"Benning Wentworth" wrote in message
news:ZstWg.4204$ms1.2068@trndny05...

Is there a paint, such as Bilge Coat, that will stick to a not very clean
surface?

What paint? Etc?
I've no idea whether this paint is available outside South Africa, but I've
had remarkable success with Plascon Velvaglo, both inside and outside on my
wooden boat.
http://www.gravitated.co.za/plascon/...px?ProductID=8 It is
described as a non-drip enamel and produces a satin finish (eggshell). I
painted the bilges of my boat (on top of old paint) - they were pretty dirty
and it covered several years worth of dust and grime in one coat. 5 years
later they still seem fine. I also painted the topsides with this stuff and
after 2 years in quite harsh conditions there was hardly any deterioration
at all. l gave it another coat, while the boat was out of the water, just
for good measure, but it didn't really need it. I have no interest in this
company but I guess the message is that a good quality enamel can cover a
lot of dirt. Non drip products are great because you can put them on quite
thick and they don't run.
Good luck.
J