What is Awlgrip Flattening Agent and why choose it?
Awlgrip Flattening Agent (G3013) is a solvent-borne additive designed to reduce the gloss level of Awlgrip Topcoat and Awlcraft 2000 urethane topcoats. Mixed directly into the color base, it allows you to convert standard high-gloss finishes into flat or semi-gloss systems while maintaining the performance of the original coating. It is intended for professional, industrial and consumer use where controlled gloss reduction and a uniform appearance are required.
The preferred application is by spray, delivering the most even finish and gloss control. Correctly mixed with the specified converters and reducers, Awlgrip Flattening Agent offers predictable gloss levels, consistent surface appearance and compatibility with a wide range of Awlgrip and Awlcraft 2000 colors.
Main features
- Gloss reduction for Awlgrip and Awlcraft 2000: Formulated to produce flat or semi-gloss finishes from standard urethane topcoats.
- Spray-application optimized: Best results obtained by spray with three full coats; mist coats are not recommended as they can cause rough appearance.
- Flexible mixing ratios: Different ratios for flat and semi-gloss finishes, with guidance for both Awlgrip Topcoat and Awlcraft 2000 Topcoat systems.
- Consistent film build: Recommended film thickness and application parameters for reliable appearance and coverage.
- Professional performance: Intended for use as an additive component in high-performance marine and industrial coating systems.
- Available package sizes: 1 US Quart and 1 US Gallon packs.
Technical specifications
General data
- Product type: Solvent-borne flattening additive for urethane topcoats.
- Compatible topcoats: Awlgrip Topcoat color bases, Awlcraft 2000 Topcoat color bases.
- Use in system: Additive component used in the color base; not recommended for use in clear coats OC0300, OF3029 or OG3005.
- Available packs: 1 US Quart, 1 US Gallon.
- Typical shelf life: 2 years.
Physical properties
- Color: Gray.
- Physical state: Liquid.
- Odor: Solvent.
- Boiling point (initial): 139°C (282.2°F).
- Flash point: 23°C (73.4°F), closed cup (Pensky–Martens).
- Density: 1.338 g/cm³ (DIN EN ISO 2811-1).
- Water solubility: Not soluble in cold water (OECD TG 105).
- Kinematic viscosity (room temperature): 132 mm²/s (DIN EN ISO 3219).
- Kinematic viscosity (40°C): 177 mm²/s (DIN EN ISO 3219).
- Lower and upper explosion limits (xylene range in mixture): 0.8% – 6.7%.
Composition and classifications
- Product definition: Mixture.
- Key hazardous ingredient: Reaction mass of ethylbenzene and xylene (≥20 – <25%).
- Classification (Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008):
- Flam. Liq. 3, H226 – Flammable liquid and vapor.
- Skin Irrit. 2, H315 – Causes skin irritation.
- Eye Irrit. 2, H319 – Causes serious eye irritation.
- STOT SE 3, H335 – May cause respiratory irritation.
- STOT RE 2, H373 – May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.
VOC information
- VOC (product as supplied, without reducer): 502 g/L, 4.19 lb/gal.
- Note: All VOC information is theoretical; actual VOC content may vary by batch and test method.
Theoretical coverage and recommended film build
Air-atomized spray (Awlgrip Product Data Sheet, 3-page version)
- Number of coats: 3.
- Recommended wet film thickness (WFT) per coat: 75 µm (3 mils).
- Recommended dry film thickness (DFT) per coat: 30 µm (1.2 mils).
- Maximum DFT per coat: 75 µm (3 mils).
- Theoretical coverage per coat at recommended DFT: 13.5 m²/L; 550 ft²/gal.
Conventional spray (2-page Product Data Sheet)
- Number of coats: 3.
- Recommended WFT per coat: 75 µm (3 mils).
- Maximum DFT per coat: 225 µm (8.9 mils).
Coverage values are based on 100% transfer efficiency. Actual coverage depends on equipment, technique, part size and application environment.
Mixing and reduction
Awlgrip Flattening Agent is an additive component and must be used within the complete Awlgrip or Awlcraft 2000 system. Surface preparation, recoatability and drying times follow the instructions of the primary product.
General mixing procedure
- Thoroughly mix the color base and Flattening Agent G3013.
