I do this quite a lot and find that the problem lies in the fact that
theres
usually nothing decent to reflect within the scene. Firstly you need a
good
high rez reflection map with lots of detail, it may help to use an HDR
image
for this, (just search on the web for them). Apply it to the scene using
'Image World' in the enviroment section of the backdrop dialogue box. Im
assuming that you have nothing else in the scene though, which is why
theres
not much detail going on.
The other problem is that flat surfaces dont really 'act' like gold. Its
not
often you see gold in real life that has been cut perfectly square, and if
you did, you'd find that the surfaces look quite boring. Try adding a
really
smooth procedural bump map to the entire surface that will add in
imperfections, it only needs to be about 10%, otherewise it'll be too
much.
This'll probably make more difference to your gold look than anything.
Also, bevel those edges, try and get rounded edges as it will add to the
'soft' look that real gold has. Gold is a really soft metal, more like a
really hard clay than say cut aluminium.
Last, your specular highlights could probably do with being tinted towards
the yellowy/orange of gold, i think this can be achived in the 'advanced'
bit of the surface editor.
Iain
"Matt Giwer" <jull43@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message
news:3ioBf.17725$_c.2053@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> James wrote:
>> Hello,
>>
>> I am having difficulty creating a realistic gold surface on a Lightwave
>> object. It's just a simple logo, but contains mostly flat 90 degree
>> edges. For example picture the letter capital "T" in a simple Arial
>> font, then extruded. Nothing I seem to do looks right. I've not had
>> this much trouble with curved surfaces which I think it part of the
>> problem, but I have also never tried working with metallic surfaces in
>> Lightwave. I may also be using the wrong type of image for my global
>> reflection map? And possibly the wrong size as most of the reflections
>> seem very blurry?
>>
>> The look I'm trying to get is a nice polished ****ny gold surface.
>>
>> Any guidance or tips to help get me in the right direction would be
>> greatly appreciated!!
>
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