I am in the process of installing fasia boards to my layout. What color do you use? My layout is largely urban with a section of western desert and mountains. The mountains are colored a reddish brown as is typical in many parts of the west.
Fascia Boards--What color?
- Thread starter Jim de Bree
- Start date
I agree with Charlie.
For years, it seemed like the most popular fascia material was wood paneling or masonite painted a light to medium beige. A few layouts that I saw used dark green or some other color, but not many.
Lately, though, I've been seeing more layouts going with black or dark-colored valances and fascias for the reasons Charlie stated. Also, I think it tends to be less distracting than lighter colors. Personally, I like it, and it's what I'm using on the completed portions of my layout.
For years, it seemed like the most popular fascia material was wood paneling or masonite painted a light to medium beige. A few layouts that I saw used dark green or some other color, but not many.
Lately, though, I've been seeing more layouts going with black or dark-colored valances and fascias for the reasons Charlie stated. Also, I think it tends to be less distracting than lighter colors. Personally, I like it, and it's what I'm using on the completed portions of my layout.
I think the main thing is that the color not distract one's eye from the star attraction - your layout. So it should be a muted color that complements, or at least doesn't contrast too much with, the overall color of your layout.
Many years ago, I did a stint as a carpenter for a local ballet company...One time one of the set painters told me, "If you paint it black, it's invisible..."
At the time, I thought this was a pretty crazy concept, but years later, after being involved in this hobby, I realized exactly what he was talking about...even though a viewer may see a black object, their eye tends to move on to where the color is.
I paint my valances, and the ceiling above the aisle areas, black. I plan to paint my fascias a dark brown however.
Gary
Gary
The Lake County Model Railroad Club, is painting the fascias a dark green. Doesn't look too bad so far.
C
Catt
thanks everyone
One last question for those of you recommending black. Are you using flat or gloss?
One last question for those of you recommending black. Are you using flat or gloss?
There's a standard housepaint color call "blind( as in shutters)green" thats used to accent windows. Since its an almost black green it does not detract from the surrounding colors but its a bit more visable then straight black and adds warmth to colors surrounding it.
I don't exactly have fascia, but my wife put a 3" wide ribbon in dark green around the layout.
I read somewhere that someone at Model Railroader long ago (Linn Westcott maybe?) used to paint the fascia as if it were a cut through the earth with geological layers and fossils.
I read somewhere that someone at Model Railroader long ago (Linn Westcott maybe?) used to paint the fascia as if it were a cut through the earth with geological layers and fossils.
Jim - Great topic - I have been ready to paint my fascia for along time. I been struggling with a color.
Does the flat black leave marks? If you belt buckle would rub it or something?
Marty
Does the flat black leave marks? If you belt buckle would rub it or something?
Marty
Marty, I've not had any problems with marks. I suppose if I really scraped it hard with something, I might notice a mark. But I try to stay away from the fascia when working on the layout anyway.
And for whatever it's worth, I've had (photographic) darkrooms in every house I've lived in since I was a kid. I painted all of them - even the counter tops and enlarger table - with flat black. Again, I don't recall any serious marks or scrapes on the areas that I typically brushed up against. Of course, I usually wear an apron when working with chemicals, so that probably provided some protection to the paint. I'd never really thought about it until now.
Tyson: Over the years, I have seen several very nice N scale layouts on NMRA tours. From what I've seen of the Nanthalia Midland in your photos, I'd say it ranks right up there with the very best. I'm really impressed!
Thanks Casey, coming from somebody of your considerable skills thats real nice nice to hear (read) !