Texturing Tips

[jandcando]

I'm starting to try making parts that I'm including in my mod after making some test parts first. The tests went well and I learned a lot, but I am a novice when it comes to texturing. I can export UV maps from Blender and lay them out how I want them, but I could use some tips about how to make my parts look visually pleasing.

Firstly, what do I do about the lines that Blender creates in the UV map export? They stand out quite a bit and there is no easy way to get rid of them and also know where the boundaries are. Is there a way to make them thinner?

I'm using Paint.net to make the textures and I discovered that adding noise to the texture makes it less stark in color and better-looking, but how do I go about making it look less uniform and featureless? I mean like discrete sloshes in the noise that make the part look painted.

Thanks in advance for any of the help you guys can provide.

[CaptainKipard]

I'm starting to try making parts that I'm including in my mod after making some test parts first. The tests went well and I learned a lot, but I am a novice when it comes to texturing. I can export UV maps from Blender and lay them out how I want them, but I could use some tips about how to make my parts look visually pleasing.

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Firstly, what do I do about the lines that Blender creates in the UV map export? They stand out quite a bit and there is no easy way to get rid of them and also know where the boundaries are. Is there a way to make them thinner?

Export UV layouts to SVG, combine the shapes in a vector editor like inkscape, and import into GIMP as a path. Raster UV layouts are for amateurs.

I'm using Paint.net to make the textures

Don't. Learn GIMP. I hope you didn't buy it. GIMP is free, and actually better.

and I discovered that adding noise to the texture makes it less stark in color and better-looking, but how do I go about making it look less uniform and featureless? I mean like discrete sloshes in the noise that make the part look painted.

Use photo textures for your backgrounds.

Edited January 1, 2015 by Cpt. Kipard

[jandcando]

Thanks for the insight!

Edited January 1, 2015 by jandcando

[lo-fi]

Although he's using photoshop in the tutorial, and not all of it is directly applicable in KSP, Racer445's approach to light and texture in this tutorial is magic:

CK's excellent texturing tutorial shows what you can do with the shaders available in KSP, so you can pick the bones out of the vid with that to create your workflow. Definitely play with the bump and spec options, they can really bring depth to a texture when created sensitively. Good luck!