I have previously pointed out that the Japanese Navy's idea of aircraft protection was and is of a far higher requirement compared to the Army's. This protective coating was used throughout the war but diminishing towards the end as raw materials became scarce.
The Naval requirements for internal protection on all Aluminum surfaces at the start of Zero production were as follows,
All internal areas all ribs, stringers even the internal skins of wing's and the fuselage were coated and any surface that could come in contact with forces that could cause deteriation, the parts were either dipped [ribs for example] or hand painted [skin's] also the cockpit area was given a coat before the usual interior paint was added. One other point to make is that steel or metal fittings on the Zero were generaly painted black. The colour of the dope used on the fabric covered ailerons, rudder and elevators was a common silver/aluminium mix that was then covered with the required top colour coats.
All Naval aircraft had a required coating of red oxide before any top coats were applied. These finishing coats have been found to be gloss or semi gloss in nature again these type's of paint are more rigorous in protection than matt paints, finally a coat of clear laquer called 'Nisu' was added this coating over a period of time would darken until it had a caramel type colour and has been described as looking like old wrinkled varnish.
Current builds:-C57,Zero, Lamborghini Countach, Caldercraft HMS Agamemnon,Robi,R2-D2, MFH Cobra .
US
