When sculpting weight painting for a beginner 3D model, follow these steps: prep a simple setup, auto-weight for a base, paint/refine weights, and test movements to fix deformations.
1. Prep your assets: Use a clean, even-edged low-poly model (no messy geometry) and a basic rig with clear joints (e.g., arm/leg bones)—simple setups prevent confusion. 2. Auto-weight first: Most software (like Blender) has an "Auto Weight" tool—this gives a quick base so you don’t start from scratch. 3. Paint and refine: Switch to weight paint mode—use a soft brush to paint white on vertices that should follow a bone, black on those that shouldn’t. Blend edges for smoothness. 4. Test often: Move bones to check for weird stretches. If parts deform badly, add weight to the correct bone or reduce it on others until smooth.
Start with simple models (e.g., a cube with one bone) to practice—small projects mean faster learning and fewer mistakes.