surface Cleaner in Europe) when it is time to repaint.

Awlgrip topcoat only (G/H Line): Regular applications of Awlcare will help temporarily seal and restore shine to painted surfaces that have become porous due to age or mistreatment, helping to maintain a satisfactory appearance until there is time to repaint. Do not use polishing compounds on Awlgrip G/H Line topcoat. 

Awlcraft 2000 and Awlgrip HDT: Awlcare Protective Polymer Sealer will help maintain the gloss on these finishes with regular applications, especially those which have been buffed or polished. Remember, Awlcare is only applied and buffed by hand. Never apply or buff Awlcare with a machine.

2. Do not use abrasives or scratch pads to clean the surface. Scratching the surface gives dirt a place to cling while wearing out the resin layer. Using abrasives of any kind will reduce the overall life of the finish and voids the Awlgrip Limited Warranty. 

3. Do not allow contact between the Awlgrip finishes and teak cleaners. Most teak cleaners contain acids or caustic agents that stain and discolor an Awlgrip finish.

4. Do not allow metal polishes to dry on the surface of Awlgripfinishes. Metal polishes may discolor and stain the painted surface. Metal polishes contain acids. Rainwater and dew running off metal fittings will spread metal polish residue onto the paint surface and will etch and dull the paint finish. Washing freshly polished metal fittings thoroughly with Awlwash and water can help eliminate polish residue and reduce the metal polish run off. 

5. Do not use strong solvents (eg. lacquer thinner, M.E.K., acetone) to clean Awlcraft 2000, Awlgrip HDT, Awlbrite Clear or Awlspar varnish. 

6. Do not allow wet equipment (e.g. seat cushions, coils of line, sails, sail covers, coolers) to trap and hold moisture against Awlgrip finishes. This condition can result in blistering or delamination of the Awlgrip finish.

7. Do not use acrylic †Teflon coatings over an Awlgrip Finish. Use of these coatings void the Awlgrip Limited Warranty.

8. Do not ‘shrink wrap’ or tightly bind Awlgrip finishes with plastic wrappings. The cover system, whether synthetic or natural fiber, should be ventilated to allow the coating system to ‘breathe’. Do not pull the cover tight to the painted surface. This can trap and hold moisture on the surface, resulting in loss of gloss, blistering, or delamination of the topcoat. Do not allow the cover to chafe against the painted surface, a chafing cover, especially when accompanied by airborne dirt, can abrade the surface and cause premature loss of gloss.

†Teflon is a registered trademark of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

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