Chain Mail Made Easy.

Posted by Winterhawk on 2004/3/17 0:15:52

This is the basic way i make chain mail. I have also used this method for other textures.

Step 1: enter quick mask mode and mask out what you want to be chain mail and create a new layer call it layer 1.
Step 2: Lock transparences on layer 1
Step 3: Use the blur tool to make it nice and smooth but still retain the lights and shadows.
Step 4: Duplicate layer 1 and call it layer 2 and lock transparences
Step 5: Find a large and detailed picture of chain mail and open it.
Step 6: Use the clone tool and completely fill layer 2 with the chain mail from the chain mail picture.
Step 7: Desaturate layer 1 and layer 2
Step 8: Set the layer properties of layer 2 to Multiply
Step 9: Color layer 1 & 2 using the B.A. Method of coloring (see B.A. Start to Finish tutorial)
Step 10: touch up-use dodge, burn etc to get some additional highlight and shadows on layer 1

I have used this method for alot of different textures. This is how i made the chain mail in both my Captian America & Magnus Pictures As well as the Scales on the purple half of my Metamorpho. Experiment with it. See what you can do. I have also used it for leather texture on a picture i never finished.