Bilge area paint

Z

zuunami

New member
Anyone have preferences among the following three - this is just for a 16' cruiser in the bilge area....1 - Pettit EZBilge, 2 - Interlux Bilgekote 3 - TotalBoats TotalBilge (online it says Epoxy based, but how can that be true without a hardener?)

Not only do we want gas and resistance to other chemicals, we want to make sure the sunken bilge area is protected from water intrusion (I know there's fiberglass, etc., but I'd like another coating :)

I bought a can of Rustoleim Topside paint because I saw so many online reviews raving about it, but not sure it would be best for the situation. We had to drill and redrill and epoxy a number of holes in the area from PO's use of random screws to hold down the battery and gas tanks - getting ready to clean it up and finish it.

Thanks! Karen
 
Karen,
I've used Pettit EZBilge and Interlux Bilgekote.
EZBilge seemed to take a looong time to cure and harden.
BilegKote seemed to harden faster and was less resistant to scrapes and gouging. I like it better.

- Les
 
The true epoxy paint, will be two part. For example Total boat "Total protect epoxy primer and barrier coat". is a two part paint and will give epoxy protection (which means low permeability to moisture). The Total Boat Total Bilge is a single part paint, which has already catalyzed epoxy solids in the paint. It uses a solvent which is similar to Xylene.

For the two part epoxy I would recommend grinding all old paint off the area you will want to paint. For the total bilge you make sure the surface is sold, free of wax and various contaminates. The two part will help to decrease any absorption--as it would on the outside, when a boat is coated with two part epoxy to prevent osmosis and hull damage.

In bilges I have just used any bilge paint, not worth putting down a two part epoxy. also in the 16 you may be walking on this area. I would suggest that you put down dri Dek tiles, and / or a vinyl loop floor mat. The floor mat helps to save the paint, and gives a cushioned surface. It can be walked on comfortably in bare feet. It also looks well cosmetically.
 
I'm just talking about the approximate 18" that is under the splashwell, where the bilge pump sits. We'll be doing the rest of the deck in something else, then Dri-Dek on top.
 
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