How do manufacturers apply custom materials, fabrics, and finishes to product images?
Manufacturers apply custom materials, fabrics, and finishes to product images by using AI style transfer with reference images. This workflow transfers surface characteristics—such as fabric texture, wood grain, metal finish, or colour treatment—onto an existing product image while preserving the product's original shape, proportions, and geometry.
Updated January 28, 2026
Key Points
- Style transfer changes surface appearance without altering product geometry
- Reference images define the exact material, fabric, or finish to apply
- The original product structure, proportions, and details remain locked
- Multiple finishes can be generated from a single source image
- This enables rapid visualisation of new variants without physical samples
Comparison
| Manual Retouching / Reshoot | AI Style Transfer Workflow | |
|---|---|---|
| New finishes required | Physical samples or reshoot | Reference images only |
| Time to create variants | Days to weeks | Minutes |
| Geometry accuracy | Manual risk | Preserved automatically |
| Range scalability | Limited | Finish-wide generation |
| Consistency | Depends on editor | Locked to source image |
Best Practice Workflow
- 1
Start with an approved product image
Use a high-quality image that accurately represents the product's shape and construction. Clean backgrounds improve results but are not required.
- 2
Select a reference material or finish
Upload one or more reference images that clearly show the desired fabric, texture, or surface finish, such as upholstery, wood grain, metal, or paint.
- 3
Apply style transfer
Run the style transfer workflow to map the visual characteristics of the reference image onto the product surface while keeping the product geometry unchanged.
- 4
Refine with prompt guidance
Use short written instructions to control intensity, coverage, or material behaviour (for example, "apply fabric only to upholstery panels").
- 5
Generate and compare variations
Create multiple finish options in one run and review outputs side by side to select the most accurate and on-brand results.
See the Workflow in Action
This video shows how reference images are used to apply new fabrics, materials, and finishes to an existing product image while preserving the original form.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using low-quality or unclear reference images
- Applying style transfer without isolating the correct product surfaces
- Choosing reference materials that conflict with the product's construction
- Over-applying the effect instead of refining intensity
- Attempting to change product shape rather than surface appearance
Related Questions
Can I apply multiple finishes to the same product image?
Yes. You can run the workflow multiple times with different reference images to generate a range of finish variants from a single source product image.
Will style transfer change the shape or proportions of my product?
No. The workflow is designed to preserve product geometry and only modify surface appearance. Shape, proportions, and construction remain locked to the original image.
What types of materials work best as reference images?
High-quality, well-lit images of fabrics, wood grains, metals, paints, or textures work best. Avoid reference images with strong perspective distortion or shadows.
Can finishes be applied consistently across an entire range?
Yes. Once you have a successful workflow, you can apply the same reference material across multiple products in a batch operation for range-wide consistency.
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