Awlgrip®, a premium yacht coatings brand trusted by boatyards and professional applicators worldwide, has announced the launch of its Gloss Finish Primer across North America and Asia-Pacific. Following a successful introduction of the patented technology in Europe, the industry-first solution is now available to a broader audience that includes both new custom build superyacht projects and the maintenance and repair sector, a first for the product.
Awlgrip Gloss Finish Primer is a two-in-one solution that combines the functions of a finish primer and a show coat into a single product. Used as part of the Awlgrip high-performance coating system, the Gloss Finish Primer reduces application steps while delivering the same standard of finish professionals expect from the brand. The high-gloss surface allows applicators to quickly identify and correct surface imperfections before the final topcoat is applied, a critical advantage at the final stages of a build, where time is at a premium.
A superyacht coating process for both newbuild yachts and refit projects can involve up to 15 layers of paint. By eliminating one product layer from the system, without compromising on quality or durability, the Gloss Finish Primer offers meaningful time savings that improve project efficiency. With superyachts typically taking three to five years to build, and the finish primer and show coat applied close to project completion, reducing process steps provides a valuable advantage for yards working to keep vessels on schedule for launch or redelivery.
The benefits also extend into the maintenance and repair cycle. As yachts move and settle during service, surface imperfections and defects can become more apparent over time. During refit and repair work, Awlgrip Gloss Finish Primer helps defects to be identified and corrected more easily, supporting a more efficient repair process while maintaining the high aesthetic standards expected in the superyacht sector.
The product also carries an enhanced environmental profile. Compared to a standard two-step system using a finish primer and a show coat separately, Gloss Finish Primer delivers up to 50% lower VOC emissions per square meter, driven by its higher volume solids and the removal of one application layer.
Awlgrip Gloss Finish Primer is fully compatible with the complete Awlgrip system, providing customers with a seamless, integrated solution from a single trusted brand.
James Morton, Marketing Director at AkzoNobel Marine, Protective and Yacht Coatings, said: “Awlgrip Gloss Finish Primer has already proven its value with customers across Europe since its launch in 2025. Bringing it to North America and Asia-Pacific is a natural next step in our commitment to being a truly global player, we want every customer, wherever they’re based, to have access to the same leading technology and the efficiency it brings to their business.”
Jemma Lampkin, Global Commercial Director at AkzoNobel Yacht Coatings, added: “Our customers operate all over the world, and they deserve the same standard of innovation no matter where they are. Extending Awlgrip Gloss Finish Primer into North America and Asia-Pacific reflects our dedication to making outstanding results accessible globally and reinforces our position as a partner that delivers consistently.”
