AWLFAIR FL BASE

What is Awlgrip AWLFAIR FL BASE and why choose it?

Awlgrip AWLFAIR FL BASE is a solvent-free, lightweight epoxy profiling filler designed specifically for fairing yacht and mega yacht hulls and superstructures. Applied in very high film builds, it allows you to create the final shape and profile required before priming and topcoating, while delivering best-in-class mechanical strength and flexibility. Its low density and easy sanding characteristics make it suitable for demanding professional and industrial fairing projects above and below the waterline when used within the specified system.

Main features

• Solvent-free lightweight filler for profiling and fairing yacht structures.
• Low density 0.68, helping to minimise added weight to the vessel.
• Very high film build capability, up to 20 000 µm (787.4 mil) per coat by batten, knife or trowel; best practice is 5–6 mm per application to limit air entrapment.
• Flexible and mechanically robust, able to tolerate high stress and strain associated with large, complex yacht designs.
• Easy to apply and sand, suitable for block or machine sanding with 36–80 grit abrasives.
• Solvent-free system with theoretical VOC content of 52 g/L for Awlfair FL (product as supplied, without reducer).
• Two-component epoxy system using OD8300 White Base and OD7300 Red Converter, mixed to a uniform pink colour.
• Designed for use over Awlgrip epoxy primers and must be overcoated with approved epoxy primers above and below the waterline.

Key technical specifications

General product data

• Product type: Two-component epoxy fairing/profiling filler for interior and exterior use.
• Base: OD8300 White Base.
• Converter: OD7300 Red Converter.
• Volume solids: 93 %.
• Specific gravity / density: approx. 0.68 (product data sheet) / 0.751 g/cm³ (safety data sheet measurement).
• Available pack sizes: 2 gallon, 5 gallon, 200 L (not all sizes available in all countries).
• Cleaning of equipment: T0002, T0006.
• Colour (base component): White; mixed product forms a uniform pink colour.

Mixing and application

• Mix ratio (Base:Converter): 1:1 by volume; 1.26:1 by weight.
• Thinning: Do not thin. No reducers, solvents or thinners of any kind are to be added.
• Application methods: Batten, knife, trowel.
• Recommended maximum wet film thickness per application: typically 5–6 mm to minimise air entrapment (absolute maximum DFT 20 000 µm / 787.4 mil).
• Theoretical coverage at recommended DFT: 0.2 m²/L (8.1 ft²/gal) at 6000 µm (236.2 mil).
• Working temperature range: Do not use below 13 °C (55 °F) or above 40 °C (104 °F).
• Recommended application window per mix: Apply only to areas you can work within 15–20 minutes.
• Substrate compatibility: Only over properly applied and prepared Awlgrip primers. Hullgard Extra Epoxy Primer and High Build (GRP only) are recommended substrate primers.
• Direct application: May be applied directly to Hullgard Extra without sanding; High Build must be sanded before application.

Recoatability and drying times

• Touch dry:
  • 16 h at 15 °C (59 °F)
  • 8 h at 25 °C (77 °F)
  • 5 h at 35 °C (95 °F)
• 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 minutes at 15 °C
  • 45 minutes at 25 °C
  • 20 minutes 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 with Awlfair FL, Awlfair LW or Epoxy Surfacing Primer / Awlfair Surfacing Filler:
  • Minimum 28 h at 15 °C; 19 h at 25 °C; 13 h at 35 °C. Maximum: extended.
• Overcoating with High Build or Ultra Build:
  • Minimum 72 h at 15 °C; 48 h at 25 °C; 24 h at 35 °C. Maximum: extended.
• Awlfair FL must be sanded before recoating with itself, surfacing filler or any other high build primer.

Mechanical properties (hand-mixed product)

Values below are based on internal testing under controlled conditions and are provided for guidance only.

