Hi all - I about to order paint for my mast-refinishing project on my Catalina 30 and wanted to hear back any opinions on using Imron vs. Awlgrip. Years ago I painted a fiberglass boat with Imron and was extremly pleased - 7yrs later I sold the boat with the finish looking as good and the first day she was painted. I understand Imron may be a bit more forgiving to apply too...but I hear great things about Awlgrip. I have spray-gun equipment and my Dad is pretty good using it so I will plan on a spray-application. I appreciate any feedback/experiences on either or direct comparisons. Thanks - Rob
Imron vs. Awlgrip on Aluminum
- Thread starter Rob19574
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Imron...
dries to quickly. If you are spraying or hand painting you don't want it to kick on a large project before you do the lap or where you over lap you'll get hazing and a poor finish. For a car it's one thing because it takes less than ten minutes to spray but a 30 or 40 foot boat takes 35 -45 minutes and it will kick to quickly. For a mast it might be okay depending on your plan for painting. Both are hard finishes but Imron is slightly softer..
dries to quickly. If you are spraying or hand painting you don't want it to kick on a large project before you do the lap or where you over lap you'll get hazing and a poor finish. For a car it's one thing because it takes less than ten minutes to spray but a 30 or 40 foot boat takes 35 -45 minutes and it will kick to quickly. For a mast it might be okay depending on your plan for painting. Both are hard finishes but Imron is slightly softer..
Awlgrip
It was originally formulated for aircraft. It was designed to withstand the wear on a wing's leading edge at 500 mph. It is not very difficult to apply if you have the right equipment and can read. The instructions are extensive but easy to follow. Jim
It was originally formulated for aircraft. It was designed to withstand the wear on a wing's leading edge at 500 mph. It is not very difficult to apply if you have the right equipment and can read. The instructions are extensive but easy to follow. Jim
As far as Imron goes...
In 1996, I painted my Irwin 31 with it including the mast and boom. When I sold the boat in 2004, the colors (beige & blue) were as shiny and bright as they could be after years of hard racing and cruising. Yes it is true that great care should be taken during the spraying process; don't stop in the middle of the hull-have a continious spray from stem to stern. As with any paint on aluminum, use a compatiable base coat.
In 1996, I painted my Irwin 31 with it including the mast and boom. When I sold the boat in 2004, the colors (beige & blue) were as shiny and bright as they could be after years of hard racing and cruising. Yes it is true that great care should be taken during the spraying process; don't stop in the middle of the hull-have a continious spray from stem to stern. As with any paint on aluminum, use a compatiable base coat.
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