How far should I go with bilge paint?
QI’m fitting out an Evolution 25. The bunk sides are 12mm marine ply and I’ll be painting them white.
I’ve used white Danboline (with appropriate primer) for the wood within the lockers and wonder if there is any reason not to use white Danboline (again, primed appropriately) for the bunk sides and any other white painted wood which will be seen in the cabin.
If you wouldn’t recommend Danboline for this purpose, what other paint finish would you advise?
Keith Rippin
Lyndon March replies:
Danboline and other bilge paint products are highly subjective and divisive products. Once upon a time, they were so thick you needed a paddle mixer just to get the solids to mix and legend speaks of its substitution as deck paint and even hard racing antifouling.
Despite this we must understand the world of modern paints has changed, not only in chemical make-up, protecting our health and environment, but with this, we have more variety and choice. Danboline does a great job in damp areas, and is completely suitable for bilges, bulkhead and interior trim.
I’ve painted lots of bilges and the interiors of rowing boats with it over the years to great success, despite its unsuitability for prolonged immersion in water.
However, with the huge range and variety of products on the market, I’d be considering if I am able to add a two-pack product with appropriate primers, which in theory below decks should last forever.
For those fitting new plywood, or going from bare wood, Awlgrip, International, Jotun and Epifanes all offer appropriate products.
For those who can’t start from bare timber but wish for the final protection, Epifanes offers the brilliant multimarine primer which allows peace of mind when coating over, before a two-pack finish.
If the idea of two-pack paint feels a step too far, my golden rule is always bilge paint below the waterline and inside the lockers. Then my preferred gloss or enamel on show, with lashings of appropriate primers and undercoats to begin, all taken from the same paint system to aid repair, bonding and keep a bit of tradition.