The disclosure notably relates to a computer-implemented method for retrieving a similar virtual material appearance from a database. The method comprises providing a database including virtual material appearances associated to an appearance signatures computed from values representing at least one of a structure, a reflection and a color of the associated virtual material appearance. The method further