Primer in the bilge

[Jeff Helgeson]

Here's a question about my bilge. Red lead is illegal here in Denmark, so my best option for painting the bilge is primer. Would it be advisable to thin the primer with a wood treatment such as an oil or a fungicide, instead of using thinner? Should I use a 'below the waterline' primer even though it hinders the flow of water? (I have a carvel boat and need the paint to be able to breath) Or should I go with an above the waterline primer? (probably a stupid question)...

[Hwyl]

There is a purpose made bilge paint. It's called Danboline.

[Peter Malcolm Jardine]

You can make your own red lead, search in this category, Bob Smalsers recipe will come up

[lagspiller]

It is quite common here to use an underwater primer in the bilge. Same type you use under the anti-fouling on a wooden boat.
I like the Owatrol one with aluminium in it, but that is probably just my kind of ritual joojoo mumbo jumbo that doesn't work any better than any other underwater wood primer. But it makes me feel good when I get the aluminium one... :)

[Jay Greer]

Most bilge enamels are made to be applied over bare wood.
While I prefer red lead, if it can not be obtained, I would resort to one of the standard products that are, specifically, formulated for that use.
Jay