To vertex paint like a pro in Blender, follow these steps:
- Prepare your model: Make sure your model is UV unwrapped properly. Vertex painting relies on UV coordinates to determine where the colors should be applied. Ensure that the UV seams are placed strategically to minimize visible texture stretching.
- Set up the viewport: In the 3D Viewport, go to the shading dropdown menu located at the top right of the viewport and select “Vertex Paint” as the shading mode. This will allow you to see the vertex colors directly on your model while painting.
- Switch to Vertex Paint mode: In the mode selector at the top of the 3D Viewport, choose “Vertex Paint” mode. This will enable the necessary tools and options for vertex painting.
- Choose your brush and settings: In the toolbar on the left side of the 3D Viewport, you’ll find the brush options. Experiment with different brush types, sizes, and strengths to achieve the desired effect. Adjust the brush settings such as falloff, blend mode, and spacing based on your requirements.
- Select the vertex color layer: In the “Vertex Colors” panel, located in the “Properties” sidebar (press N to toggle it), you’ll find a list of vertex color layers. If there’s no existing layer, click the “+” button to create a new one. Make sure the desired vertex color layer is selected for painting.
- Start painting: With the brush and color layer set, you can now start painting directly on your model. Left-click and drag the mouse to apply color to the vertices. Right-click and drag to erase or remove color. Use shortcuts like F to toggle the color fill mode, Shift to smooth the colors, and X to switch between additive and subtractive painting.
- Refine your painting: Use various brush sizes and strengths to add details and gradients to your vertex painting. Experiment with different colors and blending modes to achieve the desired look. Remember, you can always undo or adjust your strokes as needed.
- Utilize masking and selection tools: Blender provides tools like the Vertex Select and Face Select modes to isolate specific areas for painting. You can also use masking brushes to protect or restrict certain regions from being affected by your brush strokes. These tools help in achieving more precise and controlled vertex painting.
- Bake vertex colors to a texture: Once you’re satisfied with your vertex painting, you may want to bake the vertex colors into a texture. This allows you to use the painted colors in other software or game engines. To do this, go to the “Render” tab in the Properties editor, scroll down to the “Bake” section, and select “Vertex Colors” as the bake type. Adjust the settings and click the “Bake” button to generate the texture.
By following these steps and experimenting with different techniques, you can vertex paint like a pro in Blender and create stunning, detailed models with customized colors and effects.