Once Awlgrip HDT hit the market, it quickly established itself as the leading coating system to provide robust durability alongside an unrivaled finish. Outshining other topcoats with its glossy finish and excellent Distinction of Image (DOI), the High Definition Technology is specifically tailored for consistent application, durability and exceptional colour retention.

Using toners instead of tint bases means it is easier to manage and match colours. AkzoNobel’s online MixIt database combines with colour tools AutoMatchic Vision and AwlMatch colour scanning to make identifying the desired colour quick and simple.

Yachtsmiths – the Gold Coast-based superyacht finishing company – selected Awlgrip HDT as the topcoat of choice for a refinishing project on one of Australia’s largest charter superyachts, the 54-metre MY Mischief, making it the first superyacht to be coated with the Awlgrip HDT system in Australia.

The finished result was stunning, with the full repaint project described as a “fantastic experience’ which the team were “thrilled” to be involved in.

The project was undertaken over a nine-month period and resulted in a flawless high-gloss finish that satisfied the highest expectations of the owners, as well as the professional applicators at Yachtsmiths.

Director of Yachtsmiths, Mitchell Zigenbine, commented on the challenges and complexity of the project, saying, “We spent six to seven months working inside the shed. The yacht underwent a month-long water-based preparation process before the refit was completed and her first charter.

“Our original scope of work was a full repaint, but as the project progressed, the owner made additional requests. These included the removal of a few hundred through-hulls to prevent water ingress and addressing minor structural issues.

“The hull and topsides didn’t require significant repair work, but the extra requests added complexity. Overall, it was a fantastic experience, and we were thrilled with the results.

We started in warm, humid conditions and transitioned into Australia’s cooler winter months. Adjusting the mix of thinners allowed us to comply with the different temperature conditions and ensured consistent application quality. We also had the advantage of doing a preliminary application, using Awlgrip HDT as a flow coat option, which allowed us to familiarize ourselves with the product before the final topcoat.

“The main challenges were environmental fluctuations and meeting the coating acceptance criteria set by an independent inspector.”

Fortunately, Awlgrip HDT was developed specifically to support these challenges.

AkzoNobel’s R&D team undertook exhaustive testing under a wide range of temperatures, humidities, and wind conditions to ensure that Awlgrip HDT could perform within all kinds of application environments. In addition, natural exposure and accelerated weathering techniques were used to stress test the Awlgrip HDT system, confirming that it was fit to withstand the harshest treatment, while still maintaining a premium gloss finish.

Achieving this level of quality does not happen by accident. It requires a combination of world-class coatings technology – that provides a premium appearance and unmatched durability – alongside expert execution and skill in preparation, applications and environmental control.

Today, there is less predictability in the paint process, creating challenges for both owners and yards, with more refit projects, which are often longer and more complex, combined with tightening environmental regulations.

AkzoNobel is committed to supporting the diverse needs of boat owners and professional applicators by providing not only industry-leading coating systems but also the latest in training and educational resources to ensure that professional applicators are able to engage with new advances in application technologies and techniques.

To better support the Australian market in this effort, AkzoNobel launched a state-of-the-art Yacht Paint Application Center (YPAC) at Gold Coast City Marina, Coomera. The facility delivers world-class technical training and showcases the latest in digital paint application technology. This includes novel innovations such as AkzoNobel’s virtual reality (VR) spray gun simulation, which creates a virtual environment for applicators to experiment with Awlgrip systems, adjusting spray gun settings and mastering application angles for topcoats without using a single drop of paint.

Commenting on the YPAC facility, Mitchell said, “The YPAC is enabling us to gain hands-on experience with new products, refine our application methods, and deepen our understanding of AkzoNobel’s innovative solutions.

“It’s a fantastic step forward for the industry, offering much-needed training and skill development. Our collaboration with AkzoNobel has been instrumental in our growth, and we look forward to strengthening that relationship further.”

Projects such as the MY Mischief are never straightforward; whether it’s shifting customer expectations or changeable operating environments, modern yards like Yachtsmiths require more than a coatings supplier.

In AkzoNobel, yards have the backing of a knowledgeable partner that can provide industry-leading expertise, a responsive service, and access to the latest technologies and techniques that ensure deep, lasting colour; exceptional gloss; and a level of durability that can withstand the most challenging sailing conditions.

For more information, visit awlgrip.com

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