Coal dust, white paint, and the work of cleaning a warship

Why was white paint so labor-intensive on a coal-burning warship?

Coal dust spread everywhere, forcing constant cleaning and creating hazards in turrets and other sensitive spaces; oil fuel reduced much of that burden.

White paint made the grime from coaling especially conspicuous, but appearance was only part of the burden. Coal dust spread throughout a ship and demanded extensive cleaning after fuel came aboard. Keeping it out of turrets and other sensitive spaces was also a safety requirement, because combustible dust could be as dangerous as residue from explosive powder. Easier cleaning was one practical advantage behind the transition from coal to oil fuel.