About BlueJacket
In 1905, Horace E Boucher, a French-born naval architect with the U.S. Navy Department and head of the Navy's model shop in Washington, founded the model company that bore his name.
Boucher's models were prized by museums all over the country—over 40 were in the Smithsonian alone. His idea of mass producing cast fittings and selling kits to the general public started a new industry in the United States and helped turn what had been the art of a few craftsmen into a hobby enjoyed by thousands. In 1972, the company became BlueJacket Ship crafters under the leadership of Art Montgomery.
In October 2000, Suzi and Jeff Marger acquired the company and consolidated Laughing Whale and H&O into the one company.
First, dip the part in a saucer of acetone or lacquer thinner to remove any skin oils; then dip it in thinned paint, shake to remove droplets, and let dry. Repeat if needed. Two thinned coats of paint will not hide the details as much as a single thick coat.
Blocks were usually oil-treated to resist weathering, so dark brown is a good choice. Deadeyes and hearts were protected with tar, so make them black. Blocks and deadeyes can be strung on a fine wire for dipping and for drying.
BlueJacket fittings may be blackened with BlueJacket Pewter-Black solution, which tones the metal itself, leaving maximum detail.