Awlcraft 3000 Technical Support Guide
Everything required to spray Awlcraft 3000 right the first time — mix ratios, metric spray settings, reducer selection by temperature, cure windows, and repair blending procedures.
2 : 1
Base : Awlcat #2 (G3010)
7 Hours
Mixed base + converter
11 – 15 s
DIN 4 Cup (@ 25°C)
21 Days
What Is Awlcraft 3000?
A next-generation, high-gloss, two-component acrylic aliphatic polyurethane marine topcoat designed for professional spray application on yacht hulls, superstructures, decks, and transoms.
Awlcraft 3000 is built on the identical application platform as Awlcraft 2000 — using the exact same 2:1 mix ratio, same spray equipment setups, and familiar T000X reducers — but engineered with AkzoNobel’s advanced toner technology shared with Awlgrip HDT. The result is richer, truer colour depth and improved opacity without changing workshop habits.
Unlike traditional Awlgrip Topcoat, the Awlcraft system is fully repairable and buffable. Localised scratches, surface dust nibs, and blend transitions can be wet-sanded and machine-buffed back to full gloss without respraying entire panels.
Buffable & Polishable
AkzoNobel Color Platform
Topsides & Superstructures
Specs at a Glance (Standard Conditions: 25°C, 50% RH)
| Application Parameter | Metric Value | Technical Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Required Converter | G3010 | Awlcat #2 Spray Converter (Do not substitute) |
| Fluid Tip Nozzle | 1.0 mm – 1.2 mm | Starting baseline; adjust for specific gun model |
| Atomising Air Pressure | 2.0 – 2.5 bar | 29 – 36 PSI at gun handle with trigger fully pulled |
| Reduction Range | 15% – 33% | Calculated by total volume of mixed base + converter |
| Viscosity Window | 11 – 15 seconds | DIN 4 cup (equivalent to 16–18 seconds in Zahn #2) |
| Ambient Temp Range | 13°C to 41°C | Shop & substrate temperature window |
| Dew Point Clearance | ≥ 3°C above dew point | Substrate must stay minimum 3°C above dew point |
| Theoretical Coverage | 13.8 m² / Litre | At 25 µm DFT (excludes overspray losses) |
| Induction Time | 0 Minutes | None required; spray immediately once mixed |
| Equipment Cleaning | T0001 / T0002 / T0003 | Flush lines and clean guns immediately after use |
Components & Product Codes
| Component | Product Code | Application Role & Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Awlcraft 3000 Base | TF-Series (Colours) | Pigmented polyurethane base resin. |
| Awlcraft 3000 Clearcoat | TF0300 | Clear coat applied over base coats for added depth or buffing film. |
| Spray Converter | G3010 (Awlcat #2) | Mandatory curing agent for all Awlcraft 3000 spray applications. |
| Fast Reducer | T0001 / T0002 | For cooler temperatures (13°C–20°C); speeds up solvent evaporation. |
| Standard Reducer | T0003 | Standard shop reducer for 21°C–32°C conditions. |
| Hot Weather Reducer | T0005 | For 32°C–41°C, or blend 50/50 with T0003 to prolong wet-edge on hulls. |
| Degreasing Solvent | T0170 (Awlprep 400) | Two-cloth surface preparation solvent wipe before painting. |
| Epoxy Primer Base | 545 Epoxy / Quick Build | Recommended primer systems. Sand smooth to P320–P400 before topcoat. |
| Tack Rags | #73009 Deluxe | Lint-free tack cloth; use with light pressure before spraying. |
Mix Ratio & Reducer Selection
Fast Evaporating Reducers
T0001 / T0002 (13°C – 20°C)
Best for cooler winter shop mornings or smaller parts. Accelerates solvent release and protects against runs.
Standard Shop Reducer
The standard baseline reducer for typical Australian workshop temperatures. Balances atomisation and flow.
Hot Weather Retarder
Essential for high-temperature summer conditions. Blend with T0003 on large yacht hull sides to extend wet-edge time.
Spray Application Process
Prepare & Sand Substrate
Apply over cured Awlgrip 545 Epoxy Primer or Quick Build. Sand smooth with P320–P400 grit. Remove all guide coat, vacuum sanding dust, and blow dry.
