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Backdrop Color

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  • Member since
    March 2011
  • From: Westford MA
  • 558 posts
Backdrop Color
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 

  • Member since
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Posted by maxman on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 12:14 AM

Behr's most popular blue colors, 2023:

https://www.interiorsbycolor.com/behrs-6-most-popular-blue-paint-colors/

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.

 

  • Member since
    April 2023
  • 32 posts
Posted by Lost in A2 on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 1:57 AM

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

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

maxman

Behr's most popular blue colors, 2023:

https://www.interiorsbycolor.com/behrs-6-most-popular-blue-paint-colors/

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...

  • Member since
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  • From: Westford MA
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Posted by Tophias on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 1:34 PM

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

Regards, Chris 

  • Member since
    March 2011
  • From: Westford MA
  • 558 posts
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 

  • Member since
    February 2008
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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. 

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 8,907 posts
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.

  • Member since
    March 2011
  • From: Westford MA
  • 558 posts
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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