Hello all, after simming for a number of years I've decided to expand my horizons and try my hand at repainting. I've done my first repaint, which is a fictional livery of my charter business in FSE. After reading numerous tutorials and learning as I go I have come to a wall I cannot figure out.First off, I am using the Gimp ver 2.6. I have completed the repaint of my livery and all looks well in the program. However, when it comes to compiling the software I have seen numerous ways to do it and I'm not sure if this is the reason for my problem. Initially I saved it as a .bmp and then used DXTBMP to save to a DDS (DXT3 and 5) format. Eventually I learned how to save it the Gimp as a DDS (DXT5) format. What is the preferred method of saving in the Gimp.I started out removing the Alpha channel from a Blank template from Carenado, and began my repaint adventure. I've learned these templates share between the sides, kinda stinks for adding text on the vertical stabilizer. Once the repaint was complete I merged the layers and re-added an alpha channel. Second question; When adding the alpha channel what level of transparency should I use by default? I believe this issue may be causing the visual problems I am having. There is too much reflection on the fuselage, opaque windows and opaque landing gear. You will see this below except for the extreme reflection.First, what it looks like in FSX:Next, as the DDS (DXT5) in Gimp:Lastly, as the BMP in Gimp: Note: the center line hinge panel of the hood and oil dipstick access panel are not painted in the below pic. Reason being I learned to save as DDS in Gimp.

Also, is it necessary to remove the Alpha Channel prior to repainting from a paintkit?

I don't remove the alpha before repainting. It looks as though you have some wheel textures missing. What I always do is check out real world planes when it comes to shine or anything else. airliners.net is always a good reference.

Ok gentlemen, I somewhat fixed it but I still am having a couple issues. I've picked up the shadowy textures. As you can see on the rudder. Also it doesn't seem to be calling up a panel even though the config file is telling it to. There are 3 panels to pic from Panel, Panel.B, and Panel.0. Pics below.Here is the config settings.[fltsim.8]title=C 206 Southern Tier Airwayssim=Caren206model=SC2PILpanel=sound=texture=5kb_checklists=Carenado C 206_checkkb_reference=Carenado C 206_refatc_id=N91SMui_manufacturer=Carenadoui_type=C U206G Stationair 6 IIui_variation=Southern Tier Airwaysdescription=Carenado C Stationair 6 II Model U206Gatc_heavy=0atc_airline=Southern Tier Airwaysatc_flight_number=04atc_id_color=858532visual_damage=1Any ideas?

Also, is it necessary to remove the Alpha Channel prior to repainting from a paintkit?

For my 2c worth, if the paintkit doesn't have them, I always extract a copy of all the alphas from the dds files. I personally prefer to have alphas as separate images and add them later at the dxtbmp stage.Why? I often paint the alphas with different shades and varying degrees of reflection. I don't like shiny dirt for instance - strange to see all those "dirty" paint jobs and the painter has forgotten to make the alpha white under the dirt... ;)

Why? I often paint the alphas with different shades and varying degrees of reflection. I don't like shiny dirt for instance - strange to see all those "dirty" paint jobs and the painter has forgotten to make the alpha white under the dirt... ;)

I fully agree..............shiny dirt whahahahahahahah!Leen de Jager