Rendering in SketchUp

Use the SketchUp texture tools
Using the SketchUp Paint Bucket tool, you can apply, edit, scale, 
and replace textures (Fig. 6.12). A right-click context menu 
allows you to reposition and rotate those textures. External 
Fig. 6.12: 
The SketchUp Paint 
Bucket tool plays a central role 
in applying and editing texture 
images.

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Part 2: Textures
photo-editing software can be linked to the Paint Bucket tool to provide additional editing 
options. Chapter 8 provides a detailed review of the various ways to apply and edit textures in 
SketchUp. 
edit the textures 
Using the available tools, you will need to edit your textures to enhance your renderings and 
ensure that the textures appear accurate (Fig. 6.13). Chapter 9 demonstrates how to achieve a 
desired look (Fig. 6.14). 
Fig. 6.13: 
Editing and swapping textures is part of the process when you’re generating a rendering. The image 
on the left shows the original textures applied to the model surface. On the right, all the textures are edited or 
replaced with different versions.
Fig. 6.14: 
The adjusted textures create a different version of the rendering as compared to the rendering in 
Fig. 6.8 (Shaderlight).

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Chapter 6: Textures Overview 
General Considerations
When you’re working with materials, keep the following considerations in mind. They are 
discussed further in the next several chapters and are the foremost factors affecting materials. 
textures and the Iterative Process
A big part of the draft iterative process is assessing how materials will appear once rendered. 
You will end up adjusting assigned IRP texture values or swapping out materials when you’re 
running drafts. It’s important to keep the editing process dynamic and ensure that you do not 
keep textures that do not achieve good results. 
Consider Scale
When first applied to surfaces, most textures will require scaling, usually adjusted to appear 
larger (Fig. 6.15). SketchUp’s initial settings for a texture’s size in the Paint Bucket menu are 
set to a low value. This causes them look small and inaccurate.
Fig. 6.15: 
The image on the left shows the initial textures applied to surfaces. They appear small or out of scale. On 
the right, the textures are scaled upward, providing a more appropriate appearance.
Obtain Multiple Textures 
When you’re researching and downloading textures, obtain multiple versions of the same 
texture when possible. This will allow you to swap out a texture when it looks off, without 
limiting your results (Fig. 6.16). 

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