what color should I paint.....

[danchez]

OK, I got permission from the girlfriend to turn the garage into a working studio. Going to hire an HVAC guy to run some A/C vents into the garage and the only thing left I have to decide is what color to paint the walls... Any ideas or suggestions and what's the reason(s) behind your thoughts.

[johnastovall]

What else but 18% gray. It's the standard for graphics studios and viewing areas. You want the walls to be color neutral. Also make sure you have the correct temperature lights.

[danchez]

my first thought was a darker grey, help control the light better. I was also thinking it had to be a "flat" as opposed to a semi gloss or glossy.

[HotHolly]

i did ours with faux finishes in reds, golds, and browns. If I need a different color, I use a backdrop. Im a freak. I doubt anyone will actually tell you to do that. ;o)

[danchez]

I should have stated the garage/studio is about 20x20 with 8 foot ceilings. Only going to be a part time studio. Still going to park the cars in there when not shooting. My first thought was actually flat black so I would have total control, well, somewhat control of the light since I still have so much to learn. LOL. I know I am not going to do any colors, those low ceilings and colors, I would have light bouncing all over the place. I just need to figure out if black or 18 grey would be better/best.

[toverman]

Paint half of it gray or some other neutral, light color and at least one wall black.

[Trey T]

1. dont run AC vent into the garage. That's pretty ghetto and messes up your designed flow. Use window A/C, might have to run 220v outlet for the higher capacity AC unit.

2. I can never guaranteed if I ever paint my walls and keep it clean, especially in a garage, but thats just me. I would just get a set of backdrop w/ reel and permanently install onto the wall. Whenever you need the backdrop, just unwind the reel.

[danchez]

Originally Posted by Trey T

1. dont run AC vent into the garage. That's pretty ghetto and messes up your designed flow. Use window A/C, might have to run 220v outlet for the higher capacity AC unit.

2. I can never guaranteed if I ever paint my walls and keep it clean, especially in a garage, but thats just me. I would just get a set of backdrop w/ reel and permanently install onto the wall. Whenever you need the backdrop, just unwind the reel.

1. no windows in the garage, and having it installed professionally is ghetto?!? I was also going to have some dampers installed that way when I am not shooting, I can close off the garage from the A/C and resume cooling the house.

2. other than a few boxes, which I can store in the attic, the garage is spotless, has been that way for almost 2 years. I just don't like a lot of clutter in there.

[CaptainTom]

A flat black would be my choice.
You will have complete autonomy to light your subjects.

Control is everything. No spill, no reflections, plus you have a black backdrop everywhere you look.

[Trey T]

Well, I am glad you are aware that it's not a simple duct hook up. w/o going to much details about it, I prefer making it independently and have a window installed in your garage. and dont forget about insulating garage door. I wont tell you the details over this photo forum bc youll think I am talking out of my ass, here.

check out www.eng-tips.com in mech engineering>HVAC forum for more details.

Originally Posted by danchez

1. no windows in the garage, and having it installed professionally is ghetto?!? I was also going to have some dampers installed that way when I am not shooting, I can close off the garage from the A/C and resume cooling the house.

2. other than a few boxes, which I can store in the attic, the garage is spotless, has been that way for almost 2 years. I just don't like a lot of clutter in there.

[danchez]

Trey) I appreciate your lookin out for me. I wish it would have been as simple as a window unit, I really do. I already have the garage door insulated. I still probably need some more insulation installed over the garage though. I am just happy that I am able to convert the garage.

Tom) I think your right, as much contyrol as I can possibly get. I think I am going to go with a flat black. Now with that decided, anyone have any preferences on a specific brand of paint??? LOL

[Trey T]

Kilz primer and 3gal of Behr paint. cost around 140bucks.

[janikphoto]

Just go white. Then use foamcore sheets (black on one side and white on other) to control light spread.

[CaptainTom]

Originally Posted by janikphoto

Just go white. Then use foamcore sheets (black on one side and white on other) to control light spread.

Paint the room white, then surround the subject with black to keep the light from reflecting back off the walls ? I guess I don't see that as being a very controllable scenario.

CaptainTom added 6 Minutes and 38 Seconds later...Double Post Merged Below

Here's another discussion that leans toward gray walls.

[picman]

You might run into building code issues running a/c ducts into your garage.