Subsurface scattering, often abbreviated as SSS, occurs when light passes through the surface of a translucent object, scatters, and then exits from a different location.
Subsurface scattering, often abbreviated as SSS, occurs when light passes through the surface of a translucent object, scatters, and then exits from a different location. This process is critical in achieving realistic renderings for 3D graphics, especially for replicating textures like wax, marble, and even human skin.
Understanding SSS as a 3D artist makes it possible to create incredibly lifelike designs. If you want to do character modeling, SSS is the difference between a doll-like face and a living, breathing character. In this guide, we’ll break down how SSS works and how to apply it to your own creations.
Subsurface scattering is a technique that simulates how light interacts with materials. Instead of just bouncing off an object’s surface, some of the light enters the object, scatters, and exits at different points.
This 3D lighting technique mimics how light behaves in the real world. Without SSS, 3D models appear plastic-like or opaque. However, implementing SSS adds depth and realism, giving objects a softer or more glowing appearance.
When light hits an object, it reflects, passes through, or converts into heat. When light penetrates a material, it bounces around that object inside based on its microscopic structure. The material’s physical properties affect the depth and pattern of how light moves within it.
In SSS, different materials have unique scattering properties. A dense material such as stone won’t have much SSS, while materials like skin or wax will have pronounced scattering.
Subsurface scattering is a huge difference-maker for 3D art. In the real world, light doesn’t bounce off surfaces. Instead, it penetrates, scatters, and exits to create a soft diffusion. To replicate this, 3D artists use SSS for realistic simulations of materials like skin, wax, marble, and more.
SSS has many applications in 3D art, but it’s essential for character design. Humans and animals look much more realistic with skin illuminated from behind, like sunlight passing through ears or fingers. For product rendering, SSS makes translucent materials like lampshades appear more natural.
SSS removes the plasticky, artificial look of 3D models and gives them a natural luminosity that more closely resembles real-life materials.
Let’s take a look at the steps involved in painting subsurface scattering:
Find a reference image. Real-life references will help you choose the most realistic SSS settings.
Pick the right shader. Start by selecting a material or shader that supports subsurface scattering.
Choose a base color. This will be the primary color of your object.
Adjust SSS parameters. Define the depth and color of the scattered light. Adjust parameters like “radius” and “depth” to determine how far light travels and “scatter color” to change the hue of the scattered light.
Subsurface scattering elevates 3D rendering from ordinary to photorealistic, making SSS a popular technique for various use cases and industries. Movie and video game designers use SSS to create characters with realistic skin, eyes, and mouths. It’s also useful for product design, showcasing shining metal parts on furniture or the dewy glow of cosmetics.
Subsurface scattering is a game-changer for 3D characters, models, and art. It diffuses light and provides a more organic quality to 3D models, giving your creations a more professional look and feel. If you’re exploring 3D graphics, don’t just stop at surface-level lighting. Experiment with subsurface scattering in Adobe Substance 3D to bring your digital creations to life.
Subsurface scattering has multiple effects, including:
● Softening transitions between light and shadow
● Glowing effects
● Depth and volume
● Realistic skin rendering