Lighting can completely transform the atmosphere of an event — but not all lighting techniques are created equal. Two of the most powerful tools available today are colour washing and projection mapping. Both create stunning effects, but they serve very different purposes.
Understanding the difference — and when to use each — can help you create a truly memorable experience that matches your vision and elevates your venue.
1. What is Colour Washing?
Colour washing is the technique of covering large surfaces — walls, buildings, or landscapes — with a soft, even layer of coloured light.
It’s a simple yet powerful way to:
- Set a mood or theme (e.g., warm golds for a gala, icy blues for a winter event)
- Tie lighting into brand colours
- Highlight key architectural features without overwhelming them
Because colour washing uses broad beams and even distribution, it creates an elegant, atmospheric effect that works beautifully for:
- Corporate events
- Outdoor weddings
- Product launches
- Charity galas and balls
It’s also fast to set up, relatively affordable, and easy to adjust throughout an event.
2. What is Projection Mapping?
Projection mapping goes beyond simple lighting — it’s the art of projecting detailed images, animations, or videos onto a 3D surface, like a building facade or stage backdrop.
It can:
- Tell a story through animated visuals
- Transform ordinary architecture into dynamic canvases
- Display logos, festive patterns, or interactive effects
Projection mapping is ideal when you want to:
- Create a “wow” moment
- Showcase a brand in a high-impact way
- Add interactivity to a performance or event
While it requires more planning, equipment, and technical setup than colour washing, the results are often jaw-dropping — and highly shareable.
3. When Should You Use Colour Washing?
Choose colour washing when you want to:
- Create a warm, elegant backdrop for social events
- Match lighting to branding without overwhelming the space
- Highlight the natural beauty of a venue (like historic stonework or gardens)
- Stay flexible for changing moods during the evening (e.g., dining, speeches, dancing)
It’s especially effective when you want lighting that enhances the atmosphere without becoming the main focus.
4. When Should You Use Projection Mapping?
Choose projection mapping when you want to:
- Wow guests with a high-impact visual showpiece
- Create memorable grand entrances or opening sequences
- Tell a visual story (e.g., the history of a castle, a brand launch narrative)
- Tie lighting tightly into entertainment, performances, or festive experiences
Projection mapping is perfect for premium events where making a statement matters — and where audiences expect innovation and spectacle.
It’s important to note: projection mapping typically involves significantly higher costs than colour washing.
This includes:
- Specialist projectors
- Custom content creation (animations, graphics)
- Technical setup and on-site testing
While more expensive, projection mapping delivers incredible impact and often becomes the most talked-about feature of an event — offering strong value for branding, PR, and guest experience.
5. Why Not Combine Both?
At Lumatech, we often blend both approaches for maximum effect:
- Use colour washing across general areas for ambient atmosphere
- Add targeted projection mapping onto key architectural features or focal points for high-impact storytelling
This combination creates a layered, dynamic experience that feels seamless and professionally designed — perfect for festivals, corporate galas, or public celebrations.
Final Thoughts
Whether you need the subtle elegance of colour washing or the high-impact spectacle of projection mapping, choosing the right lighting technique transforms your venue and shapes how guests feel from the first moment to the last.
👉 Not sure which is right for your next event? Talk to Lumatech — our team specialises in crafting tailored lighting solutions that bring spaces, brands, and stories to life.