Home Studio Paint? For those in-the-know, or even better those with studio experience, what sheen of white paint is best for bouncing light (i.e., flat, satin, semi-gloss, etc.)? And I...

Lazy J Loc: Pacific Northwest

For those in-the-know, or even better those with studio experience, what sheen of white paint is best for bouncing light (i.e., flat, satin, semi-gloss, etc.)? And I am assuming the whiter the better on the paint color? Thx!

rwilson1942 Loc: Houston, TX

Thinking about white paint for studio walls my first thought was the bright white ceiling paint.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Lazy J wrote:

For those in-the-know, or even better those with studio experience, what sheen of white paint is best for bouncing light (i.e., flat, satin, semi-gloss, etc.)? And I am assuming the whiter the better on the paint color? Thx!

Flat White for walls and ceiling

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

Whatever you paint ensure that it is totally smooth.... any and every mark will show. You could use lining paper first to cover rough bits. but make sure the butt joints are rolled flat. use several thin coats with a smooth roller.

Yes white will bounce most light BUT do you just want to use white as a background. Maybe one wall could be another colour? white is a harsh light - a warming colour might be useful.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Flat, Flat, Flat. The last thing you want is too much reflection from semi gloss. Also, I do not think white is the best color. A neutral grey would be best, like Salvage paper studio- grey.

https://www.isa-aydin.com/articles/photographic-studio-what-color-to-paint-the-walls/

BBBruce77 Loc: Eureka, Montana

Actually for product photography I painted my studio area black to avoid random bounced light from interferring with my set ups. What ever color you select make sure you have a solid reason for making the choice you end up with.

Lazy J Loc: Pacific Northwest

BBBruce77 wrote:

Actually for product photography I painted my studio area black to avoid random bounced light from interferring with my set ups. What ever color you select make sure you have a solid reason for making the choice you end up with.

Thanks for the "thinking outside the box" suggestion BBBruce77, but as photography is not my business but rather my pleasure, and the home studio will be dual purpose, I do not think the better half will buy off on black walls.

To clear up any confusion, I intend to use the ceiling and side walls to allow me more control with my off camera flash units. I do not intend to use the white wall as my backdrop as I have multiple backdrops for that purpose. I have no intention of upgrading to expensive lighting as my only subjects will be family, and mostly grandkids at that. Off camera flash works great for my purposes.

Thanks to all for your replies!

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

Everyone has their own system, but in studio (for me) neutral gray. You are in studio, why are you bouncing light? The studio is for controlling light with your studio lights, softboxes, strategically located reflectors, the idea is to use modifiers that control light spill, and put it specifically where you want it.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Lazy J wrote:

For those in-the-know, or even better those with studio experience, what sheen of white paint is best for bouncing light (i.e., flat, satin, semi-gloss, etc.)? And I am assuming the whiter the better on the paint color? Thx!

In a studio I want my lights to do the lighting, not my walls!! Flag the lights not the walls.
The less light is refelected the better!
If you’re trying to make a natural light studio, then it might be different.
SS

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

Lazy J wrote:

For those in-the-know, or even better those with studio experience, what sheen of white paint is best for bouncing light (i.e., flat, satin, semi-gloss, etc.)? And I am assuming the whiter the better on the paint color? Thx!

My first question, for background or bounce for fill?

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

Lazy J wrote:

Thanks for the "thinking outside the box"... (show quote)

Since you are planning on bounce light I'd use flat white, why add problems and you can always get gels to add color if you need, are you sure the SO is going to go for a mostly white room? You could probably do the same things with some portable panels.

CO

bkyser wrote:

Everyone has their own system, but in studio (for me) neutral gray. You are in studio, why are you bouncing light? The studio is for controlling light with your studio lights, softboxes, strategically located reflectors, the idea is to use modifiers that control light spill, and put it specifically where you want it.

I know someone who has a studio where he does portraits professionally. He painted the walls 18% gray - the same as photographic gray cards.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

Lazy J wrote:

Thanks for the "thinking outside the box"... (show quote)

Even with speedlights, and cheap black (non shoot through) umbrellas with white liners (I hate the silver liners if there is no diffusion panel) can be used without resorting to "expensive lighting"

Anything other than white, a shade of gray, or black will give you color casts. I would ask "she who must be obeyed" what she thought of painting the walls gray. It's actually very in style, and will help you control the light more.

2 of the 5 rooms I recently remodeled in the house I'm trying to get ready to sell, have gray walls. If you don't go too dark, it's actually a very nice, modern look, and easy enough to cover up with another color in the future if you get tired of it.

cambriaman Loc: Central CA Coast

Definitely FLAT. You want NO specular reflections in your studio. You might want to do a little research on the advantages and disadvantages of an 18% gray wall color before you choose.