- Stir in converter G3010 (Awl-Cat #2 Converter).
- Once a homogeneous mixture is obtained, add the specified reducer (T0002 or T0003, according to the particular data sheet used).
- Strain the mix through a 60–100 mesh cone strainer before application.
- Using reducer T0003 provides a smoother finish and better spray characteristics than other thinners in combination with G3013. T0002 should not be used above 25°C / 77°F.
Awlgrip Topcoat – flat finish
- 1 part by volume Awlgrip Color Base.
- 1 part by volume Flattening Agent G3013.
- 1 part by volume Awl-Cat #2 Converter (G3010).
- 1 part by volume T0003 Reducer.
- Example: 8 oz color base : 8 oz G3013 : 8 oz G3010 : 8 oz T0003.
- G3013 may need to be increased above 1 part by volume to achieve extreme low gloss on dark colors.
Awlgrip Topcoat – semi-gloss finish
- 1 part by volume Awlgrip Color Base.
- 1/2 part by volume Flattening Agent G3013.
- 1 part by volume Awl-Cat #2 Converter.
- 1 part by volume T0003 Reducer.
- Example: 8 oz color base : 4 oz G3013 : 8 oz G3010 : 8 oz T0003.
Awlcraft 2000 Topcoat – flat finish
- 2 parts by volume Awlcraft 2000 Color Base.
- 2 parts by volume Flattening Agent G3013.
- 1 part by volume Awl-Cat #2 Converter.
- 1 part by volume T0003 Reducer.
- Example: 8 oz color base : 8 oz G3013 : 4 oz G3010 : 4 oz T0003.
Awlcraft 2000 Topcoat – semi-gloss finish
- 2 parts by volume Awlcraft 2000 Color Base.
- 1 part by volume Flattening Agent G3013.
- 1 part by volume Awl-Cat #2 Converter.
- 1 part by volume T0003 Reducer.
- Example: 8 oz color base : 4 oz G3013 : 4 oz G3010 : 4 oz T0003.
Mixing and reduction can vary with climate, equipment and specific conditions. Testing a small sample prior to full-scale application is recommended.
Application guidelines
- Application method: Spray application is strongly recommended when using Flattening Agent G3013.
- Number of coats: Apply 3 full coats.
- Wet film thickness per coat: 75 µm (3 mils).
- Recommended spray tip size: 1.2 mm.
- Do not use mist coats: Mist coats can lead to a rough, uneven appearance.
- Brush/roller: Rolling gives more uniform gloss than brushing, but friction from brush or roller can shear the flattening agent and cause areas of high and low gloss. Awlcraft 2000 cannot be brushed or rolled.
- Temperature limits for application and cure: Do not apply to surfaces warmer than 41°C (105°F) or colder than 13°C (55°F). Do not attempt to cure products below 13°C (55°F).
- Patch testing: Patch tests are highly recommended to verify the gloss level achieved before large-scale application.
- Large surfaces: Not recommended on very large expanses, as unequal gloss and appearance may occur.
Applications and use cases
- Marine topsides and superstructures: Create low-glare, flat or semi-gloss finishes on Awlgrip or Awlcraft 2000-painted surfaces.
- Detailing and accent areas: Adjust gloss on selected panels, interiors or accessories where a softer sheen is desired.
- Refinishing and repairs: Match existing low-gloss schemes or reduce gloss on repairs to blend with surrounding areas (patch tests recommended).
- Industrial equipment and structures: When used within the specified Awlgrip systems, helps reduce glare and achieve a more subtle industrial appearance.
The actual level of Flattening Agent G3013 required can vary from color to color and with film build, so on-site testing is important to fine-tune final gloss.
FAQ – Awlgrip Flattening Agent
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1. What does Awlgrip Flattening Agent do?
It reduces the gloss of Awlgrip and Awlcraft 2000 urethane topcoats, allowing you to obtain flat or semi-gloss finishes instead of high-gloss.
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2. Can I use G3013 with clear coats?
No. It is not recommended with clear coats OC0300, OF3029 or OG3005 and should be used in color base only.
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3. What is the preferred application method?
Spray application is recommended. Apply three full coats at 75 µm WFT each. Mist coats are not advised.
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4. Can Awlcraft 2000 with G3013 be brushed or rolled?
