Awlgrip versus Awlcraft

[MM5AHO]

The manufacturers data sheet says that Awlgrip canot be cleaned so easily, but needs it less. Craft cleans easier. Grip harder to repair but need less being more robust. Craft easier to repair. I've spoken to several who have had a coat of either of these in the past 10 years (it seems to last at least that long), and got varied answers. Some say Craft is better that Grip, others the opposite.
I'm having one or the other of these two this winter, for hull above water line and topsides including a moulded in non-slip surface in the gelcoat. The boat is a Rival 32, 45 years old, no previous painting, gelcoat worn, but fibreglass otherwise in good shape. Summer on mooring, winter on land, low UV exposure (Scotland).
Which should I opt for and why?

 

[saltylegs]

I've no experience of craft but grip seems to dry with the colour pigments deeper into the surface leaving an almost clear top finish, that's likely why it's harder to touch up.
But if you are doing hull and deck then I would assume that you are more likely to have to repair dings in the deck rather than the hull, so maybe craft is the way to go, but that's only my penny's worth.

 

[Orion Jim]

I had to replace my pedestal due to extensive porosity and corrosion. I was lucky enough to to find a replacement pedestal in fine physical condition but I wanted it professionally spray painted to ensure it would be cosmetically perfect. I posed the same question concerning Awlgrip vs AwlCraft and my pro stated that he has found AwlCraft superior and much more forgiving during application considering the immense variables in humidity and routine temperature fluctuations. Having lived with the results for nearly a full sailing season I would endorse AwlCraft for its appearance and durability. :encouragement:

 

[macd]

If memory serves ambivalence Awlcraft began life as Awlgrip 2000 before AkzoNobel's acquisition of the company. It's a different chemistry from Awlgrip (acrylic vs polyester) and, as suggested, less hardwearing but easier to touch up. No doubt cheaper, too.

 

[MM5AHO]

The data sheets suggest both are urethanes, so that made me wonder what the difference really is.

 

[macd]

Awlgrip is described as a polyester urethane, Awlcraft as an acrylic urethane. What that means in practice is way above my paint grade.

 

[Topcat47]

Snark has been painted twice with Awlgrip. NEVER again. Bubbles form under the coat, some tiny some huge. It doesn't help when the Azco-Nobel rep shrugs his shoulders and the boatyard blame you for getting it wet.

 

[MM5AHO]

Ive had enough excellent references from the applicator I intend to use, ranging out to over 10 years old, and all in excellent condition. They have a temp controlled environment for painting. But I'm sure there are poor applicators also out there who could leave a shoddy job that bubbles and peels.

 

[KellysEye]

Our boat was painted in Awlgrip and I never had to clean it.

 

[caerolusmagnus]

I had Awlgrip on a Contessa 32. The paint began to bubble off at the stern where it was often immersed. I was told by an experienced applicator that Awlgrip will take any amount of splashing but it does not endure constant immersion. We liftedn the boot-top and problem solved.
I had Awlcraft on an Ohlson 38 with thick coats. The applicator advised Awlcraft for it is much easier to buff if scratched. This was proven on first launch when we scuffed hard on the edge of pontoon. Boat lifted out and the scuff was nicely buffed out.

 

[pvb]

I had the blue stripes on my old HR resprayed with Awlcraft. Excellent paint which can be repaired if needed.