Awlgrip Awlgrip Solvents & Dewaxers
Awlgrip Solvents & Dewaxers: Professional Surface Preparation for Marine Coatings
For over four decades, Awlgrip has set the standard in marine coating systems, and their comprehensive line of solvents and dewaxers exemplifies the same commitment to precision and performance that made their topcoats legendary. These specialized surface preparation products are engineered specifically to work in harmony with Awlgrip's renowned polyurethane finishes, ensuring proper adhesion, flawless application, and long-lasting durability on vessels ranging from center consoles to superyachts.
The Science Behind Superior Surface Preparation
Awlgrip's flagship Awl-Prep T0008 Surface Cleaner is a fast-evaporating surface cleaner designed to remove hand oils, light grease and other light surface contaminants from primed or topcoated surfaces during the critical preparation stages. This formulation features a unique "drying" effect which removes latent moisture from the surface, preventing the gloss-killing defects that can occur when trapped moisture interferes with coating cure. Applied using the industry-standard Two Cloth Method, Awl-Prep T0008 is used before and after sanding of primers, fillers, and topcoats, ensuring each layer bonds properly without contamination.
For more demanding surface preparation challenges, Awlgrip offers Awlprep Plus T0115, a medium-fast evaporating, strong solvent designed to remove waxes, oils, and greases commonly found on painted surfaces, new or aged gelcoat, aluminum, or steel, used before and after sanding the substrate prior to priming. This more aggressive formulation tackles the stubborn contaminants that standard cleaners cannot address, making it essential for restoration projects and repainting aged gelcoat surfaces.
Why Professional Applicators Choose Awlgrip Solvents
The difference between a flawless yacht finish and a costly respray often comes down to surface preparation quality. Awlgrip's solvent and dewaxer formulations are precisely balanced to clean effectively without attacking uncured epoxy or urethane coatings—a critical consideration when working with multi-stage coating systems. T0008 is nonphotochemically reactive, meeting environmental regulations while maintaining the cleaning power professional applicators demand.
Marine refinishing professionals understand that using Awlgrip solvents as part of a complete Awlgrip system ensures chemical compatibility across every stage of the coating process. These products eliminate the guesswork from surface preparation, providing consistent results whether you're preparing a small repair area or an entire hull. When properly applied, Awlgrip solvents create the pristine substrate necessary for achieving the mirror-like finish that has made Awlgrip the gold standard in marine coatings for generations.