Whats the best way to do this?

[Ghostscape]

make a square, odd-pixeled image (ie 17x17, not 16x16).

Go to the gradient tool.

Click the rectangular gradient. Make a gradient from the center to the edge.

Copy/Paste this into a new canvas

Rotate 90 degrees.

Use curves to adjust the sharpness of the knurling. Run it through a height->normal converter.

For the diffuse, take that height map, add some noise/clouds (not at full strength, use a soft-light or something) and then use the height map as a mask for wear on the paint.

I wouldn't use Ben's photo ref because that has a lot of perspective in it. If you want to use photo ref make sure its of knurling on a flat surface.

[satan]

Originally Posted by benclark

like this...

WHOA! How the hell did you do that??

Edit:- Or is it a ref I'm looking at??

[benclark]

thats a photo, just high pass filtered and a tweak at the black and white levels

[Xoliul]

I have to disagree with you on this Ben. That photo has a lot of perspective, rendering over 60% of it useless. then there's the reflection that makes it so that you can't make a a correct normalmap out of it. I think it really is easier to just make a decent pattern that allows for perfect normalmaps. Then some layerstyles can help you achieve the right diffuse and spec. And imperfections, well just use a grungy overlay on at least the heightmap for the normals ?

[satan]

This should do I guess ..... made it from the one Ben posted. Also it's tile-able.

[Sir Apple]

Am I allowed to use that one. satan?

Beers on me if I can .

[satan]

Obviously. You're more than welcome to do so.

[benclark]

Originally Posted by Xoliul

I have to disagree with you on this Ben. That photo has a lot of perspective, rendering over 60% of it useless. then there's the reflection that makes it so that you can't make a a correct normalmap out of it. I think it really is easier to just make a decent pattern that allows for perfect normalmaps. Then some layerstyles can help you achieve the right diffuse and spec. And imperfections, well just use a grungy overlay on at least the heightmap for the normals ?

Why on earth would I use the 60% of the map that was distorted? Obviously I would paint out the lighting and tile it up

The key word I used in my post was PERSONALLY. That is the method I use at work all the time

I would personally never use a photoshop pattern on top of a high res photo texture, doesn't mean its wrong.

[Kaskad]

Tbh the results either way are pretty equitable, just some artists like to manipulate photos and some like to create things by hand

[Ghostscape]

Originally Posted by benclark

Why on earth would I use the 60% of the map that was distorted? Obviously I would paint out the lighting and tile it up

The key word I used in my post was PERSONALLY. That is the method I use at work all the time

I would personally never use a photoshop pattern on top of a high res photo texture, doesn't mean its wrong.

I'd still use photos on top of a photoshop pattern to add that element of randomness and wear that photosourcing adds, but even Satan's cleaned up version of that image is not usable for normal maps since it has those diagonal white lines in-between each diamond shape from the flash used in the photograph.

In the end all that matter is the results, and there are plenty of photos I use for patterns and texture. That particular photo requires way too much cleanup for me. Its easier for me to paint a quick pattern and use that as a base with the proper shape and then layer on photos, rather than trying to clean up a photo.