Awlcraft 2000 vs Awlcraft 3000
Same legendary Awlcraft chemistry. A completely reengineered color platform. Here is exactly what changed, why Awlcraft 3000 sprays truer and more vibrant colors, and how your favorite colors carry over — explained by the technical team at Fiberglass Florida.
See the new YSC color platform in action — straight from Awlgrip.
Awlcraft 3000 is the direct successor to Awlcraft 2000. It uses the same resin technology, converters (Awlcat #2 / G3010) and reducers, and it sprays, buffs and repairs the same way. The one real difference is the new AkzoNobel YSC toner system, which produces deeper, truer and more vibrant colors and aligns Awlcraft codes with the Awlgrip HDT color standard. Awlcraft 2000 is being phased out as 3000 rolls out.
It's the Color, Not the Chemistry
If you already know and trust Awlcraft 2000, the most important thing to understand is what stayed the same. Awlgrip kept the resin system, the application process and the field performance, and rebuilt only the part that customers notice most: the color.
Same What Carried Over
- Identical resin technology — the proven Awlcraft polyurethane backbone.
- Same Awlcat #2 (G3010) converter and the same T0001–T0005 reducers.
- Same 2:1 mix ratio, same spray setup, same flash and recoat workflow.
- Same buffability and repairability — still a sprayable, repairable, polishable finish.
- Works with the same OG3013 flattening agent, Pro-Cure accelerator and Griptex.
New What's Upgraded
- New AkzoNobel YSC toner system for deeper, truer, more vibrant colors.
- Color codes now aligned with Awlgrip HDT (TF + 4-digit code).
- Higher volume solids (46.6% vs 44.5%) and slightly better coverage.
- Lower base VOC range (386–414 g/L) than Awlcraft 2000.
- 500+ colors, plus RAL and BS matches and custom color requests.
Why it matters Because the application is unchanged, painters who already spray Awlcraft 2000 can move to Awlcraft 3000 with no relearning curve. Your gun setup, induction habits and finishing routine all transfer directly. See the full Awlcraft 3000 spray how-to for step-by-step setup.
Awlcraft 2000 vs Awlcraft 3000
Every figure below is pulled directly from the official AkzoNobel Product Data Sheets. Use the tabs to compare color, technical specs, application and compatibility.
| Color Attribute | Awlcraft 2000 | Awlcraft 3000 |
|---|---|---|
| Color platform | Original Awlcraft tint system | AkzoNobel YSC toner system |
| Color depth & vibrancy | Standard | Deeper, truer, more vibrant |
| Color code format | Legacy Awlcraft codes | TF + 4-digit code (HDT-aligned) |
| Colors available | Established range | 500+ (incl. 150+ top 2000 colors) |
| RAL / BS matching | Limited | Yes, additional matches added |
| Custom colors | Available | Available via Awlmix distributor |
| Specification | Awlcraft 2000 | Awlcraft 3000 |
|---|---|---|
| Volume solids (avg, unthinned) | 44.5% | 46.6% |
| Specific gravity | 1.09 | 1.1455 |
| Theoretical coverage | 725.2 ft²/gal | 741.5 ft²/gal |
| Recommended DFT per coat | 25 µm (1.0 mil) | 35 µm (1.4 mil) |
| Base VOC range | 413–486 g/L | 386–414 g/L |
| Full cure (77°F) | 14 days | 21 days |
| Pot life (77°F) | 7 hours | 7 hours |
| Available packs | US Quart, US Gallon | US Quart, US Gallon |
| Shelf life | Per batch | Base 3 yr / Converter 2 yr |
Note Awlcraft 3000 lists a longer full cure (21 days vs 14) and a slightly higher per-coat film build. Light service times at 77°F are comparable at 3 days. Always confirm against the current TDS before a critical job.
| Application Step | Awlcraft 2000 | Awlcraft 3000 |
|---|---|---|
| Application method | Spray only | Spray only (professional use) |
| Below waterline | No | No |
| Mix ratio (Base : Converter) | 2:1 by volume | 2:1 by volume |
| Converter | Awlcat #2 (G3010) | Awlcat #2 (G3010) |
| Reducers | T0001 / T0002 / T0003 / T0005 | T0001 / T0002 / T0003 / T0005 |
| Thinning range | 0–33% | 15–33% |
| Spray viscosity (DIN 4) | 11–14 sec | 11–15 sec |
| Fluid tip | 1.00–1.20 mm | 1.00–1.20 mm |
| Coats recommended | 3 | 3 |
| Surface prep | Sand to 320, clean with surface cleaner | Sand P320–P400, clean with surface cleaner |
Tip Best results for both products come from spraying over properly prepared 545 Epoxy Primer or Quick Build, smooth-sanded to 320 grit until the guide coat is gone. Full step-by-step detail is in the Awlgrip Application Guide.
| Compatibility | Awlcraft 2000 | Awlcraft 3000 |
|---|---|---|
| Repair cured Awlcraft 2000 | Yes | Yes — 3000 repairs 2000 |
| 3000 Clear over cured 2000 / SE | — | Yes (recommended) |
| Mix 2000 + 3000 wet | No | No — never mix wet |
| Over cured Awlgrip topcoats | With prep / undercoat | With prep; test aged surfaces |
| OG3013 flattening agent | Yes | Yes (same proportion) |
| Pro-Cure accelerator | Yes | Yes (same addition level) |
| Griptex non-skid | Yes | Yes (deck: Awlgrip Topcoat preferred) |
Avoid Do not mix Awlcraft 2000 and Awlcraft 3000 bases while wet — not even the same color. For aged or unknown surfaces, run the compatibility tests described in the Awlgrip Application Guide before topcoating.
