Prefered Bilge Paint/Coating

[Brian1e]

What are your preferences, and opinions on bilge paints. I don't really think I want to gel-coat. Interlux, Pettit, or Jamestown total boat bilge coatings? Advantages, disadvantages of each. They all appear to be fine products.

Thanks

[yachtman]

Interlux bilge kote

[builderdude]

What he said

[boatworkfl]

Sanded and re-gel coated mine. Bilge coat is a great product and much easier to do.

[kwb]

BilgeKote is well regarded but I haven't used it.

I have used catalyzed automotive urethane in the past and been very happy with results - key is that it is catalyzed so that it will be solvent resistant. Worked with local autobody supply house for one of the low cost paint lines they had and catalyst nearing shelf life limit for a very nice price.

This is a project best undertaken when engines are out and you can really get into all the areas.

[bruce griffith]

Hi Brian. I have always used Rust-oleum satin white in the bilge. Stays nice and easy clean up.

[sketch96]

I used a commercial porch and floor paint i my bilge. Wasnt sure at first but now that i have been in and out a hundred times reinstalling the motor and access. It looks brand new still. Was about 1/3 the price of bilgecoat here where i live.........time will tell!

[aspen1880]

bilgekote. i used it in the bilge of course and was so pleased with it that I use it on non-marine things.
i'm a straight amateur painter (full disclosure).

[Sunbird]

I have used Bilgekote for many years. However no matter which product you use the surface preparation is more important then the product. The surface must be clean , dry , and oil free.

[Brian1e]

Well it looks like Bilge Coat will be the coating of choice. I was looking for easy and durable, hoping to avoid the catalyzed coatings. This is actually phase 1 of the engine room spruce up. The portion of the bilge I am immediately concerned with is the keel sump. The boat is currently on the hard for a bottom job. This portion of the bilge would be very difficult to keep dry in the water.

Thanks for all the comments, they have been duly noted for future reference.

[Nauti_Mike]

More important for any of these products to hold up you need to clean and degrease the bilge.

[builderdude]

Agree, good prep work is the key.

[yachtman]

Scrub it good with red scotchbrite and degreaser. Probably several times. Soap and water . I use simple green. The last scrub with a solvent degreaser dry well. You'll need a respirator mask. With bilge kote you will need good ventilation and a respirator make sure there are no shiney spots before you start to paint.

when I say scrub I mean push hard when you do it . Red scotchbrite is about 400 grit sand paper but you need to push on it when you do it. It's also good for getting areas sand paper wont. Switch out the scotchbrite before it gets wimpy