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Is there a tutorial for making the reflective look in Paint jobs for FS2004 anywhere that I can study for making paint jobs ?

Adding a reflective component to the texture requires an alpha channel, typically seen in DXT3 or 32 bit.

Typical reflective alphas for painted surfaces are RGB 190,190,190 to 220,220,220 (light gray) and chrome much lower towards 0,0,0.

255 is pure white, no reflective qualities. Pure black 0,0,0 is strongest chome look. Keep in mind that the darker the primary surface color the less strong the reflective alpha need. Same is true for lower fuse surfaces that may reflect light downwards, they are more reflective. Tops of aircraft show less "shiney" and may need a lower value alpha (190's).

To add interest, you can paint an alpha with many variations of grays. We normally go mono-tone off the main textures then invert the values. You can get as fancy as you wish, or just do a straight 220 alpha and it will look great.

If you get a chance, take a look at the Howard 500 fuse and wing alphas, then contrast them with the Aero Commanders. Big differences.

You will likely get some "hits" from a Google search for Texture reflective alpha type keywords, or check out the tutes at Freeflight Design Shop.

Hope this helps.

www.gjsmith.net/ heres the best one i have found. Hope it helps

Thanks Milton and ED,
Im still a rookie at painting but I'm bound to get better lol


I hope.

RCAF_MadDog