6 Key Elements for Creating Realistic PBR Materials

•8 min read

When you create realistic materials, it's the small details that distinguish a believable surface from one that looks obviously computer-generated. This guide covers the six essential elements that will elevate your PBR materials to the next level of realism.

1. Wear & Tear

Adding realistic wear and tear is crucial for breaking up perfect surfaces:

Edge Wear

  • Use curvature maps to highlight edges
  • Add subtle chipping and scratching
  • Vary the intensity based on material hardness

Surface Wear

  • Add subtle scratches and scuffs
  • Include dirt and grime in crevices
  • Consider the object's history and usage

Pro Tip:

Study real-world objects to understand how different materials wear. Metals show different wear patterns than wood or plastic.

2. Color Variation

Avoid flat, uniform colors with these techniques:

Subtle Hue Shifts

  • Add slight color variations across the surface
  • Use ambient occlusion to darken recessed areas
  • Incorporate subtle color bleeding from the environment

Material Blending

  • Blend multiple material types
  • Use vertex painting for precise control
  • Add subtle noise for micro-variation

3. Noise Detailing

Micro-details that sell the material's realism:

Procedural Noise

  • Use multiple noise layers at different scales
  • Combine noise types (Perlin, Worley, Voronoi)
  • Apply noise to roughness and normal maps

Surface Imperfections

  • Add fingerprints and smudges to reflective surfaces
  • Include dust and fine particles
  • Consider environmental effects (water spots, oxidation)

4. Shape Variation

Break up repetitive patterns for natural-looking materials:

Edge Breakup

  • Vary edge sharpness
  • Add subtle dents and deformations
  • Include natural variations in straight lines

Surface Deformation

  • Use height maps for subtle surface variation
  • Add warping or bending where appropriate
  • Consider material response to stress and weight

5. Surface Height

Create convincing depth and parallax:

Microsurface Detail

  • Use height maps for fine surface details
  • Consider parallax occlusion mapping for added depth
  • Vary height intensity based on material properties

Layering

  • Build up materials in layers
  • Consider how different layers interact
  • Use blending modes for realistic material interaction

6. Roughness Imperfections

Perfectly uniform roughness doesn't exist in nature:

Roughness Variation

  • Add subtle noise to roughness maps
  • Consider how wear affects roughness
  • Use ambient occlusion to influence roughness

Material Response

  • Different materials show wear differently
  • Consider how light interacts with the surface
  • Use anisotropy for materials like brushed metal

Workflow Tip:

Regularly step back and view your material from a distance. What looks good up close might not read well from a typical viewing distance.

Putting It All Together

Creating realistic PBR materials is about understanding how light interacts with surfaces and how materials behave in the real world. By focusing on these six key elements—wear & tear, color variation, noise detailing, shape variation, surface height, and roughness imperfections—you can create materials that stand up to close inspection.

Remember that realism often comes from imperfection. Study real-world references, understand the story behind the material's wear and tear, and always consider how the material would exist in the real world. With practice and attention to detail, you'll be able to create PBR materials that are indistinguishable from reality.