Hi everyone.

Dumb question: what is a boot topping. I am purchasing paints for a Graf Spee build and one of the paints is for its boot topping. I have no idea what that is.

Thanks.

Alex

Hi Alex!

It's a good question actually: a boot topping is a narrow band of black paint that straddles the upper hull color and underwater hull coloring in order to hide discoloration from oil slicks on the water.

Boot toppings came into vogue when vessels shifted over to oil from coal, but since it was common for oil to spill or seep into harbors, stains could easily accumulate on the sides of hulls. To see how much of a problem this was, take a look at aerial photos of harbors and anchorages in the first half of the 20th century and you are bound to see traces of oil slicks on the sea surface.

Clamping down on oil spills and leaks did not take place until well into the 1960s, but the use of a boot topping is still commonplace, especially with naval vessels.

--Karl

Thank you Karl.

Now I know what the hull-length piece in the Trumpeter kit is for.

Thank you and have a great day.

Alex

Although most navies used black for boot-topping, the German navy used a very dark gray.

I think I read that White Ensign Models recommends Schiffsbodenfarbe III Grau for the boot topping on the Graf Spee.

Yeah...dark grey.

Hi Alex,

Also:

Dunkelblaugrau: underwater dark blue gray, also used as an alternative boot topping.

Source: http://www.shipcamouflage.com/

Cheers,
Joe