About Awlgrip HDT
A high-performance polyurethane topcoat with automotive-clearcoat-level gloss and micro-scratch resistance, in a true three-component VOC-compliant system.
Awlgrip HDT (High Definition Technology) is a high-performance polyurethane topcoat tailored to deliver exceptional gloss and distinction of image (DOI) along with the kind of micro-scratch resistance previously available only in automotive clearcoats. It is VOC-compliant at 415–420 g/L for the colors and clear, and carries a 24-month standard warranty term — extending up to 36 months on the clear depending on system.
Where Awlgrip Topcoat is a two-component system, Awlgrip HDT is a true three-component system: Base, Curing Solution, and Activator. The activator is what unlocks the HDT chemistry, and the choice between fast and slow activator (or a blend) is the most important variable for matching the product to your shop conditions.
⚠ Spray Only
Awlgrip HDT is designed for spray application only. There is no brush-and-roll converter for this product.
Specs at a Glance
Key application parameters at standard conditions (77°F / 25°C, 50% RH).
Three-Part System
Awlgrip HDT replaces the traditional two-part base/converter with base, curing solution, and a selectable activator.
| Component | Code | Role |
|---|---|---|
| HDT Base (color) | OC Series | The pigmented base. Available across the full HDT color range. |
| HDT Clearcoat Base | OC0300 | Used as the final clear over Awlcraft SE basecoat in the HDT clearcoat system. |
| HDT Curing Solution | OC0010 | The 1:1 partner to the base. Replaces the traditional Awlcat converter. |
| HDT Slow Activator | OA0010 | For warm to hot conditions and longer wet edge / pot life. |
| HDT Standard Activator (NA only) | OA0015 | The middle-temperature activator, North America only. |
| HDT Fast Activator | OA0020 | For cooler conditions and faster dry/recoat. |
| Spray Reducer (optional flow aid) | T0001–T0005 / T0031 | Up to 12.5% may be added to help wetting on first use; this takes the product out of VOC compliance. |
Mix Ratio & Reduction
A fixed 1:1:0.25 ratio — the activator selection, not the ratio, is what changes with shop temperature.
1 : 1 : 0.25 One part HDT Base : one part Curing Solution (OC0010) : 0.25 parts Activator (OA0010 / OA0015 / OA0020), measured by volume. Example: 1 gallon Base : 1 gallon Curing Solution : 1 quart Activator. The activator is 25% of the base+curing-solution amount.
Induction time: 15 minutes after mixing the full three components. Mix to a smooth, homogenous consistency before allowing to induct.
Pot life: ~2.5 hours at 77°F — significantly shorter than standard Awlgrip topcoat. Mix only what you can spray within the pot life and prepare a fresh mix for each application. Do not blend new and old mixes.
Optional Reducer (First-Time Applicators)
When first using Awlgrip HDT, the product can apply differently from other topcoats you are used to. To help with surface wetting, up to 12.5% of T0001, T0002, T0003, T0005, or T0031 can be added. The recommended approach is to mix the activator and reducer in equal amounts beforehand, then add this combined volume at 25% of the base + curing solution. This gives an effective overall mix of 1 : 1 : 0.5 from the painter's perspective (12.5% activator, 12.5% reducer).
⚠ Reducer Trade-Off
Adding extra reducer may require an additional coat to be applied, and means the finished product is no longer VOC compliant. Once applicators are used to HDT's behavior on application, the same quality of finish can be achieved without the extra reducer.
Activator Selection by Temperature
The activator drives cure speed, wet edge, and pot life — and can be blended to fine-tune behavior to your shop conditions.
OA0020 — Fast Activator
59–73°F (15–23°C)
For cooler shop conditions or smaller areas where faster dry time is desired. Increase the proportion of OA0020 in the blend to shorten dry times.
OA0015 — Standard Activator
68–86°F (20–30°C) — NA only
The middle-temperature activator for North America. Equivalent to running a 50/50 blend of OA0010 and OA0020.
OA0010 — Slow Activator
86°F+ (30°C+)
For hot conditions, large hull sides, or anywhere a longer wet edge and longer pot life are needed. Increase the proportion of OA0010 in the blend to extend wet edge.
A good general-purpose starting point is a 50/50 OA0010 / OA0020 blend (or simply OA0015 in North America). From there, adjust the ratio to your shop conditions and project complexity:
- Longer pot life or longer wet edge: add more OA0010.
- Smaller area or shorter dry time: add more OA0020.
Don't Go Pure Slow in Hot, Humid Conditions
Even in hot, humid conditions, it is not recommended to use OA0010 alone — the very slow cure can allow ambient moisture to cause down-glossing of the cured film. Always include some OA0020 in the blend.
Spray Application Process
Step-by-step sequence for a full Awlgrip HDT application.
- Substrate.
Awlgrip HDT goes over 545 Epoxy Primer or a previously applied Awlgrip Topcoat / Awlgrip HDT / Awlcraft 2000 surface. Over an existing topcoat, sand with P400 to remove all gloss, then clean using the two-cloth method with Awlprep 400 (T0170 in NA/AP) or Surface Cleaner (T0340 in EU).
- Verify environment.
Substrate must be at least 5°F / 3°C above the dew point. Ambient temperature 55–105°F (13–41°C). Avoid painting in direct sunlight. At standard conditions of 77°F / 50% RH, avoid applying when the temperature could drop below the dew point within 6–8 hours of application.
- Tack the surface
with Awlgrip Deluxe Tack Rags (#73009).
- Mix 1 : 1 : 0.25
Base : Curing Solution : Activator (selected or blended for your conditions). Stir to a smooth, homogenous mixture.
- Allow 15-minute induction time.
This is mandatory for HDT and is one of the key differences from other Awlgrip topcoats.
- Set up the gun.
Recommended starting points: SATA SATAjet 5000 RP Gravity (1.1/1.2 mm, 2.0/2.3 bar), SATA SATAjet 3000 K RP Pressure (0.8/1.1 mm, 250–300 ml/min, 2.0/2.5 bar), DeVilbiss Pro Lite Pressure (TE 40 cap, 0.85 mm, 1.9 bar), DeVilbiss Advanced HD Pressure (520 cap, 0.85 mm, 2.3 bar), Iwata WS 200 SP Pressure (O1 cap, 1.0 mm, 2.5 bar).
- Apply 2–3 coats over 2–4 hours.
Exact time will vary with temperature, project size, and film thickness. The surface may not become completely "tack free" between coats — this is normal. Wait at least 30 minutes between coats; this time will vary depending on activator selection, temperature, humidity, and airflow.
- Do not exceed 24 hours
between coats — Awlgrip HDT cannot be overcoated with itself after 24 hours without sanding and re-prep.
Cure, Recoat & Tape Times
All times assume a 50:50 blend of OA0010 and OA0020 activator at standard conditions. Using only Fast or only Slow activator will shift drying time and pot life.
min
min
hrs
hrs
hrs
days
days
⚠ Do Not Add Accelerators
Pro-Cure X-98 and Pro-Cure X-138 are not compatible with Awlgrip HDT. The cure speed of HDT is controlled entirely by activator selection. Adding an accelerator will compromise the chemistry and the final film.
Tips for First-Time HDT Sprayers
HDT applies differently from other Awlgrip topcoats — these habits make the transition smoother.
- Start with the 50/50 activator blend. Once you've sprayed a panel, adjust toward more OA0020 (faster) or more OA0010 (slower) depending on what you're seeing.
- Plan around the 2.5-hour pot life. Mix in batches, not the whole job at once.
- Don't skip the 15-minute induction. This step is what makes HDT chemistry work.
- Avoid late-evening application. Condensation overnight can cause down-glossing on a curing HDT film.
- Use Awlgrip Deluxe Tack Rags only. Generic tack rags can leave residues that show as fisheyes or cratering on the high-DOI HDT surface.
- HDT is compatible with Awlgrip repair products. Spot repairs can be performed using the Awlgrip repair process; consult your local Awlgrip representative for specifics on your project.
- For long-term care, wash with Awlwash 2.0 or Awlwash — these are formulated specifically for the HDT, Awlcraft 3000, Awlcraft 2000, and Awlgrip Topcoat surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common contractor and DIY questions about Awlgrip HDT, sourced from our technical support line.
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