Bilge Paint: The Boat's Unseen but Important Surface

The bilge is the lowest part of the boat, where water and leaks collect. Out of sight though it is, painting it correctly matters for both hygiene and protection.

Why paint the bilge?

Constant damp, oil and salt wear the bilge; an unpainted surface stains, smells and eventually suffers. A good bilge paint repels moisture, makes cleaning easier and protects the surface.

Which paint?

The bilge uses special paints resistant to damp and oil and easy to clean. Light colours are preferred — they help spot a leak (oil, water) early, a safety advantage.

Correct application

The bilge is first thoroughly cleaned, degreased and dried; paint over a damp surface won't hold. Then the right primer and paint are applied. As a hard-to-reach area, workmanship and access matter.

We do bilge paint and interior-surface protection under our painting service; it can be planned alongside an interior refit.