Why Awlcraft 3000 Is Better
The honest answer: it isn't a tougher or harder paint — the performance is the same proven Awlcraft you trust. What 3000 delivers is a meaningfully better finished color and a cleaner, more unified ordering system.
Truer, deeper color
The YSC toner system renders colors with more depth and accuracy — especially in saturated blues, reds and metallics where the old platform could look flat. The result reads richer in sunlight and holds its character across the panel.
One color language
Because Awlcraft 3000 shares the toner system with Awlgrip HDT, color codes line up. That means easier matching, fewer mistakes between product lines, and a system that scales as you move between topcoat types.
More colors, faster matching
Over 500 colors are available through your Awlmix distributor, including the 150+ most popular Awlcraft 2000 shades plus added RAL and BS matches. Custom colors are requested the same way as other Awlgrip finishes.
Cleaner numbers
Slightly higher volume solids (46.6%), modestly better theoretical coverage, and a lower base VOC range mean a little more finish per gallon and a marginally greener product — without changing how it sprays.
Will My Color Still Exist?
In almost every case, yes. Awlcraft 3000 launched with the most popular Awlcraft 2000 colors and aligned the codes to the Awlgrip HDT standard. Some color names changed slightly — for example Oyster White (2000) became Ostrea White (3000) — but the visual difference is imperceptible.
HDT → Awlcraft 3000 Code Translator
Awlcraft 3000 codes use a TF prefix on the same 4-digit number as the Awlgrip HDT (OC) code. Enter an Awlgrip HDT code or just the 4 digits to see the matching Awlcraft 3000 code.
What about the name changes?
Because 3000 aligns to the Awlgrip HDT color standards, a handful of digital color measurements shifted by amounts the eye cannot detect. To keep records clean, Awlgrip gave those a slightly different name. The color you see on the boat is the same — only the label changed.
Should You Switch to Awlcraft 3000?
Choose Awlcraft 3000 if…
- You're starting a new project or full repaint.
- Color depth and vibrancy matter (custom, metallic or bold colors).
- You want codes that line up with the Awlgrip HDT system.
- You're planning ahead — 2000 is being phased out.
Stick with Awlcraft 2000 if…
- You're doing a spot repair on existing 2000 and have matched base on hand.
- You still have current 2000 stock to use up.
- Tip Either way, cured Awlcraft 2000 can be repaired with Awlcraft 3000, so you're not locked in.
Bottom line For anything new, go 3000. Awlcraft 2000 is being phased out after the final 3000 launch phase, with limited continued support during the transition. Not sure what your boat already wears? Call us at (321) 639-3046 and we'll help you match it.
Awlcraft 3000 FAQ
The questions we hear most often at the counter, answered straight.
The main difference is how color is developed. Awlcraft 3000 uses the AkzoNobel YSC toner system for deeper, truer, more vibrant color, while keeping the same resin technology, converters, reducers, application method, buffability and repairability as Awlcraft 2000. In short: same paint to spray, better color.
Yes. Awlcraft 3000 uses the same Awlcat #2 (G3010) converter and the same T0001, T0002, T0003 and T0005 reducers, applied in the same way. Use your preferred reducer for the conditions, exactly as you would with 2000.
In most cases, yes. The launch carried over the 150+ most popular Awlcraft 2000 colors and there are now 500+ colors available, including added RAL and BS matches. Codes use a TF prefix aligned to the Awlgrip HDT (OC) code. A few names changed slightly (for example Oyster White became Ostrea White), but the color difference is visually imperceptible.
Yes. Cured Awlcraft 2000 can be repaired with Awlcraft 3000. Some shades, such as grays and pastels, can be more challenging to blend. For detailed repair guidance, refer to the Awlcraft 3000 Maintenance and Repair Manual or call our team.
No. You cannot mix Awlcraft 2000 and Awlcraft 3000 while wet — not even the same color, and not the bases. They are not designed to be combined wet-on-wet. Cured-over-cured repairs are fine with proper prep.
Yes. Awlcraft 3000 Clearcoat is recommended over cured Awlcraft 2000 topcoat and Awlcraft SE. There are no differences between Awlcraft 2000 and Awlcraft 3000 clearcoats, so you can also start with one clear and finish with the other.
Awlcraft 3000 is developed for professional spray application only and should not be used below the waterline. If you need a roll-and-tip system, look at Awlgrip Topcoat instead. The full process is covered in the Awlgrip Application Guide.
Best results come from spraying over properly prepared 545 Epoxy Primer or Quick Build, smooth-sanded with 320 grit until the guide coat is gone. See the Awlcraft 3000 how-to for the full coat schedule.
Yes to both. Use the OG3013 flattening agent in a similar proportion to what you used with 2000, and add Pro-Cure at the same level as 2000. Note that accelerator shortens pot life and wet edge and speeds initial cure.
Awlcraft 2000 is being phased out after the final launch phase of Awlcraft 3000. AkzoNobel has stated it will continue to support 2000 for a limited time to allow the existing tint-base stock to be used up. For new work, plan around Awlcraft 3000. See the Awlcraft 2000 how-to for working with existing finishes.
Awlcraft 3000 carries up to an 18-month warranty backed by extensive trials and testing. Contact your local sales representative for warranty specifics on your project.
Get Awlcraft 3000 From a Real Awlgrip Dealer
Fiberglass Florida is an authorized Awlgrip dealer with two Florida locations. We stock Awlcraft 3000, converters, reducers, primers and prep, and we give you real technical support — not a call center.
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