[WIP]SKIN: SH5 Tarnmatte Anechoic Coating

[SteelViking]

The tool will take all layers in an image into account. No the bump map will not cause any color matching that know of. Although, I am not 100% sure what you are asking. You are not trying to combine the _N.dds and the image file manually are you?

[TheBeast]

Originally Posted by SteelViking

The tool will take all layers in an image into account. No the bump map will not cause any color matching that know of. Although, I am not 100% sure what you are asking. You are not trying to combine the _N.dds and the image file manually are you?

I think I fingured it out. I was thinking it took more effort and would be a little more complitcated but it isn't.
STEPS:
1. Open Uboat7c_structure_N.DDS using DXTBmp utility.
2. Export the *_N.DDS image from DXTBmp directly into GIMP.
3. Use DXTBmp to open the Skin Texture we are working with Uboat7c_structure.dds
4. Export the Uboat7c_structure.dds image from DXTBmp directly into GIMP as another image.
5. Select the Uboat7c_structure_N.DDS image in GIMP.
6. Select "Filters -> MAP -> Bump Map" tool.
7. Select the Skin texture in top right corner for source of bump map.
8. Adjust settings to prefference.
9. Save new Bump Map in GIMP.
10. In DXTBmp Select Reload After Edit.
11. Save changes to disk. DONE!

[TheDarkWraith]

looking good

[coronas]

I do an Alberich texture; I don´t know if can be usefull for your excellent work so feel free to use, modify, change, etc.
It´s a .jpg, you can changing to .dds with Painnet.

[SteelViking]

Heck yeah! You got it man That looks amazing. However, if you get the right combo of plug-ins for GIMP, you will not have to do any exporting or importing, as GIMP would be able to open and save in any format needed. So, it can get even simpler.

[Capt Jack Harkness]

Originally Posted by coronas

I do an Alberich texture; I don´t know if can be usefull for your excellent work so feel free to use, modify, change, etc.
It´s a .jpg, you can changing to .dds with Painnet.

This looks awesome as a base for Alberich!

[coronas]

Originally Posted by Capt Jack Harkness

This looks awesome as a base for Alberich!

Thanks, Capt!
I don't know the pattern of Alberich instalation, so I follow the British' modern style.

[Capt Jack Harkness]

Well it was installed as pictured in my earlier post of U11:



But the metal bands you see dividing the sheets of Oppanol were only left on until the adhesive cured, so in the end I don't think the seams were really visible at all. Here are two pics of U-1105 "Black Panther" to give you a look at Alberich after installation:





Note the difference in size and shape of the limber holes vs the standard type VIIC.

Once the sheets come off, however, I think they had pretty standard Helgrau paint underneath, so there wouldn't necessarily be a panel of rust where a sheet peeled off, but I don't know, photos of Alberich-equipped boats are more scarce than the boats themselves. One other note: By the time U-480 was built, the adhesive had been improved so the coating may not have peeled at all (U-11 had that problem in '41 and it was supposedly fixed by '43 when U-480 was built).

[naights]

Originally Posted by TheBeast

I think I fingured it out. I was thinking it took more effort and would be a little more complitcated but it isn't.
STEPS:
1. Open Uboat7c_structure_N.DDS using DXTBmp utility.
2. Export the *_N.DDS image from DXTBmp directly into GIMP.
3. Use DXTBmp to open the Skin Texture we are working with Uboat7c_structure.dds
4. Export the Uboat7c_structure.dds image from DXTBmp directly into GIMP as another image.
5. Select the Uboat7c_structure_N.DDS image in GIMP.
6. Select "Filters -> MAP -> Bump Map" tool.
7. Select the Skin texture in top right corner for source of bump map.
8. Adjust settings to prefference.
9. Save new Bump Map in GIMP.
10. In DXTBmp Select Reload After Edit.
11. Save changes to disk. DONE!

Too much amount of effect, looks like a rock, you need to darken most of the bump map and highlight "only" the parts you want to affect, for example scratches, holes or something like that.

Take in mind, thats normal map alters too the direction of the surface and that the intensity of the light/reflects affects general "effect", so you need to find good values between 2 maps.

For example, take this as reference:

Normal diffuse:



Low information



High information



Bad, too much amount, planar zones need to be planar.



Normal



Bye !!

[SteelViking]

Naights has a point, you could tone down the bump affect a little for that skin.

[TheBeast]

Originally Posted by naights

Too much amount of effect, looks like a rock, you need to darken most of the bump map and highlight "only" the parts you want to affect, for example scratches, holes or something like that.

Holy crap you are good. The original texture source I posted below was from a algy cover concrete sea wall.

[SteelViking]

Oh, I just remembered, another useful tool in GIMP when making bump maps, is the Gaussian blur. After I get the map to look how I want it/am getting the affect I am looking for, apply a Gaussian blur around factor 0.4-0.6 and see if you don't like it even more. I have used this tool extensively to remove pixelation from the bump maps for the subs interior. Just thought I would let you know.

[TheBeast]

The Gaussian Effect did the trick, dampening the sharp edges and smoothing out the regular surfaces.
This skin look way better now with Bump Maps. Got rid of the glossy effect.
Also raise the Form marks from the Alberich Application Process, show the larger material sheets.

The Body, Structure, Deck are pretty much done. Need to do the Tarmatte textures on upper tower and bump map the tower and it will be complete for version 1.0

[SteelViking]

Nice job. I am glad that worked for you.