NEXT GENERATION TOP COAT HAS ENHANCED COLOUR TECHNOLOGY

AkzoNobel has launched the next generation of its Awlcraft 3000 with enhanced colour technology.

The new Awlcraft 3000 system uses the same toner system as the Awlgrip HDT, designed to reduce complexity for Awlgrip distributors.

Sharing the next generation colour platform with Awlgrip HDT means it offers a deeper, truer and more consistent colour performance, while retaining a long-lasting, high-gloss finish.

It shares the application characteristics and repairability of Awlcraft 2000.

“Specifically engineered for a consistent, easy application that dries quickly, it retains all the qualities that have made Awlcraft 2000 the celebrated product that is loved by applicators and boat owners far and wide,” said Matthew Anzardo, Global Yacht Segment Manager at AkzoNobel Yacht Coatings.

“Its enhanced colour platform ensures that colours pop like never before, resulting in a longlasting, high-gloss finish that is guaranteed to turn heads.” Developed specifically for professional use, the system is coupled with AkzoNobel’s suite of digital colour matching tools.

Awlcraft 3000 Clear Coat and a set of readymixed colours including the popular colours of Snow White, Flag Blue and Extreme Black, will be initially available for the Asia Pacific, European, and North American markets.

The full Awlcraft 3000 range will consist of a full range of colours, a clear coat, and a binder base which will be available later in 2023.

Awlcraft 3000 will continue to use Awlcat #2 converter and Awlgrip Reducers.

The launch of the new generation topcoat and clear coat comes in a landmark year for Awlgrip, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.

A Greener Coating For Marine Growth And Corrosion

The Propspeed line is a range of biocide free, foulrelease coatings meaning they’re cleaner than some traditional approaches to antifouling.

While both antifouling and foul-release coatings prevent marine growth from colonising on underwater surfaces, how they do it differs greatly. Antifouling paints use a biocide or toxin as their active ingredient and come in a range of hardness.

Propspeed is biocide free, meaning that instead of killing marine growth with toxins and contributing to further environmental impacts, it creates a slick surface that prevents marine growth from attaching to underwater assets. Any marine growth that does form is easily wiped away or falls off through propeller or vessel movement.

In addition, by acting as an insulating coating system, Propspeed can also help in protecting underwater metals from corrosion and eliminating some of the more damaging environmental impacts of anode fallout.

Propspeed preserves the integrity of metal surfaces, unlike antifouling paints, which can cause copper to leach out of bronze, weakening the material.

The range includes Propspeed for running gear and underwater metals.

AkzoNobel’s Yachting Coatings business has introduced a new biocidefree fouling control range – B-Free.

Aimed at boaters in the recreational market, the first product to be launched from the new range is B-Free Explore.

It features a specially developed, silicone polymer technology which produces a smooth and slick hull –helping to reduce drag.

Any fouling that does adhere to a boat’s hull can be wiped away by hand or water jet.

“We’ve developed highperformance technology which allows boaters to maintain a clean, smooth hull,” explains Simon Parker, director of AkzoNobel’s Marine and Protective Coatings business. “It’s based on proven technology and exemplifies the restless spirit of innovation which has been the cornerstone of our International brand for more than 140 years.”