Is metallness the preferred / more realistic way to create metals?

[seandunderdale]

Hey guys

What are your thoughts on metalness workflow when not using any maps? Is everyone now setting metalness to 1.0 and using diffuse / low IOR etc as standard? Or still just going to "old fashioned" way of setting higher IOR (4.0-8.0 for chrome) and making the diffuse black? Ive read some forum posts that suggest metalness is more accurate and realistic, but Ive read some articles that just discuss the feature as a way to include substance workflows that spit of metalness maps. Ive found myself using both without really realising it, mostly using metalness for metals with colour in them, and the non-metalness method for desaturated metals, I dont know why.

So is it more accurate / realistic? Or is it a feature to bring in Substance pipeline etc?

[Yannick]

Have a look there: https://www.chaosgroup.com/blog/understanding-metalness

[Yannick]

double post

[seandunderdale]

Yeh that's the article I was sent earlier today which got me thinking about all this.

"By adding the Metalness variable to the standard V-Ray material inside of V-Ray Next, users can continue their PBR workflow without having to use a completely new shader."

So is it Vrays primary suggested method for making metals now, or is it just another way if you are coming from another app? Old workflow and metalness both produce the same results if used correctly? Using glossy fresnel f.e produces objectively better results. Does metalness produce better metal results?

[Muhammed_Hamed]

So is it Vrays primary suggested method for making metals now?

Yes, you need to use Metalness for your metals.. it is more physically accurate than the old workflow or the other hacks we used to have for metals in the past

or is it just another way if you are coming from another app? Old workflow and metalness both produce the same results if used correctly?

They will not produce the same results, metalness is easier to setup and more physically correct
for a simple chrome material, you might not see the difference but for more complex example metalness shines
Don't use the old workflow anymore

Using glossy fresnel f.e produces objectively better results. Does metalness produce better metal results?

Yes, if you are interested in more info about this check the end of the metlaness post above. Vlado shared few links that show how metalness is more physically correct
And about glossy fresnel, you need to have it on for everything

Best,
Muhammed

[seandunderdale]

Ah cool. Didnt see all the comments. Seems someone asked the exact question and its answered pretty clearly. Cheers guys!