What AWLPREP Surface Cleaner is and why choose it
AWLPREP Surface Cleaner T0008 from Awlgrip is a fast-evaporating wipe-down solvent designed for professional preparation of finish primers, fillers and topcoats. Used immediately before and after sanding, it removes hand oils, light grease and other light surface contaminants, helping to prevent surface defects and ensuring that subsequent coatings adhere correctly. Its characteristic “drying” effect removes latent surface moisture that can otherwise cause a gloss finish to appear flat. AWLPREP Surface Cleaner is non-photochemically reactive and formulated for industrial and professional use.
Main features
- Fast-evaporating surface cleaner – Ideal for final wipe-down of primed or topcoated surfaces before and after sanding.
- Effective on light contaminants – Removes hand oils, light grease and similar light surface contamination.
- Moisture “drying” effect – Helps remove latent moisture from the surface, reducing the risk of gloss finishes appearing flat.
- Non-photochemically reactive – Classified as non-photochemically reactive according to the product data.
- High solvent purity – Composition based mainly on ethanol (≥ 90%) with ≤ 10% isopropyl alcohol.
- For professional, industrial use – Intended for trained applicators using appropriate equipment and safety procedures.
- Used with the Two Cloth Method – Ensures thorough cleaning without smearing contamination.
Technical specifications
- Product type: Awlprep T0008 – Surface cleaner for finish primers and topcoats.
- Brand: Awlgrip / Akzo Nobel.
- Physical state: Liquid.
- Color: Colorless.
- Odor: Alcohol-like.
- Density: 0.808 g/cm³ (DIN EN ISO 2811-1).
- Boiling point: 78°C (172.4°F).
- Flash point: 13°C (55.4°F), closed cup (Pensky-Martens).
- Auto-ignition temperature (ethanol component): 455°C (DIN 51794).
- Viscosity (kinematic): 6 mm²/s at room temperature; 5 mm²/s at 40°C (DIN EN ISO 3219).
- Solubility: Soluble in cold water (OECD TG 105).
- VOC content (product data sheet): 809 g/L (6.8 lb/gal).
- Packaging: Available in 1 gallon containers.
- Classification (CLP/GHS): Flam. Liq. 2, H225; Eye Irrit. 2, H319.
- Primary components: Ethanol (≥ 90%), isopropyl alcohol (≤ 10%).
Applications and use cases
Recommended uses
- Final wipe-down of finish primers – Clean final primed surfaces before sanding and before applying subsequent coats.
- Preparation of topcoats – Wipe down freshly sanded or existing topcoated areas to remove light contamination.
- Cleaning fillers – Used before and after sanding fillers, following the Two Cloth Method.
- Moisture control on glossy systems – Removal of latent surface moisture that can cause gloss finishes to lose shine.
Surface preparation guidance
- A clean, dry surface is essential for coating performance. Always clean before sanding, as sanding can drive oils and greases into the substrate.
- Use care on primed or painted surfaces that are not fully cured. Awlprep wipe-down products can attack uncured epoxy or urethane coatings, as well as some polyester fillers.
- Usually, an epoxy or urethane surface that is sandable is cured enough for wipe-down with Awlprep surface cleaning solvents, but not for de-waxing or degreasing solvents.
- Polyester fillers may be sensitive to solvents in the Awlprep line. Always test a small, inconspicuous area before treating the full surface.
Two Cloth Cleaning Method (application instructions)
- Pre-clean dust: Thoroughly remove all dust from the surface using a vacuum or clean, dry compressed air while wiping with clean, oil-free, dry cotton cloths. Most loose dust and dirt should be removed before applying AWLPREP Surface Cleaner.
- Wet the surface: Soak one clean cloth in AWLPREP T0008 and use it to wet the surface.
- Wipe dry: Immediately use a second, dry cloth to wipe the surface dry, lifting contamination off the surface.
- Work in small areas (approximately 4 sq ft / 0.4 m² or less) so the cleaner does not dry before the second cloth wipes the surface clean and dry.
- Repeat steps with fresh cloths until the surface is completely residue-free.
- Wiping with only one wet cloth will smear contamination instead of removing it.
- Use only clean cotton cloths or prepackaged lint-free towels specifically designed for solvent wiping.
- The surface must be completely dry before using tack rags.
Detergent scrubbing (optional pre-clean)
- Many applicators scrub surfaces with a household cleanser and a 3M Scotch-Brite Pad before other preparation steps.
