Shader for candle

[shikuku]

Anyone have any ideas on how to create a shader for candle? Can it be done with SSS shader?

Here's an example of a candle~ the main interest is how to make an effect of translucency in the outer layer of the candle~ it will be best if someone have any idea to create cracks on the candle wax~

:o

[JeffPatton]

Why not use displacement for any cracks in the candles (or model them).

As far as a material goes, I'd probably try using one of the fastskinSSS materials (like the one with displacement for the cracks). It can be used for things other than just skin...
http://forums.cgsociety.org/showpost.php?p=3390346&postcount=3007

[mustan9]

I've never seen cracks in wax. I think it's to soft or oily of a material to form cracks. Unless it dries out or something, but if it looks good when your done that's all that matters.

For the best looking candle effects it better that the candle melts down so that the flame has some raised wax walls around it to illuminate.

I would use the physical SSS shader. The fast SSS shader requires a light map to be generated, and I don't know if it works very well with an omni light nearly on top of the target object, but try both.

[shikuku]

well~ I can't really find a word to describe more of the "crack" effect that i'm looking for. Perhaps a pic will say it all for me~ I'll go get some pic of an example of the candle "crack" that i'm referring to.

I'll suppose that I can find out alot about SSS shader in Jeff's webpage. But are there more online issue on SSS that may also be useful to study on? I'm new to SSS~ Sorry for the trouble...

Thanks anyway:D

[Jelmertjee]

I've actually done a tutorial on this on my site, it's pretty simple by using the a SSS shader and polymodeling for some details, take a look at it here (http://www.enjoycg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44)
I've added the result as an attachment.

[shikuku]

ow~ that material looks promising to me... nice one... i'll take more time on ur link later on. Thanks!!!:D