3D technology allows the painting contractor to plan finishes without applying a single brushstroke. With a digital scan of the space, colors, textures, and lighting are simulated before buying paint. This avoids tone errors and calculates the exact amount of material needed. Programs like SketchUp, Blender, or Revit facilitate this process.
Scanning and simulation of finishes on site 🎨
The workflow begins with a 3D scanner like Matterport or a camera with photogrammetry (e.g., using RealityCapture). The data is processed in software such as Autodesk Revit or Archicad, where real textures and colors from catalogs (Pantone, RAL) are applied. Paint plans are generated with exact measurements of square meters per wall, calculating paint yield and the number of coats needed. This reduces trips to the store and returns.
When the client changes their mind (again) 😅
The best part of simulating in 3D is that when the client says the beige living room looks like a vanilla sponge cake, you don't have to sand it down again. You click the mouse, try a storm gray, and tell them to look at the screen. If they still don't like it, they pay for the modeling hour. That way, the only thing getting paint on it is the monitor.