Mk.1 Spitfire – Paint Colour Codes

Thanks Antoni for confirming the 30s data.

BSS 381 was first introduced in 1930. When the Ministry of Aircraft Production formed in 1940 it took over responsibility for producing the colour standards for aircraft paints. Responsibility passed to the Ministry of Supply on 1st April 1946 when it absorbed the MAP. These standards took the form of painted card sheets, enclosed in an envelope, bound in a ring binder, and titled, Ministry of Supply Standard of Colour Gloss and Smoothness for Aircraft Finishes Supplementary to BSS381. It was not until 1964 that aircraft colours were included in BS 381C. Aircraft colours that were in various editions of BS 381 prior to 1964 were there because they already were in BSS 381 (first issued in 1930) when they were chosen for aircraft application.

Dark Green. Introduced 1936. In post war MoS colour range Aircraft Finish No 7. In 1964 Aircraft Finish No 7 was included in BS381C as No 641 Dark Green. This appears to have been a mistake, not corrected until the 1988 edition where the number changed to 241.

Dark Earth. Introduced 1936. MoS Aircraft Finish No 13. BS 381C No 450 Dark Earth.

Night. Introduced 1937. Not a true black but a dark blue-grey made from Carbon Black and Ultramarine pigments. Mos Aircraft Finish No 8. BS 381C No 642.

Sky. Introduced to the RAF circa June 1940. MoS contains two versions, Aircraft Finish No 9 and 9A. They are virtually indistinguishable by the naked eye. No 9A included in BS 381C as No 210 Sky.

Medium Sea Grey. Introduced about 1936. Mos Aircraft Finish No 4. BS 381C No 637.

Red. Dull identification colour used for markings from 1937 until post war when it was replaced by Bright Red. It fell from use and was not included in the MoS range. No match in BS 381C. Closest FS 595B is 30109.

White. Included in the MoS as Aircraft Finish No 1A. No whit colour has ever been included in BS 381 or FS 595.

Blue. Dull identification colour used for markings from 1937 until post war when it was replaced by Bright Blue. It fell from use and was not included in the MoS range. No match in BS 381C. Closest FS 595B is 35048.

Yellow. Used in national markings from 1937 until 1947. MoS Aircraft finish No 2. Not included in BS 381C. Closest FS 595B is 33538.

What sort of volumes of each colour do you think you will need?

I have uploaded a 4000 by 3000 version of the image above, it ,ay help you with stencil detail etc, it is a 1944 drawing

link

http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff321/taylortony/Spitfire%20MKx1x/SpitfireDrawing.jpg

Thanks SpitfireMan:
I sent out the last request to Mark V before your replay came in.
Reagrds, TW

Hello Mark V (Steve):
Do you have any hints where I might find the early mark colour codes for the roundels, fin flash and squadron markings?
Thanks, TW
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BS381C dates from the early 60’s and has only some of the wartime colours in it that were still considered ‘current’ or useful at the time, ie: Dark Green, Dark Earth and Sky. The roundel colours Red, Blue and Yellow are not in BS381C.

Mk.1 Spitfire – Paint Colour Codes

Thanks for the replies gentlemen:
I will try to get Sherwin Williams to match their “Dimensions” paint line to the BS381c codes. Can any of you list the specific BS381c colour codes/names used on an early mark Spit? (ie. fill in my list below) As for the scheme I will apply, it will be the standard green/brown/sky scheme without a specific (ie. authentic) squadron/aircraft code as I promised the original builder (Charlie Longstaff, now 85 yrs old) that I would retain his initials as the markings on the refinished aeroplane. I will not be applying a white fuselage band ahead of the tail as I believe these were applied in early 1941 were they not?

All info much appreciated, Mk.1
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That’s lovely mk1,
I am truly envious though have to admit that I have neither the patience or the skills to build something like that.
Good luck, I’m sure once in the air it will be worth every single minute you have spent on it.
gerry

One of my favourite Spitfire replicas, that! 🙂

Have you decided on a particular colour scheme for her yet?

Would this help? It’s one of the original Supermarine drawings, but a bit later in the war

I could provide it in a big version for you…gives all the specs on the drawing

Waiting to be shot down by the experts – but

I undertand that the paint standard from 1930 was BS381c.

For which numerous online colour charts exist and which most manufacturers can mix.

I use cellulose paints as they are one part solvent borne.

The Dark Green and Dark Earth sold by LAS Aerospace are to the BS381 standard.

Mk.1 Spitfire – Paint Colour Codes

Hi Gerry:
I’m afraid she looks quite scabby as we speak, all stripped and in process of paint prep. The only area I have essentially finished is the cockpit. C-FAMY is a 70% wood & glass replica therefore she looks like a dog’s breakfast of mahogany ply, filler and old paint. Attached are a couple more photos however, in her original livery (as painted by the original builder, 17 years ago). I am nearing the final stages of a 5-year overhaul/up-grade/refinishing project.
Regards, Mk.1
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That looks great mk1,
Any chance of a few extra pics of the aircraft please.
Cheers
Gerry