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Raking light
Raking light is light that hits a wall from the side, which makes bumps and seams easier to see.
Why it matters
Raking light can make average drywall look bad. It is a big reason to plan finish level and lighting together.
Where people get this wrong
The drywall did not suddenly get worse. The lighting changed what your eyes can see. Sunlight at a low angle is the strongest raking light.
Real-world example
At noon the wall looks perfect. At sunset you see waves and seams. That is raking light telling the truth.
Where this hits your build
This comes up during the finish phase. Lighting, angles, and personal expectations collide here. What looks fine at noon can look rough at dusk.
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