Alright, while the engine is out I've been going through everything, and want to clean up the bilge. I'm closing in on time to paint.
What does everyone recommend for paint. I want to go bright white.
What do you use as a degreaser?? Just Acetone??
Hoping to finish my prep work this weekend and start painting next weekend.
What are your thoughts??

Algrip I always use acetone and a 3m scotch brite pad wheel on a 90 degree grinder to scuff everything up and have had great results. Prep work and very clean is everything to this job. Good luck its alot of work but worth it.

Ditto

Bildgekote...

1) wash out with pressure washer
2) wash again this time using greez-off
3)wash with accetone
4)sand all surfaces with 100 grit using orbital sander
5)hand sand using red 3m scotch pads
6)vacum out and blow off dust
7)wipe down with prep solvent(as accetone will leave a fine film when used for a final cleaning) 3 M Final Prep
8)paint with awl grip

If you have Sherwinn Williams paint store by you they sell a industrial epoxy that i have used on many bilges and other metal boatparts that spent their life in a salty bilge.

The stuff holdsup fantastic and is cheap at $40 a gallon.The downside is it is a 1 to 1 mix and they only sell it in 1 gallon increments so you end up with 2 gallons for $80.They can tint it to any color you want for no additional charge.

It cost a fifth of what Algrip costs and holds up and shines just as well.

I second the Sherwinn Williams. it is tile clad paint that says for offshore use in the fine print. We have done several boats with great results. It comes in gloss or flat..I like the gloss. $ years on my bilge and holding up well

ok..Im prolly gonna get flack for this...but my nephew works on hatteras', and has done a lot of training at the factory...what do they use?? bilgekote?? fancy 27 part epoxthane wonder paint thats $400 a gallon?? nope..bright white rustoleum, 5 bucks a quart at ace hardware..I laughed but tried it..slapped it on with a brush, flowed out nice and the stuff is tough.

The 3M final prep I take it is a solvent based liquid? Available in gallon cans?

What about using imron paint?