Making chrome with Renditioner
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@honoluludesktop said:
Which version do you have? Can you post the logo and I will have a go at it with v2.
Here's the logo. Not sure which version I have, I just downloaded it a couple of weeks ago so it's the latest, but not the pro version. Thanks.
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Here is a quickie with v2. I am guessing that you are working with v1.1. My recollection is that that v2 and v1.2 require SketchUp v8. Go here for v2 express (free but limited resolution, I have not tried it myself, and I do not think that you can have v1.1, and v1.2 or v2 installed at the same time).
As previously pointed out, if you are planing to render in parallel projection, front view, without something to reflect, the render may be bland.
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I have version 1.2. The examples you posted don't look much like chrome, were they the "bland" examples you spoke of? Can Renditioner make it look like real chrome? And if so, can you please provide suggestions on how to go about doing this? I have searched and searched for any help on how to do it, but came up with nothing.
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Given the environment, and my experience,
is the best example of chrome that I can do. The logo is difficult because there is nothing to reflect except the HDRI environment. I played around with some of the render settings and got the following.
Beyond these examples, you need help from someone with more experience. There are other Renditioner settings that I have not tried. If you are interested in experimenting with v2, down load express (free) via the link above, and gofor HDRI environments. Some are free.
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I appreciate your efforts, I really do. It's just so frustrating, I can't seem to find anything worthwhile anywhere as far as explaining how to get decent results with Renditioner. The so-called "manual" that comes with it may be fine for someone who already knows how to use the program, but I know less than nothing about rendering programs. It uses terms that are like a foreign language to me, and doesn't bother to explain them. I'm not computer illiterate, and I enjoy learning new programs, but I can't see investing the time and effort to learn every nuance of the thing when I only need it for one very specific purpose. That's like learning how to build a house when all you really want to do is put a new window in it.
Anyhow, thanks again, have a good one. -
Glad to help. Some did when I first began to render. Can you post a image of what you expect a chrome render to look like?
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Well, I need it to look ...... real. Like real chrome. If it doesn't look like real chrome, why use it in a model, might as well just paint it gray.
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Your examples may require high lighting by pin spotlights, and a environment with objects that can be reflected on the mirrored surfaces. v1.2 can't do this. v2 can, but as I said it will take work on your part. I did the attached but without the benefit of the criteria stated.
It's at least an improvement over your render with v1.2.
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I'd suggest using PhotoShop. Or GIMP.
Those have Chrome styles that can be applied to text or graphics.
Do you have this 'Fairlane' font? If not just export your parallel view with White background and geometry all black. There are plugin's by Thomthom. Blackout and Export 2D.
Then tweaked in image editor.
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Metallic objects (chrome) are all about the environment you place them in -- without a complex environment to reflect the metallic surface looks plain/boring and too CG.
You will either want a to build an interesting lighting/reflection scene to place your chrome objects into or use proper studio type HDR background/lighting to supply interesting reflections.
Here's a link to a video showing a demo of this principle:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SF4AMQn6vZA&feature=player_embedded
Best,
Jason. -
Just upgraded to Renditioner Pro (they did it for free!) and will be experimenting with it.
By the way, the photo I uploaded was just a SU Photo, not a rendered photo, so I guess your version would be an improvement
@honoluludesktop said:
It's at least an improvement over your render with v1.2.
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Well, I've been playing around with it and I think there's hope to eventually get the kind of results I want. It's not there yet, but if I can get this close after only maybe a half-hour of experimenting, there's definitely hope. Thanks for all your help and suggestions.
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Here's a quick PS .png
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Great, glad to be of help. Good luck!-)
Rich, That's nice.
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@unknownuser said:
Here's a quick PS .png
[attachment=0:gd1aiu0d]<!-- ia0 -->Hellnbak_Logo.png<!-- ia0 -->[/attachment:gd1aiu0d]
Looks good, could you tell me how you went about doing that? (I have PS CS3, what version did you use?)
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CS5, but process is easily done in yours.
Just google 'chrome in photoshop' and you'll get tons of paint effects. The only other thing to do is follow my earlier steps
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Another try at it.
HellNBack, I know that a chrome finish is a chrome finish, but I still think that the finis will be lost on a render of a whole car. It's like looking at the leaves on a tree, from the viewpoint of the whole forest. Still, having been there, done that, I can relate.
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@honoluludesktop said:
Another try at it.[attachment=5:2igga6k1]<!-- ia5 -->real_time_56 Ford Hood Emblem1.jpg<!-- ia5 -->[/attachment:2igga6k1]
HellNBack, I know that a chrome finish is a chrome finish, but I still think that the finis will be lost on a render of a whole car. It's like looking at the leaves on a tree, from the viewpoint of the whole forest. Still, having been there, done that, I can relate.
But I'm not going to render the whole car, I just want to project rendered textures to parts of the model, like bumpers, hubcaps, headlight bezels, horn rings, door handles, knobs, etc. I don't like the idea of rendering the whole car and then all you have are photos, I like being able to move around the car, rotate it, etc, so I try to add textures wherever possible to add some realism to the model without reducing it to just a photo. Is that making any sense? (The '61 Chevy and '56 Ford are my first scratch-built models and are in their early stages, still need a lot of work, and the chrome is not very good yet)
I did try a render of a couple of my models (the bottom two photos), just out of curiosity, and although they are crude renders (didn't do any of the interiors, plus I really don't know what the heck I'm doing yet), I was somewhat surprised by the results. I really wish I hadn't done that though, cause then working on the models in SU they seem to be, well, artificial in appearance.
Dang it
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Very nice. I learned to drive with my Dad's 55 Ford sedan, and I once owned a white, red interior, 62 2 door Chevy Impala coup. Those were the days when American Iron ruled the road. I actually purchased it from a little old lady in the 70's. Wish I kept up the Chevy. At the time I was too young to appreciate what I had. I later traded it in for a Mustang.
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