Painting the bilge - bilge Paint or GelCoat ???

[tpenfield]

I am refurbishing the bilge/engine compartment on my Formula 242SS while I have the engine out for a rebuild.

I plan on painting the bilge and I am wondering if I could/should use some Gelcoat that I have left over from a project or just go with Bilge Paint, such as Interlux Bilgekote??

Advantages/disadvantages of using gelcoat versus bilge paint ??

Thanks in advance.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Painting the bilge - bilge Paint or GelCoat ???

Ayuh,... I use Rustoleum industrial enamel...

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Painting the bilge - bilge Paint or GelCoat ???

Advantages/disadvantages of using gelcoat versus bilge paint ??

Clean up and Maintaining a clean bilge. Paint wins this department.

Ease of application and coverage. Paint wins again ..

The only reason I would gelcoat a compartment would be to blend a repair.

No matter what you use be sure to prep it Real good or you will have problems in your future.

I agree with Bondo with enamel.

YD.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Painting the bilge - bilge Paint or GelCoat ???

Yep, Rustoleum gets my vote and...I would add the Acrylic Enamel Hardener to it as well. Sold @ Tractor Supply (Valspar) or Advanced Auto (Acme Finish 1 Medium) 1 Tablespoon of Hardener Per Cup of Paint.

 

[oops!]

Re: Painting the bilge - bilge Paint or GelCoat ???

lol...just to thoow a wrench into the mix........i love gellcoat......tough as nails.

a bilge does not need to look pretty.....so finish is not an issue.....i would mix up some white waxed gell....and just paint it on.

no issues for 40 years...clean up is a snap !

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Painting the bilge - bilge Paint or GelCoat ???

You dont use Awl Grip much ..

Gel is a PITA to recoat compartments .. and its too thick ..

Ya'allGripit .. Done ..

Gel is good though ..

YD.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Painting the bilge - bilge Paint or GelCoat ???

In this situation I would go with whatever I had on hand, in this case you have the gel coat already, why buy more stuff.

The tougher part is getting the bilge clean enough for a good bond, it's better to have a dirty surface than new paint peeling off a dirty surface.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Painting the bilge - bilge Paint or GelCoat ???

Thanks for the replies . . . looks like the ideas run the gambit.

I am concerned about getting all of the grease/grime off the surfaces in order to insure a good bond.

I plan on using multiple degreasing solutions in high concentration. I am also thinking maybe an isopropyl rinse.

If I use the Gelcoat, it will probably thinned with actone for ease of painting. Perhaps I should test a small area for performance and compatibility.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Painting the bilge - bilge Paint or GelCoat ???

Don't thin it.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Painting the bilge - bilge Paint or GelCoat ???

Thanks for the replies . . . looks like the ideas run the gambit.

I am concerned about getting all of the grease/grime off the surfaces in order to insure a good bond.

I plan on using multiple degreasing solutions in high concentration. I am also thinking maybe an isopropyl rinse.

If I use the Gelcoat, it will probably thinned with actone for ease of painting. Perhaps I should test a small area for performance and compatibility.

after your degreasing rinses, wipe it off with lacquer thinner, then sand it down, then wipe it off again.. if you dont get it clean, it wont matter what you use because it wont stick.