Best engine room and bilge paint

[Troyg]

I am looking at painting my engine room and bilges. 

These areas have been neglected by the previous owner, so there is plenty of rust. I am trying to decide which paints would be best.

Currently I am just thinking to go with standard red oxide primer followed by a top coat of bilge paint such a Danboline or Teamac sold by Midland.

The areas will be prone to moisture and condensation and the engine room has a wet bilge. Apart from being chemical and oil resistance it needs to be hard wearing.

[blackrose]

Forget red oxide primer for wet bilges, it's not an underwater paint. If you can get rid of the rust and properly prep the surfaces then 2 pack epoxy is the ultimate bilge paint. 

[Joe Bourke]

Clean up the steel and straight on with Chlorinated Rubber. It's pretty quick drying, can be any colour you like, and apply plenty of coats. If the steel is damp or dry have a fan blowing over the work area. No heat. 

[Jen-in-Wellies]

One thing I can say. Don't use a paint with a heavy solvent loading in a confined space unless you have suitable protection. When I repainted my gas locker, the primer had me able to fly out afterwards and walk through walls. The Danboline top coat was fine.

Jen

[Joe Bourke]

My opinion, a nice light colour is best in the engine room, or lockers.

[Troyg]

I will be going for a bright type colour. Due to limited access I wont be able to get the surface prepped 100% as I would like so I am looking at something than can tolerate a rusty surface.

I probably really need an active rust converter primer that can handle immersion?

[Naughty Cal]

22 minutes ago, Joe Bourke said:

My opinion, a nice light colour is best in the engine room, or lockers.

Agreed. Ours is white gel coat and it is very easy to spot any leaks or drips. 

Easy to keep clean as well.

[WotEver]

1 hour ago, Troyg said:

I probably really need an active rust converter primer that can handle immersion?

Vactan.