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Thread: Workbench base paint color ?
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3rd April 2011, 09:14 PM #1SENIOR MEMBER
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Workbench base paint color ?
Hi,
I see alot of old workbenches (ebay etc) where the legs and rails are painted pale/light green. At first I thought it was just coincidence but in Schlenining's workbench book (p128) Sam Maloof's base is painted the same green - The Workbench: A Complete Guide to ... - Google Books
Is there a significance or story behind this colour ?
Thanks,
SamLast edited by Sam; 3rd April 2011 at 09:51 PM. Reason: Found a couple of pics on the net (just to prove I'm not crazy)
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3rd April 2011 09:14 PM # ADSGoogle Adsense Advertisement
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3rd April 2011, 11:49 PM #2Member
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I have no clue about the use of green for workbenches, but I know that 89% of houses in Darwin were painted with either Mission Brown or Mission Green after Cyclone Tracy and I recall dad saying it was because the army had it all as surplus and just gave it away. Could have been the same in the US after WW2.
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3rd April 2011, 11:55 PM #3
You can paint you're bench any colour you fancy in a free democratic country.
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4th April 2011, 12:15 AM #4China
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The reason bench's and many machines are painted green is that is is a colour that is calming and does not distract the eye and is supposed to create a safer and more harmonious place in which to work. Although as can be seen by the bright yellow and red examples today, this seem s to have gone by the wayside
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4th April 2011, 10:05 AM #5SENIOR MEMBER
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Left over house paint was my initial thought but I've seen too many painted this colour for it to be that. Also the benches are in the US and also here....cue twilight zone music...
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4th April 2011, 12:26 PM #6
My guess would be "army surplus green"
regards
Nick
veni, vidi, tornavi
Without wood it's just ...
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4th April 2011, 01:45 PM #7
I'll go one further and say Government Green.
Probably a standard colour for the government departments (including the Army). Several Power Stations and water treatment plants I have worked in were painted that colour in all the workshops and offices. Walls, cupboards, steelwork, everything not just the benches.
I believe that particular shade of green is designed to repell polar bears. Can't say i've ever seen one within cooee of that colour so it must work.Those were the droids I was looking for.
https://autoblastgates.com.au
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6th April 2011, 09:55 PM #8SENIOR MEMBER
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I think it must be a government thing...asked an old tradesman (ex-government to boot) and he said timber was painted green and machinery/steel was blue. No further details were offered.
NCArcher, I didnt pursue the polar bear theory with him, I'll take your word for it !
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