When Awlgrip, AkzoNobel’s brand of premium yacht finishes, launched its new HDT (High Definition Technology) Clearcoat in Q4 of 2017, it marked another significant development in its product line-up. The high gloss topcoat, designed to combine hardness and micro-scratch resistance with the repairability of a softer coating, is just one element of a continually evolving research and development programme which, as SuperyachtNews discovered, is looking outside conventional coating systems to brand new technologies.
“Without revealing too much, we are working on improved topcoat systems and we’re building on that technology to deliver improved durability,” begins Hans Slegtenhorst, global segment manager for AkzoNobel. “From a market perspective I think owners and end users are really looking into that aspect, and if the product lasts longer then obviously it saves them time and hassle. We are also looking at how to improve the paint application process and decrease the time that takes which, from an applicator and a yard perspective, translates into both time-saving and cost saving.”
GYG plc (LON:GYG) was formed from the joint venture of two of the most prestigious global superyacht painting, service and supply companies, Pinmar and Rolling Stock. GYG has a distribution agreement in Spain with Awlgrip.