This is a basic Mental Ray tutorial in which you’ll learn to create shiny/ reflective objects and how to use HDR images (high dynamic range). You’ll also learn to manipulate basic scene environment settings. The reflective textures you will create are completely procedural and only require 3DS Max and the Mental Ray renderer (included).

In this quick tutorial you’ll learn how to create a realistic rock texture and apply it to a low-poly model. The texture you’ll create is completely procedural and requires nothing more than 3DS Max. You’ll pick-up some creative uses for the smoke map and learn how to control map-based displacements.

A quick 3DS Max / Mental Ray tutorial that will help you create a neon glow texture. You’ll learn to use the mental ray material and the Glow (Lume) map. The resulting textures will be procedurally generated and will only require 3DS Max and the included Mental Ray renderer. This really simple technique works best on smaller objects and not neon close-ups

An easy-to-follow, beginner oriented, tutorial that will help you assign multiple, distinct materials to a single object. This can prove to be useful when dealing with large objects, that feature multiple sub-elements. During the course of this article you’ll learn to use the Material ID counter and the Multi/Sub-object material. You’ll be using this technique and the Material ID counter all throughout your 3D career so learn them well.