About Awlgrip Topcoat
A premium two-component polyurethane high-gloss finish — the only Awlgrip topcoat rated for spray, brush, and roller application.
Awlgrip Topcoat is a premium two-component polyurethane high-gloss finish formulated to deliver excellent appearance combined with chemical resistance and hardness. It is one of the few Awlgrip topcoats that can be applied by spray, brush, or roller — most of the other finishes in the family (Awlcraft 2000, Awlcraft 3000, Awlcraft SE, Awlgrip HDT) are spray-only.
Awlgrip Topcoat carries an 18-month standard warranty term for new builds, expected gloss of 92+ gloss units, and full cure (enter service) at 14 days under standard conditions of 25°C / 77°F at 50% relative humidity.
One product, two converters
The choice between spray and brush/roll is made at the converter, not the base. Use Awlcat #2 (G3010) for spray application and Awlcat #3 (H3002) for brush and roll. Mixing the wrong converter into the wrong process is a common cause of failure.
Specs at a Glance
Key application parameters at standard conditions (77°F / 25°C, 50% RH).
Components You Need
Every component required to complete an Awlgrip Topcoat application, spray or brush/roll.
| Component | Code | Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Awlgrip Topcoat Base | G / H Series (color) | The pigmented base — every color in the Awlgrip color card |
| Awlcat #2 Spray Converter | G3010 | Spray application only |
| Awlcat #3 Brushing Converter | H3002 | Brush and roll application only |
| Spray Reducer (Fast) | T0001 | Spray, 60–75°F |
| Spray Reducer (Fast/Cool) | T0002 | Spray, 50–70°F |
| Spray Reducer (Standard) | T0003 | Spray, 70–90°F |
| Spray Reducer (Hot) | T0005 | Spray, 90–105°F (often blended with T0001/T0002/T0003) |
| Brush/Roll Reducer | T0031 | Brush and roll only — slow evaporation, maximizes flow |
Mix Ratios — Spray vs. Brush/Roll
The mix ratio changes with the application method — spray and brush/roll each use a different converter.
Spray
1 : 1 Base : Awlcat #2 (G3010)
Mix by volume one part Awlgrip Topcoat Base with one part Awlcat #2 (G3010) Spray Converter to a smooth, homogenous mixture.
Reducer is then added to reach a viscosity of 11–14 seconds DIN 4 (or 16–18 seconds Zahn #2). The exact percentage varies with temperature, humidity, equipment, and color, but typically lands between 15% and 33% by volume of the mixed base + converter.
Induction time: none required.
Pot life @ 77°F: ~7 hours.
Brush & Roll (Roll-and-Tip)
2 : 1 Base : Awlcat #3 (H3002)
Mix by volume two parts Awlgrip Topcoat Base with one part Awlcat #3 (H3002) Brushing Converter until smooth and homogenous.
Reduce 10–33% with T0031 Brush Reducer. The overall mix becomes 2 : 1 : ⅓–1 by volume — for example, 8 oz Base, 4 oz H3002, and 1.3–4 oz T0031.
Induction time: none required.
Pot life @ 77°F: ~7 hours.
⚠ Never Substitute Reducers
Do not use T0031 to reduce a spray mix, and do not use T0001/T0002/T0003/T0005 to reduce a brush/roll mix. Each reducer is matched to the converter chemistry and evaporation rate of its application method. Substituting will affect flow, gloss, sag resistance, and final finish quality.
Reducer Selection by Temperature
The reducer keeps the paint film open long enough to flow before flashing off. Using the wrong reducer for your shop temperature is the most common cause of orange peel, solvent pop, or poor flow.
Spray Application Process
Step-by-step sequence for a full spray application of Awlgrip Topcoat.
- Verify substrate.
Awlgrip Topcoat goes over properly cured 545 Epoxy Primer (or another approved Awlgrip primer system). Sand the primer to remove all gloss, vacuum, blow off, and wipe down using the two-cloth method with Awlprep 400 (T0170) or Awlgrip Surface Cleaner (T0340 in EU).
- Confirm conditions.