No. Awlcraft 2000 cannot be brushed or rolled. For other systems, rolling is preferred to brushing if spraying is not possible, but may still cause gloss variation.
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5. Which reducer should I use?
Reducer T0003 is recommended, particularly at temperatures of 20°C / 68°F or above. Some data sheets also allow T0002, but it should not be used above 25°C / 77°F.
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6. How do I achieve an extra-low gloss, especially on dark colors?
For very low gloss levels, especially with dark colors, the amount of Flattening Agent G3013 may need to be increased above 1 part by volume. A patch test is recommended.
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7. At what temperatures can I apply this product?
Do not apply to surfaces warmer than 41°C (105°F) or colder than 13°C (55°F). Do not attempt to cure at temperatures below 13°C (55°F).
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8. Is the product dangerous?
It is classified as a flammable liquid and can cause skin and eye irritation, as well as respiratory irritation and organ damage from prolonged or repeated exposure. Appropriate personal protective equipment and ventilation are required.
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9. What is the shelf life?
The typical shelf life is 2 years when stored correctly in the original, unopened container.
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10. Is Awlgrip Flattening Agent suitable for large uninterrupted surfaces?
It is not recommended for very large continuous areas, as it may lead to unequal gloss and non-uniform appearance.
Section 14 – Transport information
- UN number / ID number: UN1263.
- UN proper shipping name: PAINT.
- Transport hazard class: Class 3 (flammable liquid).
- Packing group: III.
- ADR/RID: UN1263, PAINT, Class 3, Packing Group III, Tunnel code (D/E).
- IMDG: UN1263, PAINT, Class 3, Packing Group III, Emergency schedules F-E, S-E.
- IATA: UN1263, PAINT, Class 3, Packing Group III.
- Environmental hazards: Not classified as environmentally hazardous for transport in ADR/RID, IMDG or IATA.
- On-site transport precautions: Within user premises, transport only in closed, upright and secure containers. Ensure personnel know the emergency actions in case of accident or spillage.
Section 8 – Personal protective measures
The following information is summarised from the Safety Data Sheet and applies to handling, mixing, application and cleaning operations.
General hygiene measures
- Prohibit eating, drinking and smoking in areas where the product is handled, stored or processed.
- Wash hands, forearms and face thoroughly after handling and before eating, drinking or using the lavatory.
- Remove contaminated clothing and protective equipment before entering eating areas.
- Ensure eyewash stations and safety showers are available near the work area.
Eye and face protection
- Use chemical splash goggles complying with an approved standard when there is a risk of liquid splashes, mists, gases or dusts.
- If eye irritation persists after exposure, seek medical attention.
Hand protection
- Wear chemical-resistant, impervious gloves complying with EN374 or an equivalent standard.
- For prolonged or frequently repeated contact, use gloves with protection class 6 (breakthrough time > 480 minutes); recommended materials: Viton or nitrile, thickness ≥ 0.38 mm.
- For brief contact, use gloves with protection class ≥ 2 (breakthrough time > 30 minutes); recommended material: nitrile, thickness ≥ 0.12 mm.
- Inspect and replace gloves regularly, especially if damaged. Performance can be reduced by physical or chemical damage and poor maintenance.
Skin and body protection
- Select protective clothing based on the specific task and risk, with specialist approval.
- When there is a risk of ignition from static electricity, wear anti-static protective clothing, including overalls, boots and gloves (refer to EN 1149).
- Use appropriate footwear and any additional skin protection measures according to the work conditions.
Respiratory protection
- Ensure adequate ventilation using process enclosures, local exhaust or other engineering controls to maintain airborne concentrations below recommended limits and below lower explosive limits.
- When ventilation is insufficient, wear a respirator conforming to EN140 with an A/P2 filter or better, as part of a respiratory protection program covering fit, training and correct use.
- Dry sanding, flame cutting or welding of dry paint films can produce hazardous dust or fumes; wet sanding/flatting is preferred. If exposure cannot be avoided, use suitable respiratory protection.
Environmental exposure controls
- Check emissions from ventilation and process equipment for compliance with environmental regulations.
- Where necessary, use fume scrubbers, filters or process modifications to reduce emissions.
*Contenido generado por IA
