Material + Surface Prompts
Surface property terminology
Using surface property vocabulary to create more accurate, expressive, and intentional material renderings in Vizcom
Surface properties that significantly affect visualization
Surface properties play a critical role in how materials are perceived and rendered within AI-assisted design tools like Vizcom. These properties influence not only the appearance of an object but also how it communicates function, tactility, and context. Accurate depiction of surface attributes ensures the final visualization aligns with the designer’s intent and the material’s real-world behavior.
Below are key surface characteristics to consider when constructing prompts:
Reflectivity
Reflectivity defines how light interacts with a surface and impacts visual qualities such as gloss, clarity, and sharpness of highlights.

Reflectivity Level | Description |
---|---|
Mirror-like | Highly polished surface with sharp reflections |
High-gloss | Very shiny and reflective, like polished plastic or metal |
Semi-gloss | Moderately reflective surface with some softness in highlights |
Satin | Subtle sheen, between matte and gloss |
Matte | No visible reflection, diffuse light absorption |
Texture
Texture refers to the perceived surface irregularities, either visual or tactile, which help communicate material function and finish.
Texture Type | Description |
---|---|
Smooth | Even, flat surface with no variation |
Rough | Uneven surface with tactile resistance |
Bumpy | Small raised areas, irregularly distributed |
Dimpled | Repeating concave impressions, often shallow |
Knurled | Patterned ridges or cross-hatching, often for grip |
Ribbed | Repeating linear ridges |
Stippled | Speckled or dotted texture with fine irregularity |
Transparency
Transparency determines how much light passes through a material and how much of what lies behind is visible.

Transparency Level | Description |
---|---|
Transparent | Fully clear with no visual obstruction |
Translucent | Partially clear, allows light but not full detail through |
Frosted | Diffuses light while obscuring visibility |
Opaque | Blocks all light and visibility |
Semi-transparent | Allows partial light and vague forms to pass through |
Pattern
Patterns introduce structured or organic visual variation to a surface, often contributing to identity, functionality, or realism.

Pattern Type | Description |
---|---|
Grain | Natural lines or fibers in wood or leather |
Marbling | Swirled, irregular color and texture, often in stone |
Speckled | Small, scattered spots of color or texture |
Woven | Interlaced fibers, common in textiles |
Perforated | Repeating cutouts or holes through a surface |
Embossed | Raised or recessed surface graphics or patterns |
Wear Characteristics
Wear characteristics describe a material’s age, usage, or environmental exposure, helping to convey realism, narrative, or emotional tone.

Condition | Description |
---|---|
Pristine | New, unused, flawless surface |
Weathered | Aged by natural exposure, such as sun or wind |
Distressed | Intentionally aged or worn look for stylistic effect |
Patinated | Developed surface change due to oxidation or aging (e.g. copper patina) |
Aged | General wear over time, may include discoloration or surface damage |
Applying surface properties in prompts
When these descriptors are combined with specific material types, they create more informative prompts that Vizcom can interpret accurately. For example:
Matte black anodized aluminum with fine stippled texture
Frosted translucent polycarbonate with ribbed surface
Distressed walnut veneer with visible grain and satin finish
These phrases help define how the object should look and feel, guiding the AI to produce results that are not only realistic but contextually appropriate.
By being deliberate and detailed in how you describe surface properties, you can control not just the aesthetic but also the emotional and functional perception of a design. In AI-assisted workflows, specificity is a form of authorship. It allows your design intent to remain clear while using generative tools to support and expand your creative output.