PAINTING. Ship finishes were generally dull, tho a satin or egg'shell
finish will be correct. Almost never was there a glossy surface of any
extent. Colors ground in japan drier are very good for producing this
satin finish. They are easy to handle, economical, and dry reasonably
fast without hurrying the painting. There are fast drying paints (dope
base) which are good, giving a flat finish, but which can be brought to
a satin finish by additives. In the
18th and early 19th century rich colors were known but too expensive
for use in quantities. Hence ships tended to be drab in color — earth
pigments giving yellows, oranges, dull reds and black. In addition, a
tarry varnish would become black with exposure. The Royal Navy, for
instance, would allot certain amounts of black and yellow paint, and
varnish to finish a certain ship. If the captain wished to put on a
show, additional colors, as for stern decorations, stripes, gilding
etc., the cost came from his own pocket.
BOTTOM COLORS. From the 13th to 16th centuries it was
common practice to cover the bottoms of ships up to the waterline with
various mixes of preserving oils (such as turpentine), resin or pitch
which would give a blackened appearance.
