bilge/engine bay prep

[geesea]

just removed my fuel tanks and engine from my inboard savage 23. I want to paint the engine bay area and the area where the fuel tanks reside. Do I need to scuff or sand these areas
before painting? or just degrease and repaint?

[MasterBaiter]

I did mine 2 years ago and all I did was use a scrub brush and strong detergent. My bilge was already scuffed enough.

It would depend on what the surface looks like.

[geesea]

o.k. thanks.

[Basketcase]

obviously cleaning is important, but I also scuff up everything before paint just to give it the extra bite. Look at it this way. It cant hurt to scuff it up. Just take a few minutes with a DA and some 80 grit. It just may be the difference between a job that last 2 years and one that lasts 10. Might not, but it cant hurt. Be sure to degrease before AND after scuffing.