Two-Cloth Degreasing Wipe
Clean the entire surface with Awlprep 400 (T0170) using the two-cloth method: apply with cloth #1, and wipe dry with cloth #2 before evaporation. Never let cleaner dry on the substrate.
Verify Environment & Tack Off
Confirm substrate temperature is at least 3°C above the dew point (ambient 13°C–41°C). Lightly glide an Awlgrip Deluxe Tack Rag (#73009) to collect lint without pressing resin into the surface.
Mix 2:1 & Add Reducer
Measure 2 parts base to 1 part Awlcat #2 (G3010) by volume. Stir until homogenous, then reduce 15%–33% to achieve a viscosity of 11–15 seconds in a DIN 4 cup. No induction time required.
Set Up Spray Gun
Use a 1.0 mm – 1.2 mm fluid tip with 2.0 – 2.5 bar atomising air pressure at the gun inlet with trigger pulled. Adjust fluid delivery to 200–300 mL/min.
Apply Tack & Full Wet Coats
Spray a light tack coat (~50–60 µm WFT) and allow 15–45 minutes flash. Follow with 2 to 3 full wet coats at 75 µm WFT (yielding ~35 µm DFT per coat) with 50%–75% pattern overlap. Allow 30–45 minutes flash between passes.
Cure, Recoat & Tape Schedule (@ 25°C, 50% RH)
Inter-Coat Flash
Surface must turn touch-tacky before spraying next coat.
1 – 2 Hours
Dust-Free
Coating has skinned over; impervious to airborne dust.
24 Hours
Tape & Recoat Window
Safe to unmask. Recoat without sanding within 24h (sand P400 after).
48 – 72 Hours
Buffing Window Opens
Ready for light nib sanding, compounding, and polishing.
21 Days
Full Chemical Cure
Full cross-linking complete. Maximum chemical & scratch resistance.
Awlcraft 3000 vs. Awlcraft 2000
| Technical Characteristic | Awlcraft 3000 | Awlcraft 2000 |
|---|---|---|
| Color Platform | AkzoNobel Shared HDT Platform | Legacy Color Base |
| Color Vibrancy & Depth | Significantly deeper, higher saturation & truer tones | Industry standard high gloss |
| Hiding Power / Opacity | Higher pigment density; fewer coats for full opacity | Standard opacity |
| Mix Ratio & Converter | 2:1 with Awlcat #2 (G3010) | 2:1 with Awlcat #2 (G3010) |
| Reducers & Solvents | T0001, T0002, T0003, T0005 | T0001, T0002, T0003, T0005 |
| Repairability & Buffing | Yes — easily sanded, compounded & polished | Yes — easily sanded, compounded & polished |
Repairs, Buffing & Polishing
Nib Sanding & Compounding
To eliminate isolated dirt nibs or minor texture after 48–72 hours cure at 25°C:
- Block sand nibs lightly using wet P1500 to P2000 grit sandpaper.
- Refine sanding scratches with P3000 micro-abrasive discs.
- Machine compound using a wool or medium foam pad with a quality marine compound.
- Finish with a fine foam polishing pad and finishing glaze to restore high mirror gloss.
Spot Blending Damaged Panels
For scratches or localised damage repairs:
- Feather out the repair area with P400, then sand the wider blending zone with P2000.
- Apply colour coats over the repair, stepping each pass outward.
- Melt the blend edge using Awlgrip Blending Solvent (T0035) or a clear blend.
- Allow 72 hours cure, then compound and polish the blend seam smooth.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I spray Awlcraft 3000 Clearcoat (TF0300) over colour coats?
Yes. Applying TF0300 Clearcoat over colour coats within the 24-hour recoat window provides extra depth of image and provides additional sacrificial thickness for heavy compounding and buffing.
What happens if I exceed the 24-hour recoat window?
If more than 24 hours elapse at 25°C between coats, the surface must be scuffed thoroughly with P400 grit sandpaper to establish a mechanical bond before applying subsequent coats.
Can I brush or roll Awlcraft 3000?
No. Awlcraft 3000 is formulated strictly for spray gun application. If brush and roll application is required, use Awlgrip Topcoat with Awlcat #3 (H3002) brushing converter.
There is a full technical guide available here