What is Awlfair FL Converter and why choose it
Awlfair FL Converter is the red hardener component of the Awlfair FL two-component fairing system from Awlgrip. When mixed 1:1 by volume (1.26:1 by weight) with Awlfair FL White Base, it forms a solvent-free, lightweight profiling filler designed for high-build fairing on yacht hulls and superstructures. The system is engineered to achieve precise shapes and profiles at very high film builds while maintaining excellent flexibility and mechanical performance, making it suitable for large and complex yacht designs.
The cured Awlfair FL fairing compound offers best-in-class compressive, flexural and tensile properties, combined with low density (0.68 specific gravity for the mixed system). It can be applied in thick layers, is easy to sand, and integrates into Awlgrip epoxy primer and topcoat systems for high-end yacht finishes above and below the waterline.
Main features
- Two-component fairing converter: Red Converter (AWLFAIR FL CONVERTER) to be mixed with Awlfair FL White Base at 1:1 by volume / 1.26:1 by weight.
- Lightweight system: Mixed Awlfair FL fairing compound has a specific gravity of 0.68, reducing overall fairing weight on large yachts.
- Solvent-free formulation: Designed as a high-solids, solvent-free profiling filler for demanding yacht applications.
- High film build: Recommended coat thickness around 6000 µm (236.2 mil) DFT, with a maximum dry film thickness per coat up to 20,000 µm (787.4 mil). Best practice is 5–6 mm per application to minimise air entrapment.
- Easy application and sanding: Applied by batten, knife or trowel and machine- or block-sanded with 36–80 grit paper.
- High mechanical performance: Optimised compressive, flexural and tensile properties with good strain capacity to handle stresses in large and complex yacht structures.
- Compatible with Awlgrip primers: Applied over properly prepared Awlgrip epoxy primers such as Hullgard Extra and High Build, and must be sealed with suitable Awlgrip epoxy primers above and below the waterline.
- Low theoretical VOC: Product VOC as supplied is reported as 52 g/L (0.43 lb/gal) for Awlfair FL, and 1 g/L (0.01 lb/gal) for OD8300 Base (without reducer).
Technical specifications
Base fairing system data (Awlfair FL Base + Converter)
- Product type: Solvent-free, lightweight profiling filler for yachts.
- Intended use: High-build fairing to create the desired shape/profile and aesthetic finish in a yacht paint system; suitable for yachts and mega yachts.
- Volume solids: 93%.
- Specific gravity (mixed system): 0.68.
- Available pack sizes: 2 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 200 L (not all sizes available in all countries).
- Components: OD8300 White Base + OD7300 Red Converter.
- Equipment cleaning: T0002, T0006.
Theoretical coverage (Awlfair FL system)
- Application methods: Batten, knife, trowel.
- Recommended wet film thickness (per coat): 6000 µm (236.2 mil).
- Recommended dry film thickness (per coat): 6000 µm (236.2 mil).
- Maximum dry film thickness (per coat): 20,000 µm (787.4 mil).
- Theoretical coverage at recommended DFT: 0.2 m²/L or 8.1 ft²/gal (100% transfer efficiency).
- Best practice: Maximum 5–6 mm per application is recommended to minimise air entrapment.
Mechanical properties of cured Awlfair FL
All values are based on internal testing with hand-mixed product and are indicative only.
- Test temperatures: −20°C (−4°F), 0°C (32°F), 20°C (68°F).
- Compressive strain (%): 6.3 / 5.2 / 7.44.
- Compressive strength (MPa): 46.9 / 36 / 20.2.
- Flexural modulus (MPa): 2180 / 1922 / 1219.
- Flexural strain (%): 1.52 / 1.68 / 2.38.
- Flexural strength (MPa): 32.6 / 30.9 / 25.1.
- Tensile modulus (MPa): 2455 / 2359 / 1220.
- Tensile strain (%): 0.95 / 0.99 / 1.4.
- Tensile strength (MPa): 21.5 / 17.6 / 13.5.
Mixing and application conditions
- Mix ratio (Base : Converter): 1:1 by volume; 1.26:1 by weight.
- Thinning: Do not thin. Reducers, solvents or thinners must not be added to Awlfair FL.
