I want to recoat my bilge area to make "pretty" again. I believe it was originally white gelcoat. It still looks okay, but has become a bit dull and has some stains from age, etc.

I bought some white gelcoat and it said it dries tacky unless air is kept from getting to it. I guess it is for use in a mold.

What is the proper way to re-coat an existing bilge? What is the best product to use to re-coat it?

Thanks for any help!

Jeff

You can add a waxing agent or other things, however the BEST thing that I found with my painting projects is a product called DURATECH. This stuff makes the Gell shoot out MUCH better and also will gloss up better. In a engine bay you can probably get away with just getting some agressive compound and buffing it out. With this product there is NO need to use any waxing agent or anything on top. It makes the gell harder and gloss more Good luck.

www.duratec1.com

Jon

Why gel it ??? Paint it, much easier and less expensive

yeah i'd go with an epoxy paint. I did mien in easypoxy and it woprked out wel;l. Just spray it on. YOu can even brush or roll it.

I was wondering about epoxy, but didn't want the hassle of a two-part paint.

Puder - You da man!!! Checked Easypoxy online and it sounds like that is the way to go. It is sold right at the West Marine store by us. I won't be able to spray it on since I'm not pulling my motors. However, I do have them down to the blocks since I'm replacing head gaskets and valve springs so access is a good as it will get. I'll probably roll as much as possible then brush in the details. Any special tips.

Thanks again, OSO!!

If you're taking that much apart pull the motors, its less work and you can do a much better job on the bilge!

MAKE SURE YOU CLEAN IT WITH A DEGREASER FIRST, THEN WIPE IT DOWN WITH ACETONE, SAND WITH 220 GRIT, THEN WIPE WITH ACETONE AGAIN, THEN PAINT. THIS WELL GIVE A GOOD BITE INTO THE EXISTING GEL COAT SO IT DOES NOT PEEL.

I've used a two part epoxy paint. Thin it down and brush it on. It will look like you sprayed it..

Easypoxy by Pettit. Very good and easy to brush on and looks great!!!!!

Thanks guys!

Easypoxy is on my shopping list for later today.

Barry - Did you sand first? Did you use a base coat/sealer?

Jeff