Surface property terminology

When prompting for material finishes in Vizcom, it's essential to describe surface properties clearly. These characteristics play a key role in how light interacts with the material, which directly influences the realism, mood, and accuracy of the rendering.

Below are categories of surface properties that can help you create more precise and expressive prompts:

Reflectivity

Reflectivity determines how much light a surface bounces back: it influences the overall brightness and sheen of an object.

• Mirror-like: extremely reflective: creates clear, sharp reflections (e.g., chrome, polished metal)

• High-gloss: very shiny but with softer reflections than a mirror (e.g., lacquered plastic)

• Semi-gloss: retains a noticeable sheen but with less clarity in reflections

• Satin: subtle shine with minimal reflection: smooth but not glossy

• Matte: completely non-reflective: diffuses light uniformly

Texture

Texture conveys the tactile quality of a surface. Even when not visible in great detail, textural cues suggest how a surface might feel or behave under light.

• Smooth: flat and uniform, like glass or polished plastic

• Rough: irregular surface that scatters light unpredictably

• Bumpy: small, raised areas that give visual and tactile complexity

• Dimpled: recessed dots or indentations, often for grip or style

• Knurled: cross-hatched pattern typically found on metal knobs for grip

• Ribbed: parallel lines or ridges, often directional

• Stippled: fine, irregular speckling or pitted texture

Transparency

This describes how much light passes through a material, which alters the way forms, edges, and shadows are perceived.

• Transparent: fully see-through (e.g., clear glass)

• Translucent: partially see-through: diffuses light (e.g., frosted glass)

• Frosted: translucent with a diffuse, matte surface

• Opaque: does not allow any light to pass through

• Semi-transparent: allows partial visibility with some distortion

Pattern

Patterns contribute to both aesthetic and functional qualities. They may be printed, embedded, or a natural feature of the material.

• Grain: typically wood or leather: indicates natural variation

• Marbling: swirling patterns, common in stone or faux finishes

• Speckled: scattered dots of different colors or textures

• Woven: interlaced fibers, usually fabric or composites

• Perforated: small, regular holes that allow light or air to pass

• Embossed: raised or recessed motifs for decorative or tactile effect

Wear Characteristics

Describing the condition of a surface can dramatically affect mood, realism, and storytelling in design.

• Pristine: new, untouched, and perfect

• Weathered: exposed to natural elements, with signs of aging or erosion

• Distressed: intentionally worn for stylistic reasons (e.g., vintage leather)

• Patinated: developed a surface sheen or discoloration over time, often in metals like bronze or copper

• Aged: shows accumulated marks, discoloration, or surface changes from long-term use

Combining Properties for Rich Material Prompts

Pairing these surface descriptors with specific materials (e.g., weathered oak with visible grain or high-gloss black plastic with a ribbed texture) allows Vizcom to generate highly detailed and context-aware visualizations.

The more clearly and accurately you describe the surface characteristics, the more faithfully Vizcom can render your intended design.