With this first model I kept it simple and copied a smooth, metal material that I'd found via Google, and tweaked it to make it appear more 'shiny'.
The next model I looked at was my Mouse Droid. As it was the only model I completely took from the Star Wars Universe, I had a pretty good idea of what it should look like. As the original Droid is completely black and almost has a 'dull' finish and I made sure to keep the shininess to a minimum and only added enough to stop the model looking too flat.
Next I worked on another one of my own creations. I wanted this droid to have a very 'rough' feeling (as if it had been working for many many years and was probably in need of some repairs)
I added a rusted metal material I found via Google - making sure not only add minimal shine (it is still metal after all, even if it is rusted). I'm really happy with the overall effect that I got, as it actually looks like parts of the droid are being corroded!
I also added a different, shinier material to the front two 'buttons' and blots on the legs. I felt these would have been perhaps made of a different metal from the rest and therefore would have avoided the problem with rusting. I made a light, dusky brown material and tuned it to have a nice shiny - making it look like a highly polished metal.
The last model is a new one (I haven't blogged about its creation yet but I will do soon!)
I used a similar 'smooth' metal material as the one I'd used for the first model, but added a black, shiny material to some of the detailing on the side and front of the droid.
I might add something to the side, top 'box' details in the future as I'd like them to almost appear to be 'eyes' - as this droid will be finishing the animation and I'd like it to have a little more 'character'!
