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