AbstractCreating objects with surface imperfections is accomplished through texture specification and generation techniques. Based on fractal subdivision techniques and relatively simple distribution models, a wide class of surface imperfections may be generated, combined and rendered. The surface effects include scratches, splotches, smudges, corrosion, mould, stains and rust. A rule‐based system is used to position the various surface imperfections on the texture map, and a simple natural language interface is used to specify the kinds of imperfections and their generative parameters through adverbs and prepositional phrases. Results along some of the imperfection dimensions are illustrated.