Substrate must be at least 5°F / 3°C above the dew point. Ambient temperature 55–105°F (13–41°C). Avoid late-day application where overnight condensation could contact the wet film.
- Mix base and converter 1:1 by volume
with Awlcat #2 (G3010). Stir to a smooth, homogenous mixture.
- Add reducer
chosen for your temperature, working up to 33% by volume to reach 11–14 seconds DIN 4 viscosity. Verify with a viscosity cup if in doubt.
- Tack the surface
with Awlgrip Deluxe Tack Rags (#73009) using a light dusting motion — let the resin do the work.
- Set up the gun.
For Awlgrip Topcoat, target a 0.85–1.2 mm fluid tip on most pressure or gravity guns.
- Apply 3+ coats.
Spray a light tack coat first, then 2–3 cross-coats to build to the recommended 1 mil DFT per coat (acceptable range 2–3 mils total DFT). Wait at least 30 minutes between coats; do not exceed 24 hours without sanding.
Brush & Roll (Roll-and-Tip) Process
Step-by-step sequence for a full brush-and-roll application.
- Substrate prep is identical to spray.
Sand the cured primer, vacuum, blow off, and complete the two-cloth wipe-down. Tack with Awlgrip Deluxe Tack Rags immediately before applying.
- Mix 2:1 base to Awlcat #3 (H3002).
Add T0031 to bring the overall mix to 2 : 1 : ⅓–1 — start at the lower end (around 10% reducer) on cool days and work up toward 33% on hot days.
- Use the right tools.
A 3/16" mohair roller cover lays the smoothest film; foam covers add bubbles and are not recommended. For tipping, use a quality natural-bristle brush rated for solvent-borne urethanes. Household brushes will dissolve.
- Work in small panels.
Roll a section about 18–24" wide and immediately tip off in long, light strokes from the wet edge into the dry zone. Always tip in one direction.
- Maintain a wet edge.
Two painters work best — one rolling, one tipping. Plan the panel sequence in advance to avoid stopping in the middle of a hull side.
- Wet film thickness
per coat is 4–5 mils (100–125 microns), yielding ~1.4 mils dry. Plan on a minimum of three coats for full hide and gloss.
- Recoat at minimum 30 minutes
at 77°F; do not exceed 24 hours without sanding.
Why Roll-and-Tip Works
The slow evaporation of T0031 keeps the film open long enough for the brush marks and roller stipple to flow out before the surface skins over. Reducing too little, working too fast, or working in temperatures above 90°F will all shorten that open time and leave brush or roller texture in the cured film.
Cure, Recoat & Tape Times
All times are based on standard conditions of 25°C / 77°F at 50% RH. In cooler conditions, recoat times double for every 3°C / 5°F drop below standard. Below 12°C / 55°F the curing process stops entirely.
min
hrs
hrs
hrs
days
days
⚠ Moisture Is the Enemy
Moisture in contact with Awlgrip Topcoat before it completes the first cure stage can cause loss of gloss, flat spots, grainy surface, blistering, or water-spotting. Avoid applying topcoats when the temperature could drop below the dew point within 6–8 hours of application.
Do's and Don'ts
Quick-reference rules that cover the most common application mistakes.
Do
- Use the matched converter — Awlcat #2 (G3010) for spray, Awlcat #3 (H3002) for brush/roll.
- Verify ambient and substrate temperature, humidity, and dew point before mixing.
- Strain the mixed paint through a fine paint strainer before loading the gun or roller tray.
- Spray a test panel before each session to verify color, hide, and atomization.
- Wash with Awlwash 2.0 / Awlwash for ongoing maintenance after the 14-day full cure.
Don't
- Don't apply over uncured primer — the primer must reach minimum overcoat time per its TDS.
- Don't paint in direct sunlight; the heat will skin the film before it can flow.
- Don't exceed 24 hours between coats without sanding.
- Don't use household brushes or foam rollers — both will fail in solvent-borne urethane.
- Don't add accelerators (X-98, X-138) to brush mixes unless explicitly indicated by the TDS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common contractor and DIY questions about Awlgrip Topcoat application, sourced from our technical support line.
Please complete your information below to login.
Sign In
Create New Account