Working in Layers -- One Last Request for Help

[Vraciu]

Oh did I do this the hard way...


I am still not sure how to do panels so they look metallic.  I have figured out a way to blur different colors to give a non-solid look.  The problem is, I learned AFTER I got the fuselage markings and panel lines on.   So what I want to do is go in and stamp the metal onto the fuselage and then re-apply the rivets, panel lines, and insignia.

Am I making each of these things into a layer of its own??

- Metal panels on the bottom.
- Markings and Paint in the middle.
- Rivets and panel lines on top.


????????????????????

Is this the theory?

[FTJR]

Yup that's it

[VonMessa]

I do a seperate layer for each wing, top and bottom, with individual layers for panel lines, shadows, rivets and their shadows, on and on and on.

[Greebo]

Here is a short bare metal effects tutorial I posted in here five years ago. Since I wrote it AH has introduced specularity maps which transform how bare metal skins look, but it is still valid as far as the basic skin is concerned.

BTW ignore the material file in the tutorial, it is not correct for the current game.

[HornetUK]

I recomend you go to this site:

http://www.simmerspaintshop.com/forums/forum33-tutorials/

There are many tutorials there for many different programs

You can get loads of ideas on how to improve your skins there i use photoshop but I looked at all sorts of diferent tutorials for different programs to get ideas on how to improve the relisum of my skins.

Have a look and if you need more help do ask!

[Vraciu]

Thanks to all of you.  Will get cracking on this today.

[VonMessa]

If you think you have enough layers.  It's still not enough.

[Vraciu]

If you think you have enough layers.  It's still not enough.

I am embarrassed by how few I have.   I am seriously doing this the hard way.   It is enough to make ya' weep.

[VonMessa]

I am embarrassed by how few I have.   I am seriously doing this the hard way.   It is enough to make ya' weep.

One of the best benefits (for me) is that, if you muff something up terribly, it's only that layer that get screwed and if you think ahead, you can make a copy of the layer you are about to work upon so you have an un-muffed back-up if something DOES go South. 

[ink]

One of the best benefits (for me) is that, if you muff something up terribly, it's only that layer that get screwed and if you think ahead, you can make a copy of the layer you are about to work upon so you have an un-muffed back-up if something DOES go South. 

making a copy is a must...great advice 

[VonMessa]

making a copy is a must...great advice 

It's the bald head!!!

[ink]

its damn cold

[Vraciu]

I am gonna try layers maybe for the panel lines on this one....   If that goes well then I can add to it.   I have been in the habit of having backups of backups.  It is getting to the point I am emailing them to myself as a remote backup. Lol!

[VonMessa]

its damn cold

I've gotten used to it.