- Appearance when mixed: Uniform pink colour with no streaks or lumps.
- Application tools: Batten, trowel, knife.
- Recommended working area: Apply only to areas that can be worked within 15–20 minutes.
- Recommended coat build: Start with thin coats up to 6 mm in low areas and build out to high spots.
- Application temperature range: Between 13°C (55°F) and 40°C (104°F). Avoid low temperature combined with high humidity.
Drying and recoat times (Awlfair FL system)
- Touch dry: 16 h at 15°C / 8 h at 25°C / 5 h at 35°C.
- Hard dry: 48 h at 15°C / 24 h at 25°C / 16 h at 35°C.
- Sandable: 28 h at 15°C / 19 h at 25°C / 13 h at 35°C.
- Pot life: 55 min at 15°C / 45 min at 25°C / 20 min at 35°C.
- Hardness development (Shore D): >50 after 48 h at 15°C; >50 after 24 h at 25°C; >50 after 16 h at 35°C.
Overcoating schedule
- Overcoat with Awlfair FL, Awlfair LW, Epoxy Surfacing Primer or Awlfair Surfacing Filler:
- Minimum: 28 h at 15°C / 19 h at 25°C / 13 h at 35°C.
- Maximum: Extended (no fixed maximum given; surface must be sanded before recoating).
- Overcoat with High Build or Ultra Build epoxy primers:
- Minimum: 72 h at 15°C / 48 h at 25°C / 24 h at 35°C.
- Maximum: Extended (surface must be sanded before priming).
- Surface preparation before overcoating: Awlfair FL must be sanded with 36–80 grit before recoating with itself, surfacing filler or any high-build primer.
Applications and use cases
- Yacht hull and superstructure fairing: Designed to be applied at very high film builds to create fair, smooth hulls and topsides on yachts and mega yachts.
- Complex, large vessel designs: Mechanical performance and flexibility are optimised to accommodate high levels of stress and strain from increased vessel size and design complexity.
- Above and below waterline systems:
- Below waterline: Awlfair FL must be sealed with a suitable epoxy primer.
- Above waterline: Must be sealed with an Awlgrip epoxy primer such as High Build or Ultra Build to maximise gloss and colour holdout of the Awlgrip topcoat system.
- Fairing before surfacing fillers and primers: A thin screed of Awlfair Surfacing Filler or Awlfair LW (US only) is recommended on top of Awlfair FL to cover pinholes and sanding marks prior to priming.
FAQ
1. What is the correct mix ratio for AWLFAIR FL CONVERTER?
Mix Awlfair FL White Base and Awlfair FL Red Converter at 1:1 by volume or 1.26:1 by weight. Mix thoroughly until a uniform pink colour with no streaks or lumps is obtained.
2. Can I thin Awlfair FL when using this converter?
No. Reducers, solvents or thinners of any kind must not be added to Awlfair FL.
3. What is the recommended maximum thickness per application?
The product data recommends a best-practice maximum of 5–6 mm per application to minimise the risk of air entrapment. The absolute maximum DFT per coat is 20,000 µm (787.4 mil).
4. On which primers can I apply the Awlfair FL system?
Apply only over properly applied and prepared Awlgrip primers. Hullgard Extra Epoxy Primer and High Build (GRP only) are recommended substrate primers. Awlfair FL may be applied directly to Hullgard Extra without sanding; High Build must be sanded before application.
5. Do I need to sand Awlfair FL before recoating or priming?
Yes. Awlfair FL must always be sanded with 36–80 grit before recoating with itself, surfacing fillers or any high-build primers. Primers should be applied as soon as possible after sanding.
6. Can Awlfair FL be used below the waterline?
Yes, but it must be sealed with a suitable epoxy primer when used below the waterline.
7. How does temperature affect pot life?
Pot life decreases as temperature increases: approximately 55 minutes at 15°C, 45 minutes at 25°C and 20 minutes at 35°C.
8. Is AWLFAIR FL CONVERTER classified as dangerous?
Yes. According to the safety data sheet, Awlfair FL Red Converter is classified as Skin Corr. 1B (H314), Eye Dam. 1 (H318), Skin Sens. 1 (H317), Aquatic Acute 1 (H400) and Aquatic Chronic 1 (H410).
