Rendering in SketchUp

1. 
Apply color to the model faces.
2. 
Replace colors with textures.
3. 
Scale the inserted textures. 

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Part 2: Textures
Apply Color to Model Faces
Many users make the mistake of modeling and extruding surfaces without applying a color or
texture. This omission results in extra time spent placing colors or materials on every extruded 
nook and cranny of a model. For fully articulated models, this can be a time-consuming process. 
Also, some surfaces will require only a color, not a texture, and it makes sense to apply that 
color during this step. For best results, do the following:
1. 
Always apply solid colors.
2. 
Apply colors before extruding.
3. 
Apply many colors.
4. 
Apply colors to the outside of components and groups.
Always Apply Solid Colors
Always apply a solid color to surfaces when actively modeling. You can easily replace all 
instances of a particular solid color in one step with a custom texture material from your 
Texture Library. The default SketchUp material has no color; none of its associated default 
material instances can be replaced with a texture material in one step. The default SketchUp 
material is not considered a solid color for purposes of this step. 
Although you should not use SketchUp’s default material, you can use SketchUp’s native 
textures for this process if you want to include some level of texture accuracy in the initial 
model. These textures can be edited with a new custom material. 
You will not always know what materials you will be using for your model. Instead of ago-
nizing over the materials required up front, simply paint some colors now and allow yourself 
to worry about needed materials later. This will free you to focus on the model shape and form, 
and it will make it easier to prepare the model for rendering when you’re ready. 
Apply Colors Before Extruding
Flat surfaces will extrude all sides with the color applied to the initial flat surfaces (Fig. 9.3). 
This step will save you valuable time and headaches. While it’s not always possible, you should 
apply solid colors to flat surfaces before you extrude them (Fig. 9.4, Fig. 9.5). 
Apply Many Colors
Consider what you are modeling and use color to differentiate between model surfaces. If you 
know a surface will be a wall or counter, apply one color to surfaces that are walls and another 
to countertops (Fig. 9.6). If the next surface will be a ceiling or cabinet, add a different color 
for each. 

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