Ershov, SergeyKolchin, KonstantinMyszkowski, Karol2015-02-162015-02-1620011467-8659https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8659.00515We describe a new approach to modelling pearlescent paints based on decomposing paint layers into stacks of imaginary thin sublayers. The sublayers are chosen so thin that multiple scattering can be considered across different sublayers, while it can be neglected within each of the sublayers. Based on this assumption, an efficient recursive procedure of assembling the layers is developed, which enables to compute the paint BRDF at interactive speeds. Since the proposed paint model connects fundamental optical properties of multi-layer pearlescent and metallic paints with their microscopic structure, interactive prediction of the paint appearance based on its composition becomes possible.10.1111/1467-8659.00515227-238