Take Your 3D Painting to the Next Level
Painting on 3D models, regenerating and generating UVs
In order to paint in 3D we must think about a few things like COLOUR, TEXTURE and DESIGN. Then, WHERE are we going to paint? This may seem like rather an obvious question. You may find that you can only paint what is facing you, what the ‘camera’ sees. Again it is best to refer to the UV layer, so that you can make sure you are not over painting or creating seams.
What is UV mapping?
Briefly, here is what Wikipedia has to say about UV mapping. The letters U and V describe two-dimensional space. This is the space, or layer that is wrapped over your 3D image. The 3D image is described by X, Y and Z, these are the axes in three-dimensional space up and down, left and right and diagonal. For the full explanation go here.
The UV mapping overlay may best be described by the following illustration. On the left is the sphere without UV mapping and on the right is the sphere with, where you can see how the colour ‘wraps or stretches’ around the sphere.
Example of UV mapping on a sphere
3D Painting on models from the Internet
In some cases, you may have found it difficult to paint on free 3D models downloaded from the Internet. This is because the 3D model may not have been mapped correctly so the paint goes all over the place uncontrollably.
3D Painting Advice
Depending on the version of the software you are using, you can correct badly made UVs using Photoshop and recreate or create new UV parameters. This video by Daniel Presedo from Photoshop shows how to paint on a 3D model and Regenerate UVs.
In this following video by Daniel, we are shown how to Generate UVs or ‘road maps’ for your model. New options have been added in Photoshop so you can merge parameters with those you already have, keep the appearance of your model and, if you want, you can change the size.
Finally, here is a still from the video by Corey Barker, Instructor for the National Association of Photoshop Professionals. You can see the UV mapping (on the left) or ‘wire-frame overlay’, which is of the hat (on the right).
You may find it easier to use this view when painting three-dimensional objects. As demonstrated in the video, as you paint you can see exactly where the colour or texture is being set down.
For the full video, where you can also find more tips on painting in 3D go HERE
-Val Cameron/Dreamlight
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