Steel Surface Preparation Guide
Correct surface preparation of steel is critical for long-term coating performance. Removing mill scale, rust, shop primers and contaminants ensures strong adhesion and corrosion protection when applying Awlgrip coating systems.
Select Your Steel Surface Scenario
Steel (No Fairing Required)
Standard steel surfaces where fairing compounds are not required.
View SystemSteel (Fairing Required)
Steel surfaces requiring fillers or fairing compounds to correct surface imperfections.
View SystemPreparation Notes
Prime Quickly
Any steel surface that is blasted or ground must be primed during the same shift, preferably within 8 hours to prevent flash rusting.
Surface Profile
Blast using aluminum oxide or grind with a power disc to achieve a surface profile of 50–75 microns (2–3 mils).
Weld Preparation
Remove weld spatter and smooth weld seams. Sharp edges should be rounded to a minimum radius of 2 mm.
Salt Contamination
Test for soluble salts before blasting, especially if the vessel has been floating uncoated.
Any steel surface that is blasted or ground must be primed during the same shift, preferably within 8 hours to prevent flash rusting.
Surface Profile
Blast using aluminum oxide or grind with a power disc to achieve a surface profile of 50–75 microns (2–3 mils).
Weld Preparation
Remove weld spatter and smooth weld seams. Sharp edges should be rounded to a minimum radius of 2 mm.
Salt Contamination
Test for soluble salts before blasting, especially if the vessel has been floating uncoated.
Steel (Fairing Required)
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Clean | Wash with detergent, steam cleaner, or pressure washer. |
| Degrease | Use Awlgrip wipe down solvent. |
| Prepare | Grit blast to white metal (SSPC-SP10 / SA2.5) with 50-75 micron profile. |
| Pre-Prime Cleaning | Vacuum debris and blow off with clean compressed air. |
| Prime | Apply substrate primer within 8 hours. |
Typical Paint System
System 5
Max Cor CF + Hullgard Extra → Awlfair LW / Awlfair SF / Awlfair FL → 545 Epoxy Primer → Awlgrip Topcoat
Steel (No Fairing Required)
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Clean | Wash thoroughly with detergent or pressure washer. |
| Degrease | Wipe with Awlgrip degreasing solvent. |
| Prepare | Sand P80–P120 to bright metal or abrasive blast. |
| Dust Removal | Vacuum and blow off with clean compressed air. |
| Prime | Apply primer immediately. |
Recommended Systems
- System 1 – Hullgard Extra → High Build Primer → 545 Epoxy Primer → Awlgrip Topcoat
- System 2 – Max Cor CF + Hullgard Extra → 545 Epoxy Primer → Quick Build Surfacer
- System 3 – 545 Epoxy Primer → Awlgrip Topcoat
- System 4 – Max Cor CF + Hullgard Extra → High Build Primer → 545 Epoxy Primer
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel surfaces require mechanical abrasion to promote adhesion.
| Preparation | Description |
|---|---|
| Sanding | Grind P80–P120 to create coarse matte surface. |
Typical Systems
- System 6 – Hullgard Extra → High Build Primer → 545 Epoxy Primer → Awlgrip Topcoat
- System 7 – 545 Epoxy Primer → Awlgrip Topcoat
Caution
Do not wipe prepared steel with rags. Fibers can become trapped in the sharp metal profile and act as wicks for moisture contamination, leading to premature coating failure.
Do not wipe prepared steel with rags. Fibers can become trapped in the sharp metal profile and act as wicks for moisture contamination, leading to premature coating failure.
Validate your login