- Observe the rinse water: breaks, holes or beading indicate areas that require additional cleaning.
FAQ
1. What is AWLPREP Surface Cleaner T0008 used for?
It is used to wipe down final primed, filled and topcoated surfaces before and after sanding to remove hand oils, light grease and light surface contaminants, and to help remove latent surface moisture.
2. Can it be used on bare substrates for heavy wax or grease removal?
No. AWLPREP T0008 is described as a mild surface cleaner for light contamination. For wax and heavy grease removal from substrates, the product data sheet refers to other Awlprep products (such as T0115) rather than T0008.
3. Does AWLPREP Surface Cleaner require mixing or reduction?
No mixing or reduction is required. It is used as supplied.
4. What application tools are recommended?
Use clean, oil-free, dry cotton cloths or prepackaged surface-cleaning lint-free towels designed specifically for solvent wiping, following the Two Cloth Method.
5. Why is the Two Cloth Method important?
The first cloth wets and loosens contamination, while the second dry cloth lifts it off the surface. Using only one wet cloth merely smears contamination around and can leave residues that affect coating adhesion and appearance.
6. Can AWLPREP T0008 attack uncured coatings or fillers?
Yes. Awlprep wipe-down products can attack epoxy or urethane coatings and some polyester fillers that are not fully cured. Always ensure the system is sandable and test a small area first.
7. Is AWLPREP Surface Cleaner flammable?
Yes. It is classified as a highly flammable liquid and vapor (Flam. Liq. 2, H225) and has a flash point of 13°C (55.4°F). It must be kept away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources.
8. Does this product have a strong odor?
It has an alcohol-like odor due to its high ethanol content.
9. Is AWLPREP Surface Cleaner suitable for general consumer use?
No. It is specified as for industrial/professional use only, intended for trained personnel using appropriate equipment and safety measures.
10. What should I do if the product gets into my eyes?
Rinse cautiously with plenty of water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing and seek medical advice if irritation persists, in line with the product safety data sheet.
Section 14 – Transport information
- UN number (ADR/RID, IMDG, IATA): UN1263.
- Proper shipping name (ADR/RID): Productos para la pintura / Paint related material.
- Proper shipping name (IMDG, IATA): PAINT RELATED MATERIAL.
- Transport hazard class: 3 (flammable liquid).
- Packing group: II.
- Environmental hazards: Not classified as a marine pollutant according to the provided data.
- ADR/RID special provisions: 640 (C); Tunnel code (D/E).
- IMDG emergency schedules: F-E, S-E.
- Special precautions for user: Within user premises, transport only in closed, upright and secure containers; ensure personnel know actions to take in case of accident or spillage.
Section 8 – Individual protection measures
Engineering controls and hygiene
- Use only with adequate ventilation; apply local exhaust or process enclosure to keep vapor levels below recommended occupational exposure limits and below explosive limits.
- Use explosion-proof ventilation equipment and non-sparking tools.
- Wash hands, forearms and face thoroughly after handling and before eating, drinking or smoking.
- Remove contaminated clothing and protective equipment before entering eating areas; wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
- Ensure emergency eyewash stations and safety showers are close to the workstation.
Eye and face protection
- Wear safety eyewear complying with an approved standard when there is a risk of splashes, mists or vapors.
- If contact is possible, use chemical splash goggles offering protection against liquid splashes.
Hand protection
- Wear chemical-resistant, impervious gloves meeting an approved standard when handling the product.
- For prolonged or frequently repeated contact: use gloves with protection class 6 (breakthrough time > 480 minutes, EN374). Recommended materials: Viton or nitrile, thickness ≥ 0.38 mm.
- For brief contact: use gloves with protection class ≥ 2 (breakthrough time > 30 minutes, EN374). Recommended material: nitrile, thickness ≥ 0.12 mm.
- Replace gloves regularly and immediately if damaged. Performance may be reduced by physical or chemical damage or poor maintenance.
Skin and body protection
- Select protective clothing based on the specific task and risks; approval by a safety specialist is recommended.
- Where there is a risk of ignition from static electricity, wear anti-static protective clothing (overalls, boots, gloves) complying with EN 1149.
- Use appropriate footwear and any additional skin protection required by the risk assessment.
Respiratory protection
- Select a respiratory protection device that meets the appropriate standard, based on hazard level and exposure potential.
- Respirators must be used within a formal respiratory protection program that includes fit testing, training and maintenance.
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 to acceptable levels.
*Contenido generado por IA
