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.