VOC information (product as supplied, without reducer)

• Awlfair FL (system): 52 g/L; 0.43 lb/gal; 156 g/kg; 0.16 lb/lb.
• OD8300 Base: 1 g/L; 0.01 lb/gal; 0 g/kg; 0 lb/lb.

Applications and use cases

Intended uses

• Fairing and profiling of yacht and mega yacht hulls and superstructures where high film build and low weight are required.
• Use as part of Awlgrip epoxy systems for both interior and exterior areas, above and below the waterline, when sealed and overcoated as specified.

Application guidance

• Surface preparation:
  • Ensure substrates are primed with appropriate Awlgrip epoxy primers (Hullgard Extra Epoxy Primer or High Build for GRP).
  • Awlfair FL may be applied directly to Hullgard Extra without sanding.
  • High Build must be sanded prior to application of Awlfair FL.
• Mixing:
  • Mix OD8300 White Base and OD7300 Red Converter at 1:1 by volume (1.26:1 by weight) until a uniform pink colour with no streaks or lumps is achieved.
  • Automatic mixing machines may be used; note this can increase product density and alter mechanical properties.
• Application technique:
  • Apply by trowel (or batten/knife) to areas that can be worked within 15–20 minutes.
  • Start with thin coats up to 6 mm in low areas and build out towards high areas.
  • Allow to cure between applications; several applications may be needed over large areas.
  • Block or machine sand with 36–80 grit paper. Remove air pockets and chamfer edges before refilling.
  • Remove sanding dust and residues before applying additional Awlfair FL.
• Use of battens:
  • When battens are used, voids and hard edges can form once they are removed.
  • The batten area must be ground out to a tapered transition with a ratio greater than 7:1 and product reapplied in 6 mm layers to avoid air voids, poor adhesion and print-through.
• System integration:
  • Below the waterline, Awlfair FL must be sealed with a suitable epoxy primer.
  • Above the waterline, it must be sealed with an Awlgrip Epoxy Primer such as High Build or Ultra Build to maximise gloss and colour hold-out of Awlgrip topcoats.
  • A thin layer/screed of Awlfair Surfacing Filler or Awlfair LW (US only) is recommended prior to primers to improve final appearance and cover pinholes and sand marks.

FAQ

1. What type of product is AWLFAIR FL BASE?

   It is the white base component of a two-component, solvent-free, lightweight epoxy profiling filler used for fairing and shaping yacht structures prior to priming and topcoating.

2. How is AWLFAIR FL BASE mixed before application?

   Mix OD8300 White Base with OD7300 Red Converter at 1:1 by volume (1.26:1 by weight) until the mixture is a uniform pink colour without streaks or lumps. Do not thin the product.

3. What is the recommended maximum thickness per coat?

   The system can be applied up to 20 000 µm (787.4 mil) per coat, but best practice is to limit each application to 5–6 mm to minimise air entrapment and the risk of defects or system failure.

4. On which primers can AWLFAIR FL be applied?

   It should only be applied over properly applied and prepared Awlgrip primers. Hullgard Extra Epoxy Primer and High Build (GRP only) are specified as recommended substrate primers.

5. Does AWLFAIR FL need to be sanded before recoating?

   Yes. The fairing compound must be sanded before recoating with itself, Awlfair Surfacing Filler, Awlfair LW or any high build primer.

6. Is AWLFAIR FL suitable for below-waterline use?

   Yes, provided it is sealed with a suitable epoxy primer when used below the waterline as specified in the product data.

7. What are the storage recommendations?

   Store in the original, tightly closed container, protected from direct sunlight, in a dry, cool, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials, food and drink. Store locked up and do not use unlabeled containers.

8. Who is allowed to use this product?

   The product is restricted to professional and industrial users according to the safety data sheet.

9. What is the VOC content of AWLFAIR FL?

   The theoretical VOC content of the Awlfair FL system as supplied (without reducer) is 52 g/L (0.43 lb/gal).

