Exposed Truss Ceiling Painted Black

[brianpgriset]

Originally was set on white metal panel ceiling for new 30x60x14 shop build. Was looking around and saw this:

I really like the idea of a flat black painted exposed truss ceiling. Benefits are:
- cheap
- easy
- gives sense of openness or tallness
- hides dust well

The only real drawback I can think of is the obvious loss of light reflection. I will have bright white walls. Not sure on flooring yet.

Wanted to get thoughts. I like bright work spaces. Can I "overpower" the lack of reflection with more lumens? Thoughts? Ill probably stick with the white paneling but thought Id ask.

 

[Mr. Roboto]

Are you planning to insulate at all? You limit your choices for insulation types if you're going to go for the open truss look. Just something else to think about.

 

[brianpgriset]

Itll be spray foamed. Very similar to video.

 

[cvairwerks]

You will find that it's a tremendous light ****...ever notice how dark bars and clubs are, even when all the lights are on? Same thing for concert halls and auditoriums. It will take a lot of work on the lighting to compensate.

 

[brianpgriset]

I figured. Its popular in the hipster restaurant scene for sure. There are no windows on my build either so ill probably skip this idea.

 

[yeldogt]

It's a good way to hide a lot of "junk" up in the rafters ..... exposed spray is not very attractive

 

[cybrdyke]

Ceiling reflection is important for shadow filling and reducing contrast. A black ceiling can be dramatic but it does create a cave effect that is uncomfortable for most. It's great for bars and man caves, but not so much for work areas. You'd notice it most if you're working under the hood of a car. To overcome it with light fixtures, best to use many lower powered ones.
CD

 

[AntonLargiader]

It makes a massive difference in overall illumination. I had a work area under a corrugated metal ceiling which was just dingy gray and other colors but not black. I had good lights. When I painted it with a semi-gloss white the difference was astounding. No matter how much light you add, you will never have light coming from the black areas.

 

[AP514]

Here in Houston that spray on Insulation could be a problem with the very High Humidity we have. I looked into it way back in the day. I think you need to have a barrier on the Roof Sheathing or something like that to keep moisture from getting trapped.

Research...plan and more research before you pull the trigger.

 

[brianpgriset]

Interesting. All the research I've done says to spray directly to the roof deck.

 

[hector]

Sounds like a good plan minus black. Paint it white.

 

[AP514]

Interesting. All the research I've done says to spray directly to the roof deck.

Let me know how it goes. One way or the other. Interested in this one.

GL on your Quest.

 

[nadogail]

Black painted truss work and ducts seem to fade into a black hole, not a bad decorating idea, but really difficult to light effectively.

 

[SSStang]

My 30x40x12 with black spray foam. I lined the First 8 feet of walls and painted a light gray. I’m liking it. I have 9 four foot led lights and seem very bright

 

[AntonLargiader]

See how sharp-edged all of the shadows are? That's because there's no diffuse light coming from above. I'd find that pretty annoying.