With regard to Bismarck's decks, they are usually shown as bare wood, but for the operation and at least as early as Hitler's inspection on May 5th her decks were painted mid grey. If you want proof of this, see this photo;
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Note the area of deck around the starboard forward 150mm turret. It has just been scrubbed and in comparison with the rest of the deck looks very dark. A wet bare wooden deck can look almost black. Compare it to the black camouflage stripe.
Now compare the effect of water on a deck which has been painted grey;
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reflections show just how wet the deck is, yet it remains relatively pale.
Now have a look at this photo. We can see that the decks are a uniform dark colour. You might at first think that is is a wet deck, but it does not appear to be dark enough for bare wood and it is not drying out either, because decks on a vessel dry out at uneven pace, quicker amidships around the funnel and slower toward the bow and stern. The shade of grey seems to equate to that on the fore and after hull.
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Another detail not to be over looked is the bow anchor which was landed around the time that the ship started oiling exercises in readiness for Exercise Rhine.
