Is it possible to make two materials on the same object overlap each other?

[Anonymous]

Hi guys!

I have a simple question.

First I have to preface this and state that I am a programmer. I am not an artist of any kind. However, when I am making games I simply can not afford to hire an artist all the time so for anything basic I simply have to figure out how to do it on my own. I just wanted to say that because I will very likely end up asking questions that to any 3d artist would appear dumb or goofy. Code is my game, not art.

Basically what I am wondering is if it is possible to have two materials that are on the same object overlap one another.

What I am trying to do is make it so that I can paint on certain parts of an object but have the rest of that object be invisible. And honestly, I have no clue how to even approach something like this. I know that in game engines I can make individual materials invisible. But I would need to make the materials overlap. I hope I am making sense.

I have actually tried researching this but can not for the life of me figure out what this would be called if anything and have as such, found nothing.

Also, I am perfectly fine with using whatever method I need to in 3ds max or mudbox.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[Fadhil_Farook]

You can try using a Composite Material or a Composite Texture. This way you can have access to some features that are similar to Adobe Photoshop such as Layer modes (Multiply, Overlay, Screen) etc. And even have masking options for the texture maps. This does require some artist skill though, if you want to make proper masking or texturing.

 If this doesn't answer your question, please elaborate more on your trouble you're having.

[Alfred.DeFlaminis]

Hello @Anonymous,

Since you are a programmer I think it best that I give you a bunch of links to get you pointed in the right direction.  @Fadhil_Farook is right, you could use the composite material with standard shaders.  I was hoping to talk you out of using 2 shaders for this though, since if all you need is opacity you can do it in 1 material and not have to double up on your draw calls in engine.  

In this situation you could use an opacity map to give the object transparency, and then paint over that opacity channel for the areas the need to be opaque.  You can do it in Photoshop, Mudbox, or in Viewport Canvas. (Make sure to turn off gamma correction if using viewport canvas.)

Is this helpful or what you were looking for?  If not, please let me know and I'll do what I can to help you.  Thanks!

Best Regards,

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

Thank you guys a lot for your help. I did resolve my issue.

I resolved it by discovering the awesome unmatchable power of the ALPHA CHANNEL(echoes).

Thanks again!

[Alfred.DeFlaminis]

I read that with the echoes and everything in Spock's voice for some reason.  Glad you are all sorted out @Anonymous!  Thanks for the update.

Best Regards,