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173
MAINTAINING AN AWLGRIP OR
AWLCRAFT 2000 TOPCOAT
continued...
Hand applied Awlcare will not harm Awlgrip topcoats and can easily
be removed with Awlprep Plus T0115 (or T0340 Surface Cleaner in
Europe) when it is time to repaint.
Awlgrip Only: 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.
Awlcraft 2000 Only: Awlcare Protective Polymer Sealer will help
maintain the gloss on Awlcraft 2000 topcoats 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, scratch pads or polishing compounds.
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 or Awlcraft 2000 Topcoat
and teak cleaners. Most teak cleaners contain acids or caustic agents
that stain and discolor an Awlgrip or Awlcraft 2000 Topcoat.
4. Do not allow metal polishes to dry on the surface of Awlgrip or
Awlcraft 2000. 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, 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 Topcoats.
This condition can result in blistering or delamination of the Awlgrip
or Awlcraft 2000 Topcoat.
7. Do not use acrylic Teflon
®
coatings over an Awlgrip or Awlcraft 2000
Finish. Use of these coatings void the Awlgrip Limited Warranty.
8. Do not ‘shrink wrap’ or tightly bind Awlgrip or Awlcraft 2000 Topcoat
surfaces 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 surface painted with
Awlgrip or Awlcraft 2000 Topcoat. 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.
APPLICATION GUIDE
172
MAINTAINING AN AWLGRIP OR
AWLCRAFT 2000 TOPCOAT
It is difficult for dirt grime and grease to adhere to an Awlgrip or
Awlcraft 2000 Topcoat. 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 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 only: Use only mild solvents to remove stubborn
stains. Awlprep T0008, mineral spirits, xylene, kerosene and diesel
fuel are acceptable for use on Awlcraft 2000.
Awlgrip and Awlcraft 2000: 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 Awlwash
and water to remove solvent residue. When using solvents to remove
stains, test an inconspicuous area first.
3. Always thoroughly rinse 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 mild diesel soot stains.
Awlgrip and Awlcraft 2000: Protecting the surface with Awlcare
73240 will help maintain the gloss of Awlgrip or Awlcraft 2000.
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 non-
yellowing, 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.
General: Traditional waxes break down rapidly. The residue can
cause the topcoat 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 both Awlgrip and Awlcraft 2000 with regular applications.