Counter-Strike 2 is not just a game about shooting and strategy. It’s also a game about skins. In 2024, it’s impossible to imagine it without skins. When we talk about skins, we often mention patterns and float. However, finish styles are mentioned much less frequently. In this article, the CS.MONEY blog explains what finish styles are in CS2 and how they affect the appearance of skins.
The skin appearance greatly affects its cost. In CS2, a number of skins were visually upgraded and look gorgeous. You can compare different versions of skins, as well as track price dynamics on our special page, where we have collected the necessary data in a convenient form.
What are the finish styles?
Currently, in Counter-Strike 2, there are nine types of finishes. Some of them overlap in properties, while others stand alone. Here’s a list of all the finish styles in CS2:
- Custom Paint Job;
- Gunsmith;
- Solid Colour;
- Anodized;
- Hydrographic;
- Anodized Multicolour;
- Spray-Paint;
- Anodized Airbrushed;
- Patina.
Each style has its distinct appearance. Additionally, the chosen finish style imposes restrictions on the artist. For example, with a “Solid Colour” finish, you can use only four colours, which will be applied to specific parts of the weapon. Let’s go through each finish and provide examples in existing skins.
Solid Colour
When using the “Solid Colour” finisher, the weapon is divided into four predefined sections. Each section is painted in one of the chosen colours. You can also cover the entire skin in a single colour. It’s a very straightforward finish style.
Skins with this finish: M4A1-S Nitro, USP-S Whiteout, Glock-18 Candy Apple
Anodized, Anodized Multicolour and Anodized Airbrushed
We can group these three types of finishes based on a common feature. Skins with these finishes shine much brighter in Counter-Strike 2. Let’s delve into the specifics of each finish.
When using Anodized finish, the artist selects a colour to apply to specific parts of the weapon. The details are simply painted in this color. Skins with this finish include:
Multicolor Anodized is somewhat similar to regular Anodized but more complex. To create such skin, you need to choose four colours and a pattern that will be applied. A predefined numbering system determines which parts will be patterned and which will be a solid colour. Skins with this finish: M4A1-S Atomic Alloy, Glock-18 Gamma Doppler и USP-S Purple DDPAT.
Anodized Airbrusedh is very similar to Anodized Multicolour. Both options allow you to choose four base colours and a pattern. Airbrush also allows you to select not only a pattern but a full-fledged image. This results in skins like :
Custom Paint Job
When creating a skin with this finish, the artist uses UV-mapping to apply a bright, full-color image. They can also use normal mapping to create a depth effect. Additionally, the artics can adjust wear on such skins using the alpha channel.
Skins with this finish: M4A4 Bullet Rain, AK-47 Asiimov, P250 Muertos
Patina
Patina also allows you to choose four colours and a pattern. However, unlike Anodized, the colours are selected to determine how the skin’s appearance changes with float value. The artist can choose, for example, which shade will appear at a high float or how defects like rust on the weapon will be coloured.
Skins with the patina finish include Desert Eagle Kumicho Dragon, AK-47 Case Hardened, AK-47 Cartel
Gunsmith
This finish combines the styles of Patina and Custom Paint Job. Skins with this finish have access to normal mapping. Additionally, individual parts of the weapon can simultaneously wear according to the “rules” of Patina or Custom Paint Job. This allows for interesting combinations.
Skins with such finishes: M4A1-S Decimator, AK-47 The Empress, Desert Eagle Mecha Industries
Hydrographic
A skin with Hydrographic finish uses four colors and a pattern. All weapons are pre-divided into numbered zones, which determine whether a colour or the selected pattern will be applied to a particular part. The skin is directly applied to the weapon model.
Skins with Hydrographic finish: Glock-18 Pink DDPAT, M4A1-S Bright Water, AWP BOOM
Spray-Paint
To create a skin with the Spray Paint finisher, you need to choose four colors and a pattern. Afterward, the selected colors, along with the pattern, are sequentially applied to the weapon from three sides. This results in a seamless skin pattern over the weapon.
Examples of skins with spray paint: USP-S Check Engine, AK-47 Safari Mesh, Galil AR Crimson Tsunami.
In most cases, finish styles do not affect the price of a skin. They mainly determine the skin’s overall appearance. However, in Counter-Strike 2, some finishes have undergone significant upgrades, especially anodized. Skins with all three types of this finish style now look much cooler. By the way, to find out which skins benefited the most, be sure to check out our Top 10 skins that got better in CS2.
