Help! How to choose the best bilge paint?

[saacmk1]

It's time to refinish the bilge of my fiberglass Cascade sloop. Awlgrip blistered and peeled the first week so now I have the prevledge of doing it again. Its my fault for not getting better advice up front. So now I'm asking - what do you guys like for bilges?

 

[backyard mechanic]

Re: Help! How to choose the best bilge paint?

I'd be asking the question... "why didn't the paint work?" Perhaps your prep wasn't right/wrong paint or wrong thinner used??? I had a nearly fatal paint job based on bad info. Glad I asked for a second opinion before I painted.

I used Petit brand paint on a total make over on my Sea Ray. That worked very well, bottom, sides, inside bilge, deck, bulkhead all of it... I got all my expert advise from the guys at Englund in Astoria.

A "paint outfit" in Portland steered me all wrong. Sold me the wrong paint, too much paint, gave me bad information, all of that. I did the whole project for what the "other company" wanted me to spent on a gallon of paint. (About $200)

I was very happy with the total project. Finish, ease of application, longevity and patch up ease... the whole she-bang. The Petit paint web site was pretty good. I also got REAL good info at the boat show. Those Petit guys can really help with your project.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Help! How to choose the best bilge paint?

I'd be asking a different question: why paint a bilge at all, except in a wooden boat? I'd rather spend the time boating and the paint money on fuel and toys. It's like waxing the inside of your motor cover.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Help! How to choose the best bilge paint?

I used a gloss enamel on mine.Not marine paint but some from Ace hardware.... It was an industrial type paint.
It took forever to dry but has lasted great.Everything washes right off.
I think your first paint job failed because the bilge may have not been prepped good.
Sand it down and clean everything with acetone.It should stick fine.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Help! How to choose the best bilge paint?

I like a clean bilge too, what you don't see CAN hurt you when it comes to boats.
I like clean bright white for the bilge, the smoother the finish the easier it wipes clean.
I used some oil base epoxie on minw and it's holding up just fine.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Help! How to choose the best bilge paint?

Awlgrip is excellent paint. if it peeled, you have serious prep issues. You need to make sure the bilge is clean, dry and has enough tooth for paint to grab. I suspect you have some grease, oil or wax on the bilge surface.

if you have standing water in the bilge, you need a two part paint suitable for below the waterline. Check your awlgrip, as some of it is this type.

 

[salty87]

Re: Help! How to choose the best bilge paint?

interlux bilgekote. kind of like a pepsi v coke debate though.

follow the instructions to the letter.