Pluginless Chrome effects

**Big Frank** · 11 April 2009, 11:35 PM

Originally Posted by covoxer

I think you only need more contrast. Notice that every chrome object has at least a couple of small 100% white areas. Black is also welcome. Your latest fill looks good but because of lack of contrast it's more like ceramic instead of chrome.

I agree. I'll try again tomorrow. Thanks for the comments.

**Big Frank** · 11 April 2009, 11:36 PM

Originally Posted by -=Drifter=-

How can we forget Jose???
His pluginless chrome is AMAZING!
for example:
http://www.talkgraphics.com/showthread.php?t=22308

Stunning. Masterful.

**gwpriester** · 12 April 2009, 12:50 AM

Miguel - Awesome. You nailed it. I'm embarrassed to show my examples.

Here are my efforts. The first one is totally vector. The middle one, the most successful (IMHO) uses John's Shade Curve method (tremendous tip John) and the final one is a hybrid of many different methods.

My take on this is chrome needs a smooth gradation of middle value colors with some deep tones and some bright highlights. That's why I think my second one works the best and why Jose's pocket watch works so effectively.

**ss-kalm** · 12 April 2009, 03:17 AM

Well, since I almost never take part in these things, I thought that it was time I had a go. Just fills used.

I must admit though that John's shade curve method is definitely my favourite.

**Big Frank** · 12 April 2009, 11:41 AM

I wouldn't want anybody to think I have become obsessed by this. Ooooooooooh noooooo! However, I think I have cracked it, along with some of you others whose examples are superb. This is my final submission (until the next one) and I am at last satisfied with the result!

Thank you everybody for taking part and for humouring me!

Clearly, if anybody's interested in knowing the steps to reproduce this I would be happy to oblige.

**gwpriester** · 12 April 2009, 12:44 PM

If were not careful, Jens Benthien will hop back in with some of his chome images.

Actually the contemporary salt and pepper shaker posted in this thread was one of his but that may have been created in a 3D application.

I dug up two old chrome images from the Workbook series, # 47 and 50. The chrome text now that I look at it, works pretty well, if I may be so immodest to declare.

**jvila** · 12 April 2009, 02:25 PM

One more !!!!!
Saludos

**Soquili** · 12 April 2009, 02:41 PM

Another try. Using the Shade Curve levels mentioned by John.

Great chrome look on the Cylinder Javier!

**Ross Macintosh** · 12 April 2009, 03:13 PM

Sweet!

**ss-kalm** · 12 April 2009, 04:15 PM

Really Nice work Bill ........ Someone's going to have to teach me how to use that shade curve, because my attempts NEVER look anywhere close to that!