The Ship Model Forum

No such color as "buff" in the USN ever. The correct name is spar and it is still in use by the US Coast Guard. Exact same mix of pigments as it was in the Great White Fleet era.

In Colourcoats, you would want US 30, USN Buff--it's accurately matched to the color you want.

There is no color standard to names.
White Ensign had a buff paint (not sure if it was matched to US Or Royal Navy or if it was the same between the two), but I don't know when Sovereign Hobbies will have the Colourcoat line running again. MidTenn hobbies does show some in stock if you are in the Continental US.

I am (slowly) making a USS Washington (ACR-11, 1905), which I would like to finish in 1908 colors.

The hull underside is red - red lead is probably OK...

The hull sides are white- white lead I would guess...

The upperworks are "buff" -there is no buff lead!!
The only contemporary clues are lithographed postcards- not too definitive.

(There are a surprisingly large number of FS595 colors with "buff" in their name, and their shades are surprisingly diverse...)

I will probably end up with a shade based on what paint is available, but I thought I'd see if anybody actually knows...?

Weasel