Wear, Damage, and Weathering

Physical Damage

A state where an object has been deformed by impact or scratching.

Scratches / scuff marks, visible scrape marks on the surface, a basic element of realism for metal or plastic

Micro-scratches, very tiny everyday scuffs that are only visible when held up to the light

Cracked / fractured, a state where walls, ceramics, roads, etc. have split

Chipped, traces where the rim of a cup or pieces of paint have broken off

Dented, a state where a metal can or car bumper is pushed inward

Shattered / broken, a state where glass has broken into pieces or fragments are flying

Gouged, a surface deeply damaged by a knife or sharp tool

Torn / ripped, a state where paper or fabric has been torn away

Dirt & Grime

A state of being dirtied by the external environment.

Dusty, feels like it hasn’t been touched by human hands for a long time

Heavy dust, dust forming layers like in an abandoned house or attic

Dirty, general contamination such as mud or filth stuck on

Muddy / mud splatters, splashed mud marks, like on off-road vehicles or soldiers’ boots

Greasy / oily, slippery stains stuck on machine parts or kitchen cookware

Soot / ash, traces of burning or black powder at a fire scene

Grime, stubborn black dirt that has built up in corners and is hard to remove

Stained, a state where coffee marks or ink have soaked in and won’t come off

Aging & Decay

Phenomena where the material itself changes over time.

Rusty / rust, iron oxidizing and turning reddish, a key element of texture detail

Corroded, metal surfaces melted away or roughened by acidic substances or seawater

Peeling paint, paint on old walls or wooden doors lifting and curling like skin

Faded / sun-bleached, a state where colors have been washed out to white by long exposure to sunlight

Worn out / worn edges, paint worn off on frequently touched edges, exposing the original material

Tarnished, metals like silver or copper becoming dark or bluish and dull from contact with air

Rotten / decaying, wood or food decomposing and collapsing in shape

Moisture & Biological

Traces created by water and nature. Essential for ruins or scenes in nature.

Water stains / water marks, white marks or streaks left where water has dried

Drip marks, distinct streaks where rainwater or liquid has run down a wall

Mold / mildew, bluish or black spots growing on damp wallpaper or food

Mossy / overgrown, a state where moss and vines have grown in gaps of stone or buildings

Algae, a green microbial film growing in water or on aquarium glass

Damp / wet, a state where moisture has been absorbed and the color has darkened

Usage Traces

Evidence that someone has touched or used it.

Fingerprints / smudges, oily residue left on glass, smartphone screens, or glossy metal

Footprints, traces left in snow, mud, or on dusty floors

Graffiti / vandalism, pictures or letters sprayed on walls

Tape residue, sticky marks left from tape being removed and reapplied