Metal Musings

**Mach3DS** · February 21st, 2017, 18:18

So I wanted to do this for a long time. I've always been on the metal soapbox, but this example shows the difference between (i think anyway) Grey Paint, something polished metal, dull metal, and chromated metal.

I used grey "paint" to illustrate the difference between applying a semi-gloss or satin style paint "on top of" rather than "infusing it to" the metal. This is based on clean paint without dirt. however the principle is the same. The paint is applied, and dirt and grim would then build up on top of the paint.

Just kind of gee wiz comparison...I did this very quickly. Made a quick edit to the diffuse and specular to achieve it.

**fsxar177** · February 21st, 2017, 19:01

Great comparison. I'd love to see some others chime in with their thoughts, ideas, and methods.

I've attached an image (prejudice to 170 research right now). We're forced to go out in the field and experiment with this stuff!

Notice the dull aluminum after many years without polishing on a factory airplane. And the fresh polished piece.

Often airplanes that haven't been polished for only couple years tend to maintain shine and reflection, much more so than this example, but lose the luster of the fresh polish job.

I think it's interesting that this airplane looks like it's painted a dull grey..

**Mach3DS** · February 21st, 2017, 19:36

Great photo! Yes indeed...so many different types of metal finishes. Which is why I'm so passionate about materials settings and making them as open as possible instead of locking them into a single type of finish.

***Jafo*** · February 21st, 2017, 20:31

Great representation of the different versions....
You can spend a lifetime trying to replicate metal finishes on various planes....and it all gets complicated when various layers aren't properly available...