Backdrop Colorss

Model Railroader
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Tophias posted this on the old forum on December 10, 2024.

(Yes, I know that there are not two “S” in color, but seems that there needs to be 15 characters in the title)

Posted by Tophias on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 12:45 PM

I have an island layout in a finished basement. Unfortunately when it was finished, in order to keep harmony in our otherwise blissful marriage, my bride got to pick carpet and wall colors, since half of the room was hers. So the walls are an attractive muted raspberry color. That however isn’t very good for the layout. So now, she spends very little time in the basement so I am going to paint the walls a sky blue (no plans as of now for cloud effects). This won’t be a backdrop as such as there is 24" of isle space on three sides, but better than raspberry! So, I’m asking for any specific colors from Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, Behr that you might recommend. Thanks all!

Regards, Chris

Posted by [maxman]December 11, 2024 12:14 AM

Behr’s most popular blue colors, 2023:

I’d personally be inclined to either the Absolute Zero or the Adirondac Blue unless you really plan to add clouds some day. If that is the case then maybe the Charismatic Sky.

If it were I, I think I’d be inclined to just go with a “lack of real color” color that is durable and that wouldn’t detract from the railroad. Just my opinion.

Lost in A2

What colour is the carpet? I’m guessing you won’t replace it.

Posted by snjroy on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 1:24 PM

maxman

Behr’s most popular blue colors, 2023:

Behr's 6 Most Popular Blue Paint Colors - Interiors By Color

I’d personally be inclined to either the Absolute Zero or the Adirondac Blue unless you really plan to add clouds some day. If that is the case then maybe the Charismatic Sky.

If it were I, I think I’d be inclined to just go with a “lack of real color” color that is durable and that wouldn’t detract from the railroad. Just my opinion.
I see a selection of colors on that page, but I don’t see any names attached to them. The one on the lower left would work.

Simon

PS: I am now officially a member of the “other forum”. Will contribute to both for a while…

Tophias

(Trains.com online community) on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 1:34 PM

The carpet is a speckled black, raspberry on a mostly grey base.

Regards, Chris

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Tophias

Posted by Tophias on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 1:37 PM

I think the Charismatic Sky is the only one of the six that looks anything like sky. Just my opinion.

Regards, Chris

Posted by maxman on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 2:17 PM

Tophias

I think the Charismatic Sky is the only one of the six that looks anything like sky. Just my opinion.

Regards, Chris

I would agree with you. However, all of those colors are classiified as “blue”. But don’t ask me how they arrived at that.

My issue with that color is that you mentioned possibly adding clouds. I think that would be difficult to accomplish, not so much as adding the clouds as varying the sky color from horizon to overhead.

And depending upon your lighting, you will end up casting a shadow on your sky/clouds. I would find that unrealistic.

Again my vote would be for some color that is totally non-distracting.

maxman

Posted by [maxman] on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 2:19 PM

snjroy

I see a selection of colors on that page, but I don’t see any names attached to them. The one on the lower left would work.

If I remember if you scroll down they show swatches with a description.

Tophias

Posted by Tophias on Thursday, December 12, 2024 9:11 AM

Maxman, I actually wasn’t planning on clouds. At least not now. I figure I should see how the blue effect works first. Because it’s an island layout with isles I’m not sure if painting the walls will actually add anything. But I’m willing to give that a try.

Regards, Chris

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I used Behr Horizon Haze. Here is how it looks under various lighting conditions.

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Batman, it’s amazing how the color seems to change with the different levels of lighting.

Regards, Chris

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I think I got lucky, at least to my eye as the colour seems to be perfect whether I am in there in the day or at night, it projects a warm feeling especially at night.

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Batman, I’ll get a sample and check it out. Behr is at Home Depot? Do they do small can samples? Thanks.

Regards, Chris

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Yes, that color looks very good on your backdrop. However, I notice your wall color is a pleasent shade of tan(?).

OP wants to paint all his walls a blue color. I think that would become over powering after some time. If it is anything like home room painting I would prefer a neutral easy on the eyes color that will go with any decor.

And yes, Behr is a Home Depot color and they do provide small samples. Not free any more. Last time I needed a sample I believe they were around $6.

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Maxman, thnx for chiming in. But I’m not sure if you’re speaking about the tan or blue color that would become overpowering? As you mentioned I’m planning on painting the entire room a sky blue. I think you’re referring to the blue color?
Batman, it’s always hard to judge color of anything when looking at a monitor or iPad. Any comment regarding what effect your blue color might have if the entire room was painted that color? Thnx again.

Regards, Chris

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“I think you’re referring to the blue color?”

Yes, the blue color. My boss laughs when we talk about room painting, because I always say “egg harbor white”. Generally we end up agreeing on a lighter, neutral color. Neutral, benign colors always make it easier to decorate later.

Not that decorating is your concern. But I find that certain colors are hard to take after awhile if they draw one’s attention. Like operating room yellow.

Other opinions will probably vary.

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Thnx Maxman, and Batman, for your comments. I’m thinking I’ll narrow it down to a light, robin’s egg color and a more pronounced blue (like Batman’s) and then get a sample can of each. You can really only know for sure by actually painting the color on the wall in question. Then my bride and I will decide.

Regards, Chris

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Actually it is a pleasant shade of pink. Long story.

I have seen whole train rooms painted blue that looked great. They had clouds and the colour changed as you looked down towards the horizon. Also, a lot of attention was paid to the lighting of the room. Just painting the room blue and leaving it at that might be a little overpowering. I am not good with colours at the best of times so just take that as an opinion of someone who shouldn’t be giving opinions on the subject. :wink:

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Batman, I appreciate your comments and candor!

Regards, Chris

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Pink is the new tan.

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This just showed up in the Trains newsletter. I don’t think you need to have a subscription to view.

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Thnx Maxman for the info. I especially liked the comment about the numerous paint chips. I have about 10 strips with four colors on each. Yikes! They are starting to all look alike! My project is on hold for a few weeks until I mend from my tumble off the ladder.

Regards, Chris