The Mesh Mask Builder in InstaMAT lets artists generate highly controllable procedural masks from baked maps such as ambient occlusion and curvature. In this video we demonstrate how to layer dirt, gradients, grunge, and scratches onto a clean lion bust for convincing weathering. The finished asset is then showcased in RSX Engine.
The Mesh Mask Builder is one of the most versatile masking tools inside InstaMAT. It leverages baked maps to drive different mask types, enabling artists to create complex surface effects without painting by hand. Starting from a clean, well-textured lion bust, a single multi-channel layer is set up with a dark, rough dirt appearance. The Mesh Mask Builder is then added and refined using ambient occlusion, gradients, curvature, direction, grunge, scatter, and scratches.
Ambient occlusion quickly places dirt into crevices and contact areas. Gradients allow the effect to be controlled along any axis so dirt can accumulate more heavily at the bottom or sides. Curvature isolates edges or cavities, while the direction mask enhances the effect to top, bottom, front, or side surfaces. Grunge and secondary noise layers break up the mask for organic variation, and a scatter node plus procedural scratches add further detail and realism.
All parameters remain fully procedural, so brightness, contrast, balance, opacity, and blur can be adjusted at any time. Once the mask delivers the desired weathered look, the finished asset is showcased in RSX Engine. The model and material are brought into a scene where the procedural weathering can be fully appreciated under cinematic lighting and environmental conditions using effects such as volumetric fog. The entire process remains fast and flexible, resulting in a visually compelling, game-ready asset.
This workflow shows how a single procedural mask can transform a clean model into a production-ready, realistically dirtied asset while keeping full creative control.
About Abstract
Abstract is a deep-tech company pioneering 3D and AI technology. Its products empower game developers, VFX and film, enterprise, XR, and metaverse industries to deliver efficiently with massive cost savings. InstaLOD converts CAD to 3D, optimizes geometry and automates 3D pipelines, InstaMAT introduces generative materials and scalable texturing, Polyverse enhances cloud-based asset management and 3D data processing as a service, while RSX Engine enables real-time collaboration and cloud synchronization when building 3D applications and games. Abstract is driving breakthrough innovation in 3D and AI across industries.