If, down the road, you need to do some glass work in the bilge such as tank
supports, bilge pump brackets, table posts, engine beds or whatever, it'll be
harder to prep if the surface has been painted. I'd wash it and forget it.

Ilv2sl wrote:

While we have our 35' glass sloop, out of the water, I want to paint the bilge,
and have a few questions:
What is best to clean the bilge with? The bilge has had oil, in it at times,
and has a lot of stains. Many areas of the full keel are only reached by brush.
What paint is the best to use?
I have never applied Gel Coat. IT this an option?
Any ideas would be great to hear.
Thanks

Ilv2sl writes:

While we have our 35' glass sloop, out of the water, I want to paint the
bilge,
and have a few questions:
snip

WHY? ? ?

Trying to get the bilge clean enough so you could paint it will be a real
challenge.

If you get it clean, you'll need a couple of coats of high build epoxy
primer.

This is not the same epoxy as laminating resin.

Trust me, brush or sprayer, applying this stuff if a PITA. I speak from
experience having applied a fair amount of HBP. It contains VOC's and
requires a proper respirator.

After it has cured, what have you accomplished?

My suggestion:

Use the money to buy a couple of cases of "Two Buck Chuck" or your favorite
beer, relax and enjoy it.

The bilge will still be functional.

HTH


--
Lew

S/A: Challenge, The Bullet Proof Boat, (Under Construction in the Southland)
Visit: http://home.earthlink.net/~lewhodgett for Pictures

I agree, clean the bilge and spend the money elsewhere, what about your
sails, or antifouling?

Acetone and similar solvents are harmful to human tissue and for fire and
explosion risk (I am a safety person by trade), only use this stuff if you
really, really have to. This situation doesn't sound like a "have to" to me.
Ventilation won't help, neither will a respirator. You will still have a 35'
bomb to deal with.

Use good quality detergent mixed with warm water and a brush. This will most
likely give a far superior job anyway to any solvent. Another con, is the
acetone will open the surface of the 'glass on the inside, possibly doing
more harm than good.

Have fun.

Rod.

"Lew Hodgett" wrote in message
ink.net...
Ilv2sl writes:

While we have our 35' glass sloop, out of the water, I want to paint
the
bilge,
and have a few questions:
snip

WHY? ? ?

Trying to get the bilge clean enough so you could paint it will be a real
challenge.

If you get it clean, you'll need a couple of coats of high build epoxy
primer.

This is not the same epoxy as laminating resin.

Trust me, brush or sprayer, applying this stuff if a PITA. I speak from
experience having applied a fair amount of HBP. It contains VOC's and
requires a proper respirator.

After it has cured, what have you accomplished?

My suggestion:

Use the money to buy a couple of cases of "Two Buck Chuck" or your
favorite
beer, relax and enjoy it.

The bilge will still be functional.

HTH


--
Lew

S/A: Challenge, The Bullet Proof Boat, (Under Construction in the
Southland)
Visit: http://home.earthlink.net/~lewhodgett for Pictures