Awlgrip Wood Finish Products
Teak rails, mahogany trim and varnished doors take more abuse than almost any other surface on a boat. UV radiation, salt spray and constant flexing break down ordinary coatings quickly. Awlgrip's wood finish products are built for that problem. They bring the brand's yacht-coating experience to exterior brightwork, where gloss, depth and clarity matter as much as protection.
The Awlwood System
The centerpiece of Awlgrip's wood finishing range is Awlwood MA, a two-step system. It consists of a primer, sold separately, and a clear topcoat finish. The primer goes on first. Awlwood Primer is designed for exterior application above the waterline and adheres directly to wood. As the wood's natural color fades, it helps establish a permanent, rich base color. The primer is offered in clear, red and yellow tones, so you can choose how warm or neutral the finished wood looks.
The clear finish then bonds directly to the primer. Awlwood's resin technology provides exceptional gloss and depth while letting the wood color and grain show through. Flex-Link technology locks the primer onto the wood structure, including tropical hardwoods, for flexibility and damage resistance. That flexibility matters on wood, which expands and contracts with temperature and humidity.
Gloss, Satin and Climate Options
Awlwood MA clear finish comes in gloss and satin matt versions. The usual advice is to build up coats with gloss and, if a satin look is wanted, finish with one last coat of satin. Awlgrip also lists an Awlwood Multi-Climate Gloss for tropical and temperate climates. The one-component Awlwood Clear Gloss is fast-curing, allows multiple applications per day, and resists abrasion, which suits cap rails, handrails, trim and deck furniture. It is also buffable and repairable.
Why Awlgrip Stands Out in Wood Finishes
- UV-stabilized chemistry: The polymer is inherently non-yellowing, with UV absorbers bonded directly to the resin, which Awlgrip describes as an industry first.
- Longer recoat intervals: The combined system is more flexible than varnish, with longer periods between recoats.
- A full brightwork family: The line also includes Awlspar, a fast-drying tung oil varnish that protects brightwork against water and weather. It suits traditional spar-varnish work and touch-ups.
Application Tips
Awlwood is a system, so use the primer and clear finish together. The finish must be mixed with a brushing or spraying reducer, depending on how you apply it. Prepare bare wood properly, apply the recommended number of coats, and keep the system above the waterline, where it is designed to work.
For the full range of the manufacturer's coatings, visit the Awlgrip brand page. To compare other options for protecting and beautifying wood surfaces, browse the full Wood Finish Products category.