Rendering in SketchUp

Fig. 21.5: 
Preset texture values 
(Shaderlight)
Fig. 21.6: 
A bump value will be applied to the concrete 
texture in SketchUp.
Fig. 21.7: 
The same concrete surface as it 
appears rendered with a bump value for 
greater surface contrast and depth.

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Chapter 21: Texture Values
Fig. 21.8: 
The brick texture viewed in SketchUp
Value Range
A little bit of bump can go a long way. Bump values range from 0.1 to 10 for Shaderlight and 
Twilight and from 1 to 100 in SU Podium (Fig. 21.10, Fig. 21.11, Fig. 2.12, Fig. 21.13). Smooth 
surfaces like porcelain, plastics, and glass will not have a bump value. When Shaderlight and 
Twilight are used, most texture bump values will range from .1 to 2.5. For example, a wood 
texture in Shaderlight will have a bump value of .3. Setting the bump value too high can cause 
textures to have a dimpled, distorted appearance when rendered.
Fig. 21.9: 
The brick surface after it’s rendered with a 
bump value applied
Fig. 21.10: 
When applied 
and rendered to concrete 
cubes, bump values of +1 
and +2 create a small but 
noticeably coarse appear-
ance and depth. Most 
textures do not require 
a bump value greater 
than +1.

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Part 5: The Iterative Rendering Process
Fig. 21.11: 
Bump values of +3 and +4 are applied and rendered to the concrete cubes.
Fig. 21.12: 
Bump values of +5 and +6 are applied and rendered to the concrete cubes.

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Chapter 21: Texture Values
Inverse Values
Bump values can be inverted, causing the “3D contrast” to reverse across the surface. For 
example, a negative bump value on concrete with scoring will cause the scoring to rise and the 
concrete character to appear depressed (Fig. 21.14, Fig. 21.15). Inversing bump depends on the 
IRP and how it provides and applies these values.