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.