Coloring 3D Objects in Photoshop

In this step by step tutorial, I will demonstrate how to use color 3D objects using Photoshop. When doing this, I used Photoshop CS5 but CS6 should be very similar to it.

Step 1: Have an Object

For this example, I have a figure I downloaded from the website turbosquid. I chose a subject that is not too complicated and easy to demonstrate on.

Step 2: Begin Coloring
Go into the color swatch on the left and choose any color you want to use. You can now begin painting.

NOTE: When wanting to view the object you are coloring, you have the option on changing the position of the object. This is found on the menu bar right above the image. You can also physically move around the object by selecting the Position icon on the left menu bar.

Step 3: Reparameterize UV's
As I am coloring the figure, there are spots that are not being painted or are proving to be difficult to get. To smooth everything out and make it easier to paint the object, go to the 3D menu and go down to select Reparameterize UV's.

Of the two given options, select Low Distortion. This will prevent the object from becoming distorted and rearranged.

Step 4: Continue Painting
Once you have reparameterized the object, you will notice that painting becomes much smoother. Continue to paint- you can also add more details to the object, like eye and lip colors.

Step 5: Going into Diffuse.
As you can see in the above picture, there are still gray spots that are not colored in. Rather than spending hours changing the angle of the object in hopes of being able to paint it, there is a much quicker way. On the right hand side is a menu with the layers of the file.

If you hover the mouse over the layers entitled Diffuse , you will notice a small box image with patches of color pop up. Double click that.

A separate file will open containing what looks to be blobs of color. This is actually a 2D rendering of what you are painting. Upon zooming in, you can no see where there are patches and spots that need to be painted over.

Another helpful way of knowing where to color is by creating a wireframe. Go to the 3D options and down to Create UV Overlays. From that, simply select Wireframe.

By doing so, black lines will show up and map out the object more clearly.

I chose to rename the layer with the wireframe on it "Mesh". When you are working with these layers, make sure you are on the first layer with the colors and not the "Mesh" layer.

Step 6: Filling in the Whites
With the "Mesh" layer visible, you can go throughout the image and color in all of the boxes. When you are doing this, try to stay in the boxes.

Step 7: Save the File
In order to transfer the coloring you have done in this file, you must save it it. You can do this by either going into File-Save, or simply press the keys COMMAND-S.

To remove the wireframe from the 3D model, go back into the 2D rendering file and simply uncheck the visibility of the "Mesh" layer. When you go to the 3D model, the black lines will be gone.

 Step 8: Saving the Finished File
Once you are satisfied with the coloring ob the object, you can now save it. Simply go to File-Save As and save it in Photoshop format (.psd). This will allow it to be saved as a 3D object and also still be opened and edited in Photoshop.