AkzoNobel and Pinmar (part of GYG) have signed a Letter of Intent to partner in studying the optimum application process for Awlfair SF, the new spray filler product from Awlgrip. The hope is that by working together the two brands are able to determine how best to apply the new technology. The study will be supported by AkzoNobel’s partners Hogg and Graco, the developers of the spray equipment and components used to apply Awlfair SF, respectively.

“The Awlfair SF product is a major development in superyacht fillers, and alongside the adoption of the right application methodology offers a step change both in time and quality for the fairing of new build yachts,” said Remy Millott, Chief Executive Officer at GYG. “We are delighted to collaborate with our longstanding partner AkzoNobel in bringing their product and our methodology to market. Pinmar has built its reputation on being at the forefront of new technologies and standards in superyacht finishing. We look forward to working closely with AkzoNobel and the Awlgrip brand as a part of this exciting new innovation.”

Awlfair is distinct from current application methods because it is applied using a pressurised airless spray rather than by hand. This technology further allows for wet-on-wet application, the application of up to two coatings per day without the need for sanding between coats. Furthermore, the spray application eliminates air pockets which, in turn, yields and improved aesthetic and a reduced requirement to rework.

Because of Awlfair’s application method, the adoption of this technology is going to require a fundamental rethink of the traditional superyacht filing and fairing process, which is currently all geared towards hand application. As part of the letter of intent, Pimar will provide AkzoNobel with its technical expertise to identify the application process that best guarantees the success of the new system. In order to analyse the results of the various application methods, Pinmar and AkzoNobel intend to engage Wrede Consulting, a leading superyacht paint surveyor, in order to produce an objective validation of the study’s results.

“We are delighted to invest in our long-term partnership with Pinmar in order to help the superyacht industry transition to a superior filler application methodology,” added Bilal Salahuddin, Yacht Coatings Director at AkzoNobel. 

Paint and finishing remains one of the most litigious, complex and costly elements of any superyacht project, thanks in large to the incredibly visible nature of the works. Small errors elsewhere on board may be missed or, relatively speaking, be acceptable to the owner. By stark contrast, however, small errors in finishing make for incredibly large and observable issues with the overall finish of a vessel. It is, therefore, imperative that the superyacht market works towards more efficient and accurate methods for applying the various elements involved in the overall finish of a vessel.

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