Maya Ellison
Awlgrip paint is a two-part polyurethane paint that is notoriously difficult to repair. While it is possible to fix small scratches and scuff marks caused by plastic, it is challenging to achieve a flawless finish. The paint's unique structure makes it impossible to sand and polish to the original shine, and touch-up spots will likely be visible due to differences in gloss and colour. To repair minor damage, one must first clean the area and then carefully apply paint using a fine artist's brush or a flexible metal spatula. However, it is recommended to leave extensive repairs to professionals, as repainting an entire section may be more efficient and aesthetically pleasing.
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What You'll Learn
Use Flitz or Finesse-It polishing paste
Awlgrip paint is notoriously difficult to repair. It is a two-layer finish, with a clear coat over the paint colour. As such, it is hard to blend repairs into the existing paintwork.
One user on a forum recommends Flitz or Finesse-It polishing paste to remove scuff marks from Awlgrip paint. Flitz is a premium metal polish that also works on plastic, delivering a streak-free, brilliant shine. It is safe on painted and clear-coated finishes, and can be used on cars, boats, and motorcycles. It is also suitable for removing scratches from clear-coat paint.
To use Flitz, apply a small amount to a rag, covering a surface area of about one square foot. Buff off with an old towel that has a thick pile. For an even better result, use an old piece of carpeting with a good nap. You can staple it to a piece of 2x4 to make it easier to grip.
Finesse-It is another polishing compound that can be used to clean and polish Awlgrip hulls. It is recommended to use a very gentle touch when applying it.
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Try a solvent like acetone or denatured alcohol
If you have plastic marks on your Awl Grip paint, you can try using a solvent like acetone or denatured alcohol to remove them. Both of these substances are capable of removing plastic deposits and scuff marks. However, it is worth noting that acetone is a strong solvent, and it should be used with caution as it can damage certain plastics. When using acetone, work quickly and wear gloves. It is also important to test the solvent on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it does not damage the paint.
To use acetone or denatured alcohol on Awl Grip paint, start by applying the solvent to a clean rag or a blue Scotch-Brite pad. Then, gently rub the affected area, using light pressure and many light passes. This process may require some elbow grease, but it is effective in removing plastic marks without removing too much paint.
It is important to note that Awl Grip paint is known to be difficult to repair, and it may be challenging to achieve a perfect blend. The paint has a unique structure that makes it challenging to sand, polish, and wax to the same shine as the original finish. As such, even with the use of solvents, there may still be some visible signs of repair.
If you are concerned about using a strong solvent like acetone, you may want to consider other methods for repairing Awl Grip paint. Some people have had success with using a Preval sprayer to touch up small spots, although this may require multiple attempts to achieve a satisfactory finish. Another option is to use a sealant like Awl Care or Rejex to protect the shine and blend the repaired area with the surrounding paint.
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Sand, polish and wax the area
If you are attempting to fix Awlgrip paint, it is important to note that this type of paint is very difficult to repair. It is a two-layer finish, with a clear coat over the colour. This means that any repairs will always be visible, even if not immediately after the repair.
To fix Awlgrip paint with plastic marks, you can try the following process:
Firstly, you can try sanding the area. Sanding will help to remove any plastic residue and create a smooth surface. However, it is important to note that the structure of Awlgrip paint means that it cannot be sanded and then polished to the same shine as the original paint. The shine comes from the clear coat, which is the top layer of the paint. Therefore, the use of wax will provide the highest level of shine after repairs.
When sanding, start with a finer grit and work your way up to a coarser grit if needed. Be careful not to sand too aggressively, as this can damage the paint further. Use light, even strokes and always sand in the direction of the grain. It is also important to wear a mask to avoid inhaling any dust particles.
Once you have finished sanding, you can move on to polishing. Polishing will help to restore some shine to the area and improve the overall appearance. Choose a mild abrasive or polishing compound that is suitable for use on Awlgrip paint. Apply the compound with a soft cloth or polishing pad, working it into the surface in small circular motions. Again, always follow the direction of the grain.
Finally, you can apply a wax to the area. Wax will provide a protective layer and enhance the shine. Choose a high-quality wax designed for use on Awlgrip paint, such as Collinite 845 or 945 liquid wax. Apply the wax in thin, even coats, following the instructions on the product. Allow the wax to dry and then buff it to a shine.
It is important to note that while sanding, polishing, and waxing can improve the appearance of the paint, it may not completely remove all plastic marks or restore the paint to its original condition.
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Use a sealant like Awl Care or Rejex
Awlgrip paint is known to be notoriously difficult to repair. While it is possible to repair, it is challenging to achieve a seamless finish, and the repair work will often be visible, if not immediately, then within a year. The paint behaves like a two-layer finish, with colour and a clear coat. This means that it cannot be sanded and polished to the same shine as automotive paint.
To maintain the shine of Awlgrip paint and protect it, a sealant like Awl Care or Rejex can be used. These sealants are non-abrasive and will not compromise the top layer of the paint surface. They can be applied by hand or with a machine, although Awlgrip recommends hand application to avoid potential heat and over-abrasion to the finish. Regular applications of Awl Care will help seal and restore shine to painted surfaces that have become porous due to age or mistreatment. It is a synthetic paint sealant that may contain a very light amount of chemical cleaners for the removal of topical stains. It is important to note that Awl Care should only be applied and buffed by hand and not with a machine.
Rejex is another sealant that can be used to extend the useful life of Awlgrip paint by several years. It is applied after using a glaze like Finesse-It II to help restore the shine and protect the surface.
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Repaint a larger section
Repainting a larger section of Awlgrip is often much more efficient than attempting to touch up a small area, and this work is best left to professionals. If you are set on doing it yourself, you will need to be prepared for the fact that the repair will be visible, and that the new paint will have more gloss than the old, with a possible colour difference.
Firstly, you will need to prime the area, and then apply the topcoat. You can use a flexible metal spatula to apply the paint, being careful to only put the paint where you want it, with no overlap onto the surrounding sound paintwork. You can also use a cabinet scraper or a sharp chisel, used 'end on' and dragged sideways, to flatten any high spots without disturbing the surrounding paint surface.
You can also try spraying with a Preval sprayer, but this can result in an orange peel effect or some small spots of overspray which won't shine into the existing topcoat. To avoid this, you can turn down your air supply.
If you are using a brush, you may find that an edge is left which is extremely hard to level down to the old paint without sanding or compounding some of the unrepaired sections, which can then remove the old paint down to the primer.
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Frequently asked questions
For small scratches and dings, use 2 parts of colour base mixed with 1 part AWL-CAT#3 Brushing Converter and a fine artist's brush to re-establish the colour and seal the substrate. Keep a clean rag soaked with M.E.K. or acetone nearby to wipe off any excess paint.
Clean out the scratch using a needle or a piece of fine sandpaper. Apply masking tape along each side of the scratch before applying the paint.
You can use Awlcare, a hand-applied, non-abrasive, synthetic polymer to seal and restore the shine to painted surfaces. It removes mild stains, water spots and diesel soot while increasing resistance to acid rain and other pollutants.
Do not use strong solvents such as lacquer thinner, M.E.K., acetone or kerosene to clean the surface. Do not use acrylic Teflon coatings as this will void the Awlgrip Limited Warranty.
For larger repairs, it is recommended to repaint a complete section rather than touch up a small area. This work should be left to professionals.