9. What happens if air pockets remain in the fairing compound?
Air pockets from poor manual application significantly affect the mechanical properties of Awlfair FL and can lead to defects and system failure. Air pockets should be minimised and kept below 4 mm.
10. Where can I find missing technical details such as consumption for a specific project?
Consultar ficha técnica del fabricante.
Section 14 – Transport information
The following information applies to Awlfair FL Red Converter as supplied:
- UN number: UN1759.
- Proper shipping name (ADR/RID): SÓLIDO CORROSIVO, N.E.P. (ácidos grasos, aceite de resina, productos de reacción con tetraetilenpentamina, 3,6,9-triazaundecametilendiamina).
- Proper shipping name (IMDG): CORROSIVE SOLID, N.O.S. (Fatty acids, tall-oil, reaction products with tetraethylenepentamine, 3,6,9-triazaundecamethylenediamine).
- Class: 8 (corrosive).
- Packing group: II.
- Environmentally hazardous: Yes. Classified as dangerous for the environment for transport. The environmentally hazardous substance mark is not required when transported in packages ≤5 L or ≤5 kg.
- Marine pollutant (IMDG): Contains fatty acids, tall-oil, reaction products with tetraethylenepentamine, 3,6,9-triazaundecamethylenediamine.
- Tunnel restriction code (ADR): (E).
- Bulk transport under IMO instruments: Not applicable.
- On-site transport precautions: Within user premises, always transport in closed, upright and secure containers. Ensure personnel know what to do in case of an accident or spill.
Section 8 – Individual protection measures
Awlfair FL Red Converter is corrosive and can cause severe skin burns, serious eye damage and skin sensitisation. It is also very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and controls are required during handling and application.
Engineering controls
- Provide process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation or other engineering controls to keep airborne dust, vapours or mists below recommended limits.
- Use wet sanding or extraction where possible; dry sanding or flame cutting of dry paint films can generate harmful dust and fumes.
- Ensure eyewash stations and safety showers are close to workstations.
Hygiene measures
- Wash hands, forearms and face thoroughly after handling chemicals, before eating, smoking, using the lavatory and at the end of the work shift.
- Contaminated work clothing must not be removed from the workplace; wash before reuse.
- Eating, drinking and smoking must be prohibited in areas where the product is handled, stored or processed.
Eye and face protection
- Use chemical splash goggles and/or a face shield that comply with approved standards when a risk assessment indicates potential exposure to splashes, mists, gases or dusts.
- If there is a risk of inhalation exposure, a full-face respirator may be required instead of separate eye protection.
Hand protection
- Wear chemical-resistant, impermeable gloves compliant with EN374 or equivalent whenever handling the product.
- For prolonged or frequently repeated contact, gloves of protection class 6 (penetration time > 480 minutes according to EN374) are recommended.
- Recommended materials: Viton® or nitrile, thickness ≥ 0.38 mm.
- For anticipated short contact, gloves of protection class 2 or higher (penetration time > 30 minutes according to EN374) are recommended.
- Recommended material: nitrile, thickness ≥ 0.12 mm.
- Replace gloves regularly and immediately if any damage or degradation is observed.
Skin and body protection
- Select suitable protective clothing (such as protective overalls, chemical-resistant aprons and appropriate footwear) based on task and risks, and have it approved by a specialist before use.
- Ensure any additional cutaneous protection is compatible with other PPE and work conditions.
Respiratory protection
- Select a respirator based on a risk assessment and exposure levels, in line with applicable standards or certifications.
- Use a respirator in accordance with a formal respiratory-protection programme to ensure correct selection, fit and training.
- For typical use, a respirator conforming to EN140 with an A/P2 filter (or better) is specified.
- During sanding or where dust, fumes or mists are generated and ventilation is insufficient, appropriate respiratory protection is required.
Environmental exposure controls
- Check emissions from ventilation and process equipment to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
- Where necessary, use scrubbers, filters or process modifications to reduce emissions to acceptable levels.
*Contenido generado por IA