10. What precautions should be taken to avoid air pockets?

    Limit individual applications to 5–6 mm, carefully work the material to remove trapped air, repair and chamfer any voids before refilling, and ensure any air pockets remain under 4 mm. Particular care is needed when using battens.

Section 14 – Transport information

The following transport information is taken directly from the safety data sheet for Awlfair FL Base white (OD8300).

• UN number / ID number: UN3077.
• UN proper shipping name: ENVIRONMENTALLY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE, SOLID, N.O.S. (Reaction mass of 2,2'-[methylenebis(4,1-phenyleneoxymethylene)]dioxirane and related epoxy components).
• Transport hazard class: Class 9.
• Packing group: III.
• Environmentally hazardous / Marine pollutant: Yes (classified as hazardous to the aquatic environment).
• ADR/RID additional notes: Not regulated as a dangerous good when transported in packages of ≤5 L or ≤5 kg, provided packagings meet provisions 4.1.1.1, 4.1.1.2 and 4.1.1.4 to 4.1.1.8. Tunnel code (-).
• IMDG additional notes: Emergency schedules F-A, S-F. Not regulated as dangerous goods in sizes ≤5 L or ≤5 kg when packaging provisions are met.
• IATA additional notes: Not regulated as dangerous goods in sizes ≤5 L or ≤5 kg when packaging meets provisions 5.0.2.4.1, 5.0.2.6.1.1 and 5.0.2.8.
• Precautions for users: Within user premises, always transport in closed containers that are upright and secure. Ensure personnel transporting the product know what to do in the event of an accident or spillage.
• Transport in bulk according to IMO instruments: Not applicable.

Section 8 – Individual protection measures

The safety data sheet for Awlfair FL Base white specifies the following personal protective equipment (PPE) and exposure control measures for professional and industrial users.

General hygiene and engineering controls

• Provide adequate process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation or other engineering controls if operations generate dust, fumes, gas, vapour or mist.
• Wash hands, forearms and face thoroughly after handling and before eating, smoking, using the lavatory and at the end of the working period.
• Use appropriate techniques to remove potentially contaminated clothing; contaminated work clothing should not leave the workplace and must be washed before reuse.
• Ensure eyewash stations and safety showers are located close to workstations.

Eye and face protection

• Use safety eyewear complying with an approved standard when a risk assessment indicates potential exposure to liquid splashes, mists, gases or dusts.
• If contact is possible, wear chemical splash goggles as a minimum level of protection unless a higher degree of protection is indicated.

Hand protection

• Wear chemical-resistant, impervious gloves complying with an approved standard whenever handling the product if a risk assessment indicates this is necessary.
• For prolonged or frequently repeated contact, use gloves with protection class 6 (breakthrough time >480 minutes, EN374). Recommended: Viton or Nitrile gloves, thickness ≥0.38 mm.
• For brief contact, use gloves with protection class ≥2 (breakthrough time >30 minutes, EN374). Recommended: Nitrile gloves, thickness ≥0.12 mm.
• Replace gloves regularly and whenever signs of damage are visible. Note that glove performance can be reduced by physical or chemical damage and poor maintenance.

Skin and body protection

• Select protective clothing and footwear based on the specific tasks and associated risks. Equipment should be approved by a specialist before use.
• Ensure additional skin protection measures are implemented where required by the risk assessment.

Respiratory protection

• Where there is a hazard and potential for exposure, select a respirator that meets the appropriate standard or certification.
• Use respiratory protection in accordance with a formal program to ensure correct fit, training and maintenance.
• Recommended: respirator conforming to EN140 with A/P2 filter or better.
• Dry sanding, flame cutting and welding of dry paint films can generate dust and hazardous fumes. Wet sanding/flatting should be used wherever possible; if exposure cannot be avoided, suitable respiratory protection is required.

Environmental exposure controls

• Check emissions from ventilation and process equipment to ensure compliance with environmental protection legislation.
• Fume scrubbers, filters or engineering modifications may be required to reduce emissions to acceptable levels.

*Contenido generado por IA