- My creation is totally shiny in the game - why?

This happens when you have added an all-white alpha channel to your Specular image. This is easily done in error when using a graphics program that doesn't actually let you see the alpha channel in order to edit it. A Specular's alpha channel must be all-black unless you wish to force high reflection on your object regardless of the pattern applied to the object. See How can I edit my alpha channel?

The specular and its alpha work separately. The main image of the specular maps out the amount of shine (lighter = more shine) when a reflective pattern is used. If a pattern such as fabric is used, there will be little or no shine. However, if marking any part of the texture white on the alpha layer, that part will shine regardless of the pattern chosen, though the amount of shine will still be determined by how white the main image is beneath the alpha.

The hand dryer on the right is pictured together with its specular (the alpha layer of the specular is shown separately below it). Where the alpha is all-black, the dryer will only shine if a shiny pattern (such as chrome) is selected. Therefore, the body of the dryer will shine when a chrme pattern is applied, but when a dirt or rust pattern is applied there is no shine. However, the metal funnel of the dryer is white on the alpha too (see lower picture), meaning it will shine regardless of the pattern used - and shines in both examples of the dryer. In fact, it is impossible to make the heat-pipe appear rusty because of this forced shine.

Referenced from:

• Resource  What is a specular?
• Resource  How can I edit my alpha channel?

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