Rendering in SketchUp: From Modeling to Presentation for Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Interior Design

Transparency

Transparent materials have a range of opacity and reflection. The more transparent a material, the less reflective it will be (Fig. 21.28, Fig. 21.29). IRPs also allow transparent materials to refract light: light passing through a see-through surface bends and distorts, depending on the type of surface. For example, when you look through a glass of water, the world becomes distorted and warped due to refraction.

Fig. 21.28: The glass is set with a higher opacity that allows more light to pass through and illuminate the interior.

Fig. 21.29: The glass is set to be less transparent, causing it to be more reflective.