Where to place SPEC MAPS

maeglin1

Where to place 'Specular' BITMAPS. Big question....
Because everyone has a different answer! Hopefully I can finally nail this issue.

Please look at Page1, page2, page3 enclosed.
This is where I (assume) you put ARROWAY Maps.
It's the SPECULAR map that I find conflicting info on.

Page 1
I create a reflection layer and put SPEC MAP into the perpendicular FRESNAL.
I also put SPEC MAP into HLIGHT LAYER & REFLECT LAYER.

Page 2
I invert the texture and alpha channel in the fresnal???
Don't know if I should do this but I read it somewhere.

Page 3
Using other (non-arroway) materials that have NORMAL MAPS.
Where do I place the Normal Bump Map in the (pull-down menu)
It reads the foll0wing catagories:

Bump
Tangent Space
Camera space
World Space
Local Space
Explicit Normals

Any help would be appreciated

Page 1.png

Page 2.png

Page 3.png

andybot

yes, specular goes in the perpendicular slot of Fresnel. Don't know about invert, it depends on the map. White is more reflective, black is less. Yes, you should reduce the glossy reflection value to get a more realistic reflection.
I only typically use bump, haven't tried the others.

maeglin1

@andybot said:

yes, specular goes in the perpendicular slot of Fresnel. Don't know about invert, it depends on the map. White is more reflective, black is less. Yes, you should reduce the glossy reflection value to get a more realistic reflection.
I only typically use bump, haven't tried the others.

Thanks Andy, reliable as ever...
I am after this type of effect (see image) when it comes to reflections.

I don't no why Arroway don't do NORMAL MAPS because they contain all the little dents, scratches and imperfections that really make wood come to life. Arroway woods are too clean and perfect for my liking. I want to create floors with 'wear and tear' .... slightly aged.

Other than Arroway and Rendertextures, do you know where I can get floors with maps?

stefanq

Check this old post:
http://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=322%26amp;t=41046

maeglin1

@stefanq said:

Check this old post:
http://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=322%26amp;t=41046

Thanks... I already read this thread. In fact, I wrote you a private message because of what you wrote in the thread.... to clarify your advice.

While Arroway textures are very good, I am not impressed by the floors. Being an interior designer I don't use Arroway type floors in the real world... I use broad plank, where the width of the boards are 15-20cm wide and 2m long. The Arroway floors are too choppy and busy and lack the simplicity I desire. Re-claimed floors that are distressed and aged look alot better than new floors... but how do I achieve this with Arroway... don't think I can without NORMAL MAPS that would show the imperfections.

Apart from Arroway, are there any other floor packs with maps out there?

massimo

Buy some of these (check the "wood floors" and the "wood boards") and you'll be a happy man. You will receive as a gift some nice scratches&dents bump maps.

maeglin1

@massimo said:

Buy some of these (check the "wood floors" and the "wood boards") and you'll be a happy man. You will receive as a gift some nice scratches&dents bump maps.

Okay, thanks, I will check them out...