United States

Interlux

Following the successful launch of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1485" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Awlgrip (Company)">Awlgrip</a>® 3D Color Visualizer, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7254" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="AkzoNobel (Company)">AkzoNobel</a> has added two further digital capabilities to its technical service offer. The new innovations include RealWear, a camera headset that will change the way applicators worldwide can access support, and Virtual Reality (VR) Spray Gun technology.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/331299/image/large-6f9b2a12d18ecd9a300ca4c5a9be1ec0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/331299">Both RealWear and the VR Spray Gun are compatible with the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1485" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Awlgrip (Company)">Awlgrip</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2177" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Interlux (Company)">Interlux</a>®, International® and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4105" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Hawk Maritime (Company)">Sea Hawk</a>® brands and will help train and upskill both the current and future generation to deliver superior yacht finishes, globally.&nbsp;The RealWear camera headset is a safe and hands free visual assistant tool that connects applicators directly to the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7254" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="AkzoNobel (Company)">AkzoNobel</a> team for real-time technical support. Users wearing the RealWear glasses can stream video and take pictures, allowing the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7254" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="AkzoNobel (Company)">AkzoNobel</a> technical team to observe issues and offer support in real time from anywhere in the world. The software can be used via mobile and is compatible with both Apple and Google operating systems.Through the digital solution, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7254" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="AkzoNobel (Company)">AkzoNobel</a> is able to increase access to its renowned technical team by offering quick and convenient communication, removing the applicator's need for travel to access support and allowing them to continue their work with minimal delays. All of which, ultimately save the customer time and money, so they can get back in the water quicker. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/331298/image/large-1789d6d18517e509081ff2bc82cfd057.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/331298">Additionally, new VR Spray Gun equipment using cutting edge technology will now be available to teach and refine painting techniques, without the use of any liquid paint.The VR Spray Gun Equipment is portable, hands-free and intrinsically safe, allowing the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7254" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="AkzoNobel (Company)">AkzoNobel</a> technical teams to transport it anywhere to help train distributor representatives, boatyard applicators, as well as an additional training tool at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7254" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="AkzoNobel (Company)">AkzoNobel’</a>s Yacht Painting Application Centers (YPAC) located &nbsp;around the world.Users of the VR Spray Gun Equipment can choose between conventional, pressure pot and electrostatic spray guns, which are all complete with air compression sounds and the real life resistance that is felt when pulling the spray gun trigger. The combination of spray guns and VR technology provides a lifelike feel and touch for those who are learning to paint boats or yachts, or want to refine their techniques.Applicators are taken through the whole process of ‘virtually’ spraying an entire <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1485" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Awlgrip (Company)">Awlgrip</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2177" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Interlux (Company)">Interlux</a>®, International® or <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4105" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Hawk Maritime (Company)">Sea Hawk</a> system on either the top or bottom of the boat and can learn the difference between primers, topcoats and fouling controls without the need to wait for the paint to dry between coats. The process allows users to see the way they virtually painted the part, how much paint was used, the application time and the cost associated in both time and product.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/331300/image/large-8da90fb73711b6def3b72e45cd8b07a5.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/331300">Not only can the tool support team training, it can provide customers and end users with a firsthand experience of the important role that paint application and skilled professionals play in achieving high-quality results.These two advancements follow the launch of the interactive <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1485" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Awlgrip (Company)">Awlgrip</a> 3D Visualization earlier in the year, which simplifies selecting and customizing boat colors from an extensive database, allowing boaters and professionals to view their designs on various boat types.Richard Jennings, Global Technical Service Manager at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7254" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="AkzoNobel (Company)">AkzoNobel</a>’s yacht coatings comments:&nbsp;“The yachting industry is spread across the globe and accessing real-time technical support and on-site training can be a challenge for boatyards and applicators. That’s why we have invested in cutting-edge digital solutions to strengthen our support and increase access to our renowned technical team.”&nbsp;“Our customers always tell us that they highly value the support and capabilities of our technical team and that this is an important contributor to their success. So we are proud to introduce RealWear and VR Spray Gun technology to strengthen this support for the yachting industry - it uniquely positions us to offer an unparalleled level of support and training to applicators worldwide, regardless of whether they are a beginner or highly experienced.”RealWear will be available in late 2024. For more information, please contact your local representative.

AkzoNobel digital training

Following the launch of Awlgrip® 3D Color Visualizer, AkzoNobel has added two further digital capabilities to its technical service offer.

How AkzoNobel is leading the way in digital training and support for yacht coating applicators

In the wake of what could be the largest oil spill in US history, leading yacht paint manufacturers Interlux and Awlgrip offer boaters in the impacted areas the following tips to help clean contaminated boats. The surface of an antifouling paint that has become contaminated with oil can become “blocked” i.e preventing the biocide from being released, which subsequently leads to premature fouling. It will also result in a contaminated layer that will make adhesion of new antifouling applications difficult. Cleaning of contaminated antifouling surfaces: For hard polishing and ablative antifouling paints that have been heavily contaminated the best method to use when treating the bottom is to use a paint-stripper such as Interstrip 299e to remove all the pollution and the paint, then scrub the substrate using Fiberglass Surface Prep YMA601 and a coarse Scotch-Brite pad. Rinse with fresh water. Repeat until the surface is clean (when the water cascades off of the surface with no beading or separating). Allow the surface to dry thoroughly prior to re-painting. The same process is recommended on metal boats however to avoid corrosion the metal substrate should be prepared by grinding or blasting after the cleaning process and prior to priming. To aid adhesion apply InterProtect 2000E primer per label instructions. Sanding or sand blasting a surface that still has oil on it may drive the oil into the surface and cause a loss of adhesion of the subsequent coats. If the coating of oil is light, powerwash and then use a household detergent with water to scrub off any pollution. Then scrub using Fiberglass Surface Prep YMA601 and a coarse Scotch-Brite pad and rinse thoroughly with fresh water. Let dry prior to re-painting. Polishing paints such as Micron Technology, may be re-launched without painting assuming the film thickness of remaining paint is adequate (2-3 mils dry after scrubbing) &amp; the next application is scheduled within 5 months. Cleaning of contaminated topcoat surfaces: Contaminated topcoats should be cleaned as soon as practically possible to minimize the damaging effects of the crude. If the surface of a topcoat is contaminated with crude oil, staining and possible degradation of the topcoat may result from the acidic nature of the contaminant. The recommendations below apply to Awlgrip®, Awlcraft® 2000 and Interlux® Perfection topcoats. If there is any doubt of the type of surface in question always test a small area first. In the case of heavy contamination, the material may be a thick, sticky tar-like material due to its exposure to the elements. It is recommended that these surfaces first be cleared by wipe down with T0016, T0170 or Mineral Spirits followed by power washing, and then cleaned with Awlwash® at a 4 oz/gallon level (or household liquid detergents such as Dawn). The detergent washing step of the cleaning process must be done in manageable areas. Each area should be then be thoroughly rinsed with plenty of clean water before moving on to the next. DO NOT allow detergent solutions to dry on the surface. Hulls exhibiting ‘sheen’ contamination may be cleaned with the regular concentration levels of Awlwash, though they too may benefit from a prewash wipe down with T0016, T0170 or Mineral Spirits to loosen the film. In both cases, it is recommended that the newly cleaned surface be protected from further contamination with application of Awlcare®. In all cases: Contaminated waste water should be collected per local marina guidelines, local authority regulations and/or Clean Water Act requirements. Collecting the water and the emulsified crude will prevent spreading of contamination. Crude and solvent contaminated wipes must also be disposed of in a responsible manner. Interlux Technical Service +1 800 468 7589 <a href="http://www.yachtpaint.com/usa">www.yachtpaint.com/usa</a> Awlgrip Technical Service +1 888 355 3090 <a href="http://www.awlgrip.com">www.awlgrip.com</a>

Oil spill cleanup tips for yachts

The running surface of each new Viking 70 Convertible (hull #1 is due this summer) will leave the Viking Yachts factory with the premium Interlux® Micron® Technology antifouling system. Hull #1 of the new Viking Yachts 70 Convertible is painted with the Interlux Micron Technology antifouling system at the Viking factory. Widely recognized by sportfishing anglers for their speed and sea-kindly performance in blue water, Viking is working closely with Interlux to achieve maximum efficiencies from the aggressively-designed hull of the new 70.“Vikings are designed and built to perform around the world as hard-core tournament fishing machines and luxurious cruising yachts. Micron paint provides exceptional anti-fouling protection that enhances this performance,” said Peter Frederiksen, Viking Yacht’s Director of Communications. Interlux Micron antifouling paints are designed for multi-season use – boats can be hauled and re-launched without repainting. The polishing action of Micron Technology products such as Micron CSC, Micron Extra and Micron 66® yields a smoother surface than hard antifoulings to maximize on fuel economy and unlike old-fashioned high copper bottom paints, Micron uses less copper more efficiently for the longest-lasting antifouling protection. With world-wide recognition and premier brand association, Micron Technology continues to be a preferred choice by boat builders, boat yards and boat owners. Interlux <a href="mailto:yacht.us@yachtpaint.com?subject=Interlux%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">yacht.us@yachtpaint.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.yachtpaint.com">www.yachtpaint.com</a>