Ask any question about 3D Design here... and get an instant response.
What causes shading artifacts on meshes, and how can they be fixed?
Asked on Nov 13, 2025
Answer
Shading artifacts on meshes often result from poor topology, incorrect normals, or insufficient geometry resolution, affecting how light interacts with the surface. To fix these issues, you can refine the mesh's topology, adjust normals, and ensure adequate polygon density for smooth shading.
Example Technique:
- Step 1 – Check and correct the mesh topology for clean edge flow and avoid non-manifold geometry.
- Step 2 – Recalculate or manually adjust normals to ensure consistent lighting across the surface.
- Step 3 – Increase mesh resolution or apply a smoothing modifier to improve shading smoothness.
Additional Comment:
- Ensure that the mesh has a consistent scale to avoid distortion in shading.
- Use edge loops strategically to control shading transitions and avoid pinching.
- Consider using normal maps to enhance detail without increasing polygon count.
Recommended Links:
