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How can I achieve realistic reflections on a glass surface in my 3D render?
Asked on Feb 17, 2026
Answer
Achieving realistic reflections on a glass surface in a 3D render involves careful attention to material properties, lighting, and rendering settings. Glass materials should accurately simulate transparency, refraction, and reflection to create a believable effect.
Example Technique:
- Step 1 – Define the glass material with appropriate index of refraction (IOR) and reflection settings.
- Step 2 – Use HDRI lighting or environment maps to provide realistic reflections and lighting.
- Step 3 – Refine render settings to include ray tracing for accurate light behavior and reflection detail.
Additional Comment:
- Ensure the glass material has a physically accurate IOR, typically around 1.5 for standard glass.
- Consider using a combination of diffuse, specular, and transparency maps to enhance realism.
- Adjust the render engine's settings to support caustics if needed for complex light interactions.
- Position lights and reflective objects strategically to enhance the glass's reflective qualities.
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