A digital revolution
To complement the Awlgrip 3D Color Visualizer, AkzoNobel launched the Virtual Reality Spray Gun technology to help educate and refine painting techniques for the global teams of applicators
AkzoNobel’s Yacht Coatings portfolio, including the renowned brands Awlgrip® and International®, offers premium products, all supported by a first-class technical team dedicated to assisting applicators and boat owners worldwide.
Awlgrip® has built a reputation for the highest quality finish and performance in yacht coatings. Its extensive product range includes a wide selection of colours and effects, valued for their depth of image and proven durability. Backed by expert technical support, Awlgrip® ensures effective product use across the globe.
Similarly, AkzoNobel’s International® brand stands as a global leader in high performance yacht coatings and has become synonymous as the premium coatings brand for above and below the waterline by boaters and professionals.
International® provides innovative solutions that protect, enhance and improve the performance of all types of pleasure craft – everywhere, every time.
In 2024, AkzoNobel opened its first Yacht Paint Application Center (YPAC) in the Asia-Pacific region, providing world-class product and technical training with the latest digital paint application tools. This expansion increased AkzoNobel’s global training centres to five. Building on its commitment to innovation, AkzoNobel introduced several digital tools to support the yachting industry further. These include the Virtual Reality (VR) Spray Gun, the XpertEye headset, and the Awlgrip® 3D Color Visualizer.
Designed to enhance training for both experienced and new applicators, the VR Spray Gun simulates real-world yacht painting techniques without using any physical product. Applicators can use virtual versions of Awlgrip®, and International®, product systems to practice adjusting spray gun settings, mastering application angles, and perfecting techniques for primers, topcoats and fouling control.
The VR Spray Gun provides users with instant feedback on their technique which allows them to refine their skills before working with real coatings. The equipment is portable, and intrinsically safe, allowing the AkzoNobel technical teams to transport it anywhere to help train distributor representatives, boatyards and applicators.
For applicators and boatyards seeking remote technical support, XpertEye camera headset is a safe and hands-free visual assistant tool that connects users directly to the AkzoNobel technical team for real- time technical support. Users can stream live video and capture images, enabling the AkzoNobel team to observe issues and provide immediate guidance remotely. The software is compatible with both Apple and Google operating systems and can be easily accessed via mobile devices, ensuring support is always within reach.
This digital solution enhances access to AkzoNobel’s renowned technical team, enabling applicators to resolve challenges efficiently with minimal disruption to their work. By reducing delays, the XpertEye headset helps customers save time and money, ensuring projects are completed promptly and vessels can return to the water sooner.
The Awlgrip 3D Color Visualizer is an innovative and industry leading tool designed to empower boaters and applicators by simplifying their journey to find the perfect colour for their boat. Unique algorithms provide users with a visual representation of what a boat could look like in a 3D virtual environment. Users have instant access to tens of thousands of colours from the extensive Awlgrip colour database. The launch of this tool reflects AkzoNobel’s commitment to enriching the customer’s experience when it comes to the important and often emotive subject of colour.
Through its continuous commitment to innovation and customer support, AkzoNobel is redefining excellence in yacht coatings.
By combining industry-leading products, cutting-edge digital tools, and world-class training facilities, the company is empowering boaters and applicators to achieve superior results with greater efficiency.
AkzoNobel remains dedicated to driving progress in the industry, ensuring yachts look and perform at their best.
ABOUT AKZONOBEL
Since 1792, we’ve been supplying innovative paints and coatings that help to colour people’s lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands – including International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that’s dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today – while creating an even better tomorrow. Let’s paint the future together.
For more information, please visit www.yachtcoatings.com
