Fiberglass Florida · Awlgrip Technical Hub

High Build
Epoxy Primer Awlgrip Application Guide · D8002 / D3002

The definitive Florida resource for Awlgrip High Build Epoxy Primer — spec data, spray settings, coverage calculations, and pro tips for our heat and humidity.

Two-Component Epoxy High Build Surfacer Above Waterline Only Fiberglass & Wood Florida Climate
 
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By The Numbers

Product Type
Epoxy Polyamide
Two-component system
Wet Film Thickness
8 – 10 mils
200–250 microns per coat
Dry Film Thickness
4 – 5 mils
100–125 microns per coat
Number of Coats
2 – 3 Coats
Depending on surface condition
Theoretical Coverage
814 sq ft/gal
At 1 mil DFT · 111–157 sq ft at recommended build
Pot Life @ 77°F
8 Hours
Higher temps = shorter pot life
Induction Time
15 Minutes
After mixing base + converter
Mix Ratio
1 : 1
Base : Converter by volume
Reduction
10 – 20%
With T0006 or T0176
Packaging
1 Gal · 1 Qt
Available container sizes
VOC – White Base D8002
347 g/lt
2.9 lbs/gallon
VOC – Yellow Base D9002
338 g/lt
2.8 lbs/gallon
55°F
Minimum Ambient
13°C
105°F
Maximum Surface
41°C
+5°F / +3°C
Min Above Dew Point
Surface must be

Coverage Calculator


High Build Primer Coverage Calculator

Calculate how much Awlgrip High Build Epoxy Primer you need for your project.

???? Your Coverage Results
Mixed Primer Needed
gallons total
Base Required
gallons
Converter (D3002)
gallons
Reducer Needed
gallons
Per-Coat Coverage
sq ft
Coverage Rate Used
sq ft / gal
⚠️
Florida Heat Advisory In Florida's summer temperatures, pot life can drop significantly below the stated 8-hour window at 77°F. Mix smaller batches and work in the early morning when surface temperatures are manageable. Do not apply to surfaces warmer than 105°F (41°C).

Mix Ratios

1
Base
D8002 or D9002
+
1
Converter
D3002
+
10–20%
Reducer
T0006 or T0176

8 oz Base  +  8 oz D3002  +  3.2 oz T0006 or T0176

Mix to a smooth, homogenous mixture. Allow 15-minute induction time before spraying. Anticipated pot life 8 hours at 77°F / 25°C — shorter in Florida summer heat.

Spray Settings

SettingSpecification
Gun TypeSATAJET® K3 HVLP or equivalent
Gun Pressure35 PSI
Fluid Needle / Nozzle1.6 – 2.0
Application MethodSpray only — not recommended for roll-and-tip
SettingSpecification
Gun BrandBinks #95 or equivalent
Fluid Nozzle#68SS (.110" Orifice Size)
Fluid Needle#668
Air Nozzle#68PB
Pot Pressure15 – 25 PSI
Flow Rate16 – 20 oz per minute
Atomizing Pressure50+ PSI
Feed TypePressure feed required
SettingSpecification
Gun BrandBinks Airless 1 or equivalent
Orifice Size.028" – .043"
Fan Size & Angle8" – 80° or 6" – 60°
25:1 Pump Pressure70 – 80 PSI
40:1 Pump Pressure50 – 60 PSI
Feed TypePressure feed required
 
Roll-and-Tip Not Supported High Build Epoxy Primer is NOT recommended for roll-and-tip application. Spray equipment required for all applications.

Recoat Schedule

15 min
Induction time after mixing
2 hr
Recoat with itself (no sanding)
12–24 hr
Recoat with other products
24 hr
Max without sanding
545 Epoxy Primer ULTRA BUILD Sprayable Fairing Compound AWL®FAIR L.W. AWL®QUIK

Sanding before over-coating with other products is recommended. Not to be used below the waterline.

Prep Guide

Gelcoat / Fiberglass
100–150 Grit
Sand thoroughly before application
Wood Surfaces
80–100 Grit
Smooth sand only
Best Practice
Seal First
Apply 545 Primer before High Build on bare substrates for best results
Ideal Substrate
Over Primer
Best used over Awlgrip primers & fairing compounds

High Build Epoxy Primer may be applied directly to properly prepared wood or fiberglass, but best results are always achieved when these surfaces are first sealed with 545 Primer. The extra step is worth it in Florida's demanding marine environment.

Part Numbers & Components

D9002
Yellow Base
Base
D8002
Off White Base
Base
D3002
Converter
Hardener
T0006
Standard Reducer for Epoxy Primers
Reducer
T0176
Medium Evaporating VOC Exempt Reducer
Reducer · NA Only
MEK / Acetone
Equipment Cleaning
Cleaning

Also use T0006, T0176, T0002 reducers for equipment cleaning.

Spraying in Florida

???? The Florida Advantage — and Challenge

Florida's heat, humidity, and intense UV create unique demands on any coating system. High Build Epoxy Primer performs beautifully here when applied correctly — but our climate demands extra attention to pot life, surface temperature, and dew point, especially in summer months.

???? Apply Early Morning
6–10 AM Window
Surface temps rise quickly in Florida sun. Early morning is your best application window — cooler surfaces, lower humidity, and better pot life control.
???? Watch the Dew Point
+5°F / +3°C Rule
Surface must be at least 5°F above dew point. Florida mornings can have high relative humidity — check before spraying, especially near the water.
????️ Shorter Pot Life
Mix Smaller Batches
The stated 8-hour pot life is at 77°F. On a hot Florida day, this is significantly shorter. Mix in pint-sized batches to avoid waste.
☀️ Shade Your Work
Max 105°F Surface
A gelcoat surface in direct Florida sun can exceed 130°F. Shade or tent your project — never spray on an overheated hull.
???? VOC Compliance
T0176 Reducer
Using T0176 (VOC Exempt) with D3002 keeps the mixed system under 340 g/lt. Check your county's current VOC restrictions — South Florida can be stricter.
????️ Boatyard Planning
2–3 Day Window
Plan for 2 coats minimum. With 2-hour recoat windows, you can easily complete two coats in a morning. Third coat if bridging deep gelcoat crazing or pitting.