12-25-2025, 07:13 AM
I'm a 3D artist working on a personal project creating realistic sci-fi props, and I'm trying to master a proper PBR texturing workflow in Substance Painter. I understand the theory of metallic-roughness maps, but my materials still look flat and unconvincing, especially when it comes to layered wear and realistic surface imperfections. For artists experienced with PBR texturing, what is your step-by-step process for building up complexity, starting from a base material? How do you effectively use generators and masks to create believable edge wear, scratches, and grunge without making it look procedural or noisy? What are the most common mistakes that break the physical accuracy of a material, and how do you check your work in different lighting environments?