Awlgrip paint repairs

[nikkiwed]

In trying to repair some small paint chips on my topsides I have come across a couple of problems. I am using Awlgrip.

When brushing an edge is left which is extremely hard to level down to the old paint without sanding or compounding some of the unrepaired section and this fequently removes the old paint to primer. So a smooth finish is obtained but the colour doesn't match!

I've tried spraying with the 'preval' and get either an orange peel effect or some small spots of overspray which won't shine into the existing topcoat.

I prepped by filling any dents with 3M filler and sanding with 320, sprayed, wet sanded with 1200 and then buffed with 3M Finesse It.

Can anyone tell me where i'm going wrong?

 

[boatbuilder]

The problem is that Awlgrip is very difficult to repair,indeed some say its impossible.
You are going about it in the right way, and the only thing I could add is turn down your air supply to help stop orange peel.
I am presuming that you are using the correct converter and spraying thinners.
The answer to this problem is to originally spray with Awlcraft which is repair /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gifable.

 

[Blueboatman]

I have limited experience having sprayed and then inevitably touched up the last boat..What worked for me was to key the chipped area(and we are talking very minor chips and scratches only)using a snapped off hacksaw blade and then apply the mixed awlgrip using a flexible metal spatula-these are available from good decorators stores-you dont say where you are.If in London try any SDM or specialist paint store,outside try Brewers Paints..
With care it is perfectly possible to put the paint only where you want it and with no overlap onto the surrounding sound paintwork.
You can also use a Cabinet scraper or sharp chisel(used 'end on' and dragged sideways) to flatten any high spots without diasturbing the surrounding paint surface.
Hope that helps.