Greg, I can't think you'd even questions using a black bimini top!!! You don't even see many if any of them on cars with convertible tops now, do you? While they used to advise NOT buying a black CAR in the far south, at least they are well insulated! Makes little difference what the underside is, it is the black top that will absorb heat! The 'shiny surface' sounds interesting but don't be fooled by that! Also...black will really 'display' every drop of bird poop! I'm an artist so 'looks' are very important to me and I chose canvas with an eye to both looks and function. The lighter the better but light tan is best in my humble opinion...not as 'glary' as white which shows dirt and mildew more than tan/beige. The beige goes well with all hull colors, black, red, green, blue even white. What color is your hull? IF anything but white, consider dark colored fenders as well since they will n ot show the mildew or dirt you collect in various waters. Marge Griffith...'been there'!