Painting the Bilge, What Paint Though???

[Sapperwhite]

I'm replacing the diesel fuel tank which resides in my bilge. While I have it out, I'd like to paint the bilge (among the hundred or so other jobs down there). I used bilge cleaner and a scrub brush last night. While that was a big improvement, it didn't knock my cocks off like I was hoping it would. So..... what kind of paint are bilges painted with?

Tank in


Tank out


Bilge "cleaned"

[CharlieCobra]

I would use epoxy.

[sailingdog]

clean thoroughly, sand lightly, and then paint with Interprotect 2000E. It's normally used as a barrier coating but works great as a bilge paint.

[jjablonowski]

Interlux Bilgekote. Complete instructions on package or online.

[T37Chef]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

clean thoroughly, sand lightly, and then paint with Interprotect 2000E. It's normally used as a barrier coating but works great as a bilge paint.

I will second SD's recommendation, although I have done it yet, Interprotect is what I am planning to use.

One factor in choosing the barrier coat type paint is the small amount of water always present in my bilge. (ice box drain, keel stepped mast, etc.)

[NOLAsailing]

Second the Interluc BilgeKote.

To barrier coat, the laminate has to be WAY drier than you'll ever get a bilge. To epoxy, it has to be way cleaner.

Bilgekote forgives all of the above, looks good, and is extremely durable.

[wchevron]

i just painted mine with the intelux bilgekote. used a roller and brush. you need about 2-3 coats.

[brak]

Bilgekote is excellent paint for these things. I used it for the floor in my boat's head and a few lockers - it works great, looks good and easy to clean. The solvent they suggest for preparation, though, is mainly kerosene and stinks appropriately

[kwaltersmi]

International also makes a product called "Danboline" that's made for bilges.

[Sapperwhite]

Thanks for the recommendations and refreshing my mind. I knew there was a bilge specific product out there, just couldn't remember what the hell it was.