AI Material & Finish Transfer for Product Images
How do manufacturers apply custom materials, fabrics, and finishes to product images?
Apply the fabric or texture from one image onto the product in another. Upload up to 5 numbered reference images, use the built-in hex colour generator, or place objects from multiple images into a single scene.
Updated March 8, 2026
Key Points
- The core workflow: apply the fabric, texture, or finish from image 2 onto the product in image 1. Each reference image is numbered for easy identification and prompting
- Upload up to 5 numbered reference images defining the exact material, fabric, or finish to apply
- Built-in hex colour generator provides a hex reference code and colour swatch image, ideal for painting walls, changing fabric colours, or matching brand palettes
- This workflow extends beyond materials: place objects from image 2 and image 3 into the scene in image 1, combining products, props, or styling elements into a single composition
- The original product structure, proportions, and details remain locked throughout
- Prompt-based control over transfer intensity and coverage
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
Load your product image as image 1
This is your base image. Use a high-quality image that accurately represents the product's shape and construction. Clean backgrounds improve results but are not required.
- 2
Add reference images (image 2, 3, 4, 5)
Upload one or more reference images showing the desired fabric, texture, surface finish, or objects you want to transfer or place. Each reference is automatically numbered for easy identification when writing your prompt. For colour changes, use the built-in hex colour generator to create a precise colour swatch with hex code.
- 3
Write your prompt using the image numbers
Reference the numbered images directly in your prompt. For material transfer: "apply the fabric from image 2 to the sofa in image 1." For object placement: "take the vase from image 2 and the lamp from image 3 and place them on the table in image 1." For colour: "paint the wall in image 1 using the hex colour from image 2."
- 4
Refine with prompt guidance
Control intensity, coverage, and material behaviour with short written instructions. For example, "apply fabric only to upholstery panels" or "place the object on the left side of the scene, matching the existing lighting."
- 5
Generate and compare variations
Create multiple 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 that the AI cannot interpret accurately
- Not referencing the image numbers in your prompt, making instructions ambiguous
- Applying style transfer without isolating the correct product surfaces first
- Choosing reference materials that conflict with the product's construction
- Over-applying the effect instead of refining intensity and coverage with specific prompts
Related Questions
How does the numbered image system work?
When you upload images, each one is automatically assigned a number (image 1, image 2, image 3, etc.). Image 1 is your base product or scene. Images 2 through 5 are references. You write prompts that reference these numbers directly, for example: "apply the leather texture from image 2 to the seat cushions in image 1." The numbering makes complex multi-image instructions clear and unambiguous.
Can I use this to place objects into scenes, not just transfer materials?
Yes. The same workflow handles object placement and scene composition. Upload your base scene as image 1, then add objects as image 2, 3, etc. Prompt with instructions like "take the pendant light from image 2 and the side table from image 3 and place them in the living room in image 1." This is useful for styling scenes, combining products, or compositing props into environments. For full scene generation, see lifestyle scene rendering.
What is the hex colour generator?
The built-in hex colour generator lets you pick or enter any hex colour code and generates a colour swatch image with the hex reference. Upload this as a reference image and prompt with instructions like "paint the wall in image 1 using the colour from image 2" or "change the fabric to match the hex colour in image 3." This is particularly useful for brand colour matching, wall painting, and fabric recolouring.
Can I apply multiple finishes to the same product image?
Yes. 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 preserves product geometry and only modifies surface appearance. Shape, proportions, and construction remain locked to the original image.
How many reference images can I use?
Up to 5 reference images, each automatically numbered. One reference is the minimum. Multiple references from different angles or lighting conditions help the AI understand a material's full characteristics. For object placement, each reference image can contain a different object to place.
Can I transfer just the colour without changing the texture?
Yes. Specify what to transfer in your prompt: "apply only the colour from image 2, keep the original texture in image 1" or "transfer the wood grain pattern from image 2 but use the original colour." The hex colour generator is ideal when you want a precise colour change without any texture transfer.
Does this work for fabrics and soft materials?
Yes. Style transfer handles fabrics, textiles, leather, and soft materials effectively when provided with clear reference images. It respects folds, draping, and surface behaviour on the product geometry.
Can finishes be applied consistently across an entire range?
Yes. Once you have a successful workflow, apply the same reference material across multiple products in a batch operation for range-wide consistency. Combine with AI relighting to match lighting across the range as well.
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