Gloss innovation
Awlgrip has expanded its innovative Gloss Finish Primer into North America and Asia-Pacific, offering superyacht builders and refit yards a more efficient coating system that reduces application time and VOC emissions.
Photography by Awlgrip
16 October 2026
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Awlgrip, the premium yacht coatings brand owned by AkzoNobel, has extended the availability of its patented Gloss Finish Primer to North America and Asia-Pacific, following its European launch in 2025.
Developed for newbuild superyachts and refit projects, the two-in-one coating combines a finish primer and show coat in a single product, reducing the number of application stages while maintaining the high-quality surface finish required in luxury yacht construction.
The expansion also marks the product’s introduction to the maintenance and repair sector, extending its application beyond new custom-built superyachts.
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A conventional superyacht coating system can involve up to 15 layers of paint, making surface preparation and finishing among the most time-intensive stages of construction.
By eliminating one coating layer, Awlgrip Gloss Finish Primer helps boatyards streamline production schedules without compromising finish quality or durability.
Its high-gloss surface also allows applicators to identify and correct imperfections before the final topcoat is applied, reducing the time required for finishing work.
The benefits are particularly relevant to superyacht construction, where projects can take three to five years and final coating stages are often completed close to delivery.
For refit and maintenance projects, the product provides similar advantages. As yachts operate and their structures settle over time, surface imperfections can become more apparent. The high-gloss primer helps technicians identify and rectify these defects during repairs, improving efficiency while maintaining the appearance expected of premium yachts.
Environmental performance is another significant feature of the technology.
According to Awlgrip, Gloss Finish Primer can reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions by up to 50 percent per square-metre compared with a conventional two-step finish primer and show coat system.
The reduction is achieved through higher volume solids and the elimination of one application layer, reducing the amount of coating material and solvent required.
James Morton, Marketing Director at AkzoNobel Marine, Protective and Yacht Coatings, said the international expansion followed positive feedback from European customers.
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,” Morton said.
Jemma Lampkin, Global Commercial Director at AkzoNobel Yacht Coatings, said the expansion would provide greater consistency for yacht builders, applicators and refit facilities operating internationally.
“Our customers operate all over the world, and they deserve the same standard of innovation no matter where they are,” Lampkin said.
Fully compatible with the existing Awlgrip coating system, Gloss Finish Primer is now available across Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific.
The launch reflects the marine coatings industry’s increasing focus on reducing environmental impact while improving productivity across newbuild and refit operations.
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