Posted: Sat Apr 27, 2013 1:27pm

A leak of antifreeze led to bitumen based paint in bilges lifting off and rust developing. I appreciate that for best results bilges would be best painted in dry dock so that there was no condensation but costs are prohibitive as no need to dock for any other purpose at present. Bilges are dry. What paint would be most effective please given the need to minimise fumes in confined space? Many thanks.

Posted: Sat Apr 27, 2013 2:30pm

There is no need to go into dry dock to do this but there is a need to do it at a time when the water is warmer and the air dry. This will minimise condensation. If you can organise a flow of air into the bilge that will also help. Later in the year I would remove as much rust as I could by mechanical means, especially any flakes and if wire brushes have been used rub the area over with course abrasive. Then treat the rust with something like Vactan or Fertan. You will have to do your own research for a suitable low VOC (low fume) paint system because I would not trust a water based paint to stand up to immersion and fuel/oil contamination. I use a proper marine bilge paint like Hemple Bilge and Locker paint or International Damboline. (Other makes available. However you will need to consult their technical literature about suitable undercoats and how many top coats are needed. I think International told me 5 top coats for new bilge Work. If your bilge in normally dry then try a paint specialist for "machinery" paint that is more tolerant of oil contamination. A fan or fan heater set to cold directed into the bilge will disperse any fumes. Tony Brooks