Awlgrip

Awlgrip: The World Standard in Marine Yacht Coatings

Awlgrip has a remarkable origin story. The brand was born in 1973 when a paint originally formulated for aircraft — known as Alumigrip — was first applied to the hulls of two boats at the request of a pair of Eastern Airlines pilots. The results were extraordinary, and a marine legend was launched. Even the name itself carries a touch of serendipity: "Allgrip" was scrawled on a napkin at a bar-room table, and when typed up, one "L" became a "W" — and Awlgrip was born.

Today, as a flagship brand under AkzoNobel — one of the world's foremost coatings companies — Awlgrip has spent more than five decades setting the benchmark for decorative yacht coatings worldwide. Boatyards, OEM builders, and passionate DIYers on every continent have come to rely on Awlgrip for its unmatched combination of high-gloss finish, UV resistance, and long-term durability. The brand has become so synonymous with excellence that proud boat owners routinely refer to having their vessels "Awlgripped" — a rare distinction in any industry.

A Complete Marine Coating System

What truly sets Awlgrip apart is its approach to coatings as an integrated system rather than a collection of individual products. Every element of the Awlgrip lineup — from surface preparation through to the final topcoat — is engineered to work in concert for maximum adhesion, longevity, and visual impact. Whether the substrate is fiberglass, aluminum, or wood, there is an Awlgrip solution specifically formulated for the task.

At the heart of any Awlgrip finish are its topside paints, including the legendary Awlgrip Topcoat and the Awlcraft 2000 and 3000 series — premium acrylic urethane formulas that deliver the deep, mirror-like gloss the brand is famous for. Beneath the topcoat, a proper foundation begins with Awlgrip's range of primers, such as the widely trusted 545 Epoxy Primer, which seals and protects bare substrates above the waterline and ensures optimal adhesion for subsequent coats.

Equally important to the system are Awlgrip's reducers and comprehensive reducers, converters, and specialty additives. These products govern the viscosity, dry time, and application characteristics of the coating, allowing professionals and skilled enthusiasts to fine-tune the finish for specific conditions — whether spraying in tropical heat or brushing in a cool boatyard shed. Using the correct reducer for ambient temperature and application method is critical to achieving Awlgrip's signature result.

Beyond the core coating system, Awlgrip also offers an extensive range of specialty coatings and paints tailored to specific applications — from non-skid deck formulas and varnish systems like Awlspar, to innovative products like Awlcraft CS for modern matte finishes. This breadth of solutions allows a single trusted brand to cover virtually every surface on a vessel from stem to stern.

Trusted by Professionals Worldwide

Awlgrip's reputation is reinforced by an industry-leading technical support team that educates and assists applicators, builders, and boat owners across the globe. From center consoles to 120-foot superyachts, the brand's consistent quality and robust product ecosystem have made it the coating of choice at premier boatyards and for discerning yacht owners who accept no compromises.