Colour of Machines and Workshop Efficiency

Apologies if this link has already been posted.

Steve

All the machines where I worked were green or grey, to the extent that I've never wanted green in my life subsequently. The walls were green, too."Restful" was the supposed logic in the use of green. Although, as a chind, older peoples' kitchens were always painted green or brown (or two-tone both).

Bill

I remember that when I was in the Forces, rooms were predominantly painted Eau de Nil as it was psychologically supposed to be the most relaxing colour. Can’t stand that colour now. Dave W

I worked at a small engineering works which had some old but wonderful machines, Holbrooks, Thiel mills, and other quality machines in there original paint. We all went away for two weeks for the annual shutdown, returning to find the new so called " Millwright" had daubed all the machines in the shop I worked in a hideous mid blue, his idea of an overhaul. I can still recall the horror on entering the workshop on the first morning back, and the look of thunder on the works managers face. The change of colour and the pitiable appearance of the machines really put me off the job and changed the whole outlook of the working environment, I left soon after. Since that time I've had a horror of machines repainted in mid blue!

Perhaps Mr Ford got it right when he said, "You can have any colour you like, as long as it,s black "

I dont see why the colour should be an issue ,but I would prefer something easy on the eye

Most of the old machines I ever saw were painted black, sure to get you off to a good start on a cold morning.

My own lathe is painted a sand colour, which is easy enough to live with, not so keen on those red or blue, or green ones..

The cockpits of spitfires were green because you stayed calmer with that colour around you as bullets knocked lumps from your aircraft

Allegedly

Well when I was in the forces all the tents were the same colour, bleached, and the flies were like sparrows. John

When I am machining something, I tend to look either at the cutting tool or the dials (I do not have a DRO), so the colour is immaterial.

The walls of my workshop are magnolia, or something approaching it. I feel sure that a light colour is appropriate for better lighting.

Any study of this type needs to be very well controlled to avoid a Hawthorne effect.

When I worked as a car mechanic it was easier seeing what you were doing under the bonnet of a white car. I therefore agree with the sentiment in the article. I like the slightly off white of some machines and pale green is nice as well.

Mid blue is for Record Vices and nothing else!

While I like to repaint a machine in a close approximation to original I also include a significant area in a very non standard colour to deter thieves. It might detract from its resale value - until I point out the reason. If I could easily paint polka dots that would be good.