Typical Formica looks very smooth in general, but it has a very subtle texture that causes very unique, anisotropic reflections. A perfect example are the space pod control panel surfaces in 2001: A Space Odyssey. The panels look like metal, but they were in fact made from Formica, which gives a tell-tale sign when you get familiar with the stuff.
The way I found out was that I was working on a space pod interior 3D model and was in the process of RegiStacking frame blowups from the movie of different shots. The noise was going away in this particular group of frames I was working with, except for this odd texture that looked like noise that paradoxically wasn't going away. In fact, it was getting more DEFINED. So then I thought, "it must actually be part of the material."
? All of a sudden I realized I recognized the texture...Formica! Coincidentally, and shortly after that, I had access to some very early Discovery blueprints that survived the "Great Kubrick Demolition", and indeed, Formica was spec'd out as the surface material.
njeneb > I will check out your tip.
Thanks everybody!
