EPIFANES BILGE PAINT

What is Epifanes Bilge Paint and why choose it

Epifanes Bilge Paint is a one-component, air-drying, tough coating based on a modified alkyd resin. It is designed to protect bilge spaces, engine rooms, chain lockers and other wet or heavily used areas where a durable paint system is required. When used in combination with the appropriate Epifanes primers, it can be applied to wood, steel, GRP/fiberglass and aluminium substrates. Its semi-gloss finish and resistant film make it suitable for areas that are exposed to moisture, oil, diesel and mechanical wear.

Main features

• One-component, air-drying bilge and compartment paint.
• Suitable for bilges, engine rooms, chain lockers and other wet areas.
• For use on wood, steel, GRP/fiberglass and aluminium with the appropriate Epifanes primer system.
• Semi-gloss finish for easy cleaning and inspection of bilge areas.
• Can be applied by roller, longhaired soft brush or spray.
• Recommended for use over Epifanes Multi Marine Primer, Epifanes Undercoat, Epifanes Woodprimer and Epifanes Washprimer AQ (for new aluminium).
• Re-coatable with various Epifanes topcoats such as Mono-urethane Yacht Paint, Yacht Enamel, Non-skid Deck Coating, Flat Black, Nautiforte Yacht Paint and Waterline Paint.

Technical specifications

• Type: Air drying.
• Base: Modified alkyd resin.
• Gloss level: Semi gloss.
• Colours: White, Grey.
• Density at 20°C: 1.27 g/cm³.
• Viscosity: 40 seconds ISO-cup 6 mm.
• Solids by volume: 50–55 ± 2 vol.%.
• VOC level: 347 g/l.
• Recommended wet film thickness: 70–80 µm.
• Recommended dry film thickness: 40–45 µm.
• Theoretical coverage: 10 m² per litre at 40 µm dry film thickness.
• Practical coverage: Dependent on substrate condition, application technique, object shape and application circumstances.
• Drying times at 35 µm dry film, 65% R.H.:
  • 10°C: Dust dry 4 h; sandable/recoatable 48 h.
  • 15°C: Dust dry 3 h; sandable/recoatable 36 h.
  • 20°C: Dust dry 2 h; sandable/recoatable 24 h.
  • 25°C: Dust dry 1.5 h; sandable/recoatable 18 h.
• Thinner for brushing: Epifanes Brushthinner for Paint & Varnish or good quality white spirit.
• Thinner for spray: Epifanes Spraythinner for Paint & Varnish or denaturated alcohol.
• General thinning: Thinning ratio depends on product temperature and working area. Over-thinning should be avoided. For exact ratios: Consultar ficha técnica del fabricante.
• Packing sizes: 750 ml, 2000 ml.
• Shelf life: Approx. 3 years in unopened containers stored dry at 5–30°C.
• Flash point (from Safety Data Sheet): > 41°C.
• Explosion limits (SDS): Lower 0.6 vol.%; upper 7.0 vol.%.
• Water miscibility (SDS): Not miscible or difficult to mix.

Applications and use cases

Recommended areas of use

• Bilge compartments in yachts and motorboats.
• Engine rooms and machinery spaces.
• Chain lockers and anchor wells.
• Other wet or periodically flooded areas inside the hull, in conjunction with a suitable primer system.

Suitable substrates and priming

• GRP / Fiberglass: Clean and degrease with Epifanes Fibreglass Prep Cleaner, sand with P220–240 and apply 1 primer coat first.
• Bare wood: Clean, dry and degreased with Epifanes Spraythinner for Paint & Varnish, sand with P220–240 and apply 1–2 primer coats first.
• Bare steel: Clean, dry, corrosion-free and degreased with Epifanes Cleaning Solution, sand with P60 and apply 3 primer coats first.
• Aluminium (new): Use Epifanes Washprimer AQ as the appropriate primer. Number of coats: 1–2 primer coats.
• Existing paintwork: Well-bonding, dry and degreased with Epifanes Spraythinner for Paint & Varnish, sanded with P220–240.
• General primers: Epifanes Multi Marine Primer, Epifanes Undercoat, Epifanes Woodprimer, Epifanes Washprimer AQ (for new aluminium).
• Primer sanding between coats: After curing, sand every primer coat with P180–220 before applying finishing coats.

Application conditions and method

• Ambient temperature during application: Minimum 8°C, maximum 30°C.
• Relative air humidity: Minimum 50%, maximum 85%.
• Application tools: Roller, longhaired soft brush or spray equipment.
• Surface/paint temperature difference: Maximum 3°C.
• Important application notes:
  • Evenly distribute the paint and do not re-tip.
  • Do not apply wet-on-wet.
  • Avoid excessive wet film thickness to prevent curtains and drying problems.
  • Avoid painting in direct sunlight or in strong wind to prevent too-rapid solvent loss and reduced flow.
  • If the product “pulls” and is difficult to apply, up to 10% Epifanes Brushthinner may be added.
  • After drying, sand lightly with P400 or Scotch Brite before the next coat. Always sand fresh coats by hand.

Spray application guidelines

• Thinning volume: 10–15%.
• Nozzle size: 1.5–1.8 mm.
• Pressure: 2–3 bar.
• Viscosity (DIN cup 4 mm): 20–24 seconds.

Bilge preparation

• Clean the bilge thoroughly with a powerful and suitable cleaner.
• Remove any remaining oil, diesel or rust. A biodegradable cleaner may be used.
• Thoroughly flush the bilge with fresh water and allow it to dry completely before painting.

Compatibility with other Epifanes products

• Epifanes Mono-urethane Yacht Paint.
• Epifanes Yacht Enamel.
• Epifanes Non-skid Deck Coating.
• Epifanes Flat Black.
• Epifanes Nautiforte Yacht Paint.
• Epifanes Waterline Paint.

FAQ

1. On which substrates can I use Epifanes Bilge Paint?

   It can be used on wood, steel, GRP/fiberglass and aluminium, provided the correct Epifanes primer system is applied beforehand.

2. Can I apply this paint directly to bare steel in the bilge?

   No. Bare steel must be clean, dry, free of corrosion and degreased, sanded with P60 and then primed with three coats of an appropriate Epifanes primer before applying the bilge paint.

3. How long should I wait between coats?

   At 20°C and 65% relative humidity, Epifanes Bilge Paint is generally recoatable after about 24 hours. At lower temperatures, drying and recoating times are longer.

4. What is the approximate coverage per litre?

   The theoretical coverage is about 10 m² per litre at a dry film thickness of 40 µm. Practical coverage will be lower and depends on substrate, application method and conditions.

5. Can I spray-apply Epifanes Bilge Paint?

   Yes. For spray application, thin 10–15%, use a 1.5–1.8 mm nozzle, 2–3 bar pressure and aim for 20–24 seconds in a DIN 4 mm cup.

6. Which thinner should I use?

   For brushing or rolling, use Epifanes Brushthinner for Paint & Varnish or a good quality white spirit. For spraying, use Epifanes Spraythinner for Paint & Varnish or denaturated alcohol.

7. Is this product suitable for use over existing paint?

   Yes, provided the existing paint is well-bonding, dry, clean and degreased with Epifanes Spraythinner for Paint & Varnish, then sanded with P220–240 before overcoating.

8. How should I store unopened cans?

   Store in the original, tightly closed container in a dry room at 5–30°C. Under these conditions the shelf life is approximately 3 years.

Section 14 – Transport information

• UN number: UN1263.
• UN proper shipping name (DOT): Consumer commodity, ORM-D; Paint.
• UN proper shipping name (ADR): 1263 Paint.
• UN proper shipping name (IMDG): Consumer commodity, ORM-D; Paint.
• UN proper shipping name (IATA): Paint.
• Transport hazard class: Class 3, flammable liquids (DOT, ADR, IMDG, IATA).
• Label: 3 (flammable liquid).
• Packing group: III (DOT, ADR, IMDG, IATA).
• Marine pollutant: No.
• Special precautions for user: Warning: flammable liquids.
• EMS (IMDG): F-E, S-E.
• Transport in bulk according to Annex II of MARPOL 73/78 and the IBC Code: Not applicable.
• DOT quantity limitations: On passenger aircraft/rail 60 L; on cargo aircraft only 220 L.
• ADR excepted quantities: Code E1, maximum 30 ml per inner packaging, 1000 ml per outer packaging.
• IMDG limited quantities: 5 L.
• IMDG excepted quantities: Code E1, maximum 30 ml per inner packaging, 1000 ml per outer packaging.
• UN model regulation description: UN1263, Paint, 3, III.

Section 8 – Personal protection measures

Technical measures and hygiene

• Ensure good general ventilation or local exhaust at the workplace.
• Prevent formation and inhalation of gases, fumes and aerosols.
• Wash hands before breaks and at the end of work.

Respiratory protection

• With good ventilation, respiratory protection is not necessarily required.
• When ventilation is inadequate, use an appropriate respirator with AX filter.

Hand protection

• Wear protective gloves that are impermeable and resistant to the product.
• The glove material must be selected considering penetration times, diffusion rates and degradation. Resistance must be checked with the glove manufacturer.
• For permanent contact: Nitrile rubber gloves, recommended thickness > 0.45 mm, permeation time > 480 min (EN 374).
• For protection against splashes:
  • Chloroprene gloves, thickness > 0.7 mm, breakthrough time > 60 min (EN 374).
  • Nitrile rubber gloves, thickness > 0.3 mm, breakthrough time > 60 min (EN 374).

Eye protection

• Wear tightly sealed safety goggles.

Additional notes

• Do not breathe dust, fumes, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
• Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames and hot surfaces. No smoking.
• Protect against electrostatic charges.