Looking for actual bilge paint color-suggestions

Buyajet

Buyajet

Active Member
May 28, 2018
360
Boat Info
2005 420 DA
Engines
Cummins CTA's 480's
We are in process of prepping the bilge for repaint/touchup. I have been told to use Interlux. Does anyone know what color matches the factory color or if there is a better solution?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
 
Sea Ray does not use paint in the bilge area. They use a gelcoat that cures with a wax on the surface to help turn water. I don't think you will find a paint that will be a direct match unless you have one mixed for you. Then, your surface prep is going to be critical because of the waxy surface on the existing gelcoat.

You might consider ordering a quart of bilge gelcoat from Sea Ray for your model and year. Palm Coast is closed now, so parts orders probably go thru Customer Service at Sykes Creek. I'm pretty sure you will be told to order direct from the vendor. If you want to circumvent the whole dealer network, you can try contacting Customer Service directly or, if you want, I can put you in touch with a dealer who is fair and reasonable.
 
fwebster said:
Sea Ray does not use paint in the bilge area. They use a gelcoat that cures with a wax on the surface to help turn water. I don't think you will find a paint that will be a direct match unless you have one mixed for you. Then, your surface prep is going to be critical because of the waxy surface on the existing gelcoat.

You might consider ordering a quart of bilge gelcoat from Sea Ray for your model and year. Palm Coast is closed now, so parts orders probably go thru Customer Service at Sykes Creek. I'm pretty sure you will be told to order direct from the vendor. If you want to circumvent the whole dealer network, you can try contacting Customer Service directly or, if you want, I can put you in touch with a dealer who is fair and reasonable.
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So many thanks!!
 
Buyajet said:
So many thanks!!
Click to expand...


Not sure which color your bilge is but mine was the "gray" color from the factory. I had issues with gelcoat cracking/peeling in the center trough of my bilge. I ended up prepping the entire area then using Interlux Bilgekote in gray. The match was nearly perfect and you can't tell the difference between the area that I repaired and the surrounding bilge. Only had it done for one season, but thus far it's held up perfectly, no chips, stains or issues at all.
 
stg099 said:
Not sure which color your bilge is but mine was the "gray" color from the factory. I had issues with gelcoat cracking/peeling in the center trough of my bilge. I ended up prepping the entire area then using Interlux Bilgekote in gray. The match was nearly perfect and you can't tell the difference between the area that I repaired and the surrounding bilge. Only had it done for one season, but thus far it's held up perfectly, no chips, stains or issues at all.
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Thank you. fwebster above lent insight into what product to use. I may just have it gelcoated as he suggests
 
Frank is right about it being gel coat.
You can get a close match from Spectrum colors along with the required additives to allow it to air cure. The prep for this is critical and even if you try to use paint the areas need to be well sanded and cleaned or it will not adhere and end up in the bilge pump.
 
stg099 said:
Not sure which color your bilge is but mine was the "gray" color from the factory. I had issues with gelcoat cracking/peeling in the center trough of my bilge. I ended up prepping the entire area then using Interlux Bilgekote in gray. The match was nearly perfect and you can't tell the difference between the area that I repaired and the surrounding bilge. Only had it done for one season, but thus far it's held up perfectly, no chips, stains or issues at all.
Click to expand...
+1 on the bilge knots. I did half my engine room two seasons ago. Close match and very durable.
 
My bilge suffers from the cracking gelcoat also. Mostly in the area around the pumps themselves. Very difficult to get to and prep.
Not sure anything would last down there more than a few seasons. I was thinking of using a liquid sealer just to seal the area and improve appearance. I have a white bilge.

Thinking of this or similar product to brush or roll. Not the whole bilge just the areas that are cracking.

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Thoughts?
 
Interlux bilgekote in grey really is a super close match. As long as you prep the surface it adheres well and looks and cleans up fantastic, frankly, better then the gelcote. It does have a slightly glossier appearance then the somewhat matte finish from the factory but I like it better. Finishing my bilge is on my winter project list.
 
I have been using the Interlux bilgekote in grey for the past 10 years and have been very happy with the results...
 
Paint bilge update: First, Frank was spot on (above). I was contacted by someone that is a member of this forum who works at Sea Ray and has for a very long time. Here is the bottom line. The bilge is finished in wax infused gelcoat, paraffin to be specific. This is why it is sort of slippery always. He said to properly refinish, first you have to prep, prep, prep of course and get a great bonding surface starting with 80 grit or so, then shoot a wax infused gelcoat in the areas needed. Nothing will be as good. Paint will hide and perhaps stick based on how much prep you did BUT that is not how it was designed. The wax infused gelcoat was used as a wet deterrent-an inherent part of the build to keep water away from where it shouldn't be. This makes a lot of sense to me. I would love to clean and scuff and then shoot paint but that isn't the right way according to him (or Frank). It will look ok for a while, but it does not serve the purpose the original gelcoat was used. Thought I would share.
 
Well...Imo if it were that good it wouldn't be cracked up after several years. I had a Rinker that came with bilgekote and it looked fine after 10 years. For me it's a matter of access. I don't want to disassemble my boat to prep a surface that's finished for cosmetic reasons more or less. Spraying wax infused gel coat with all the running gear there is a huge undertaking for a diy. Myself, I'm Looking for a reasonable less costly alternative. Maybe it is bilgekote?
This is a job that if I don't do myself I'll never be satisfied that the yard prepped it good enough because its so hard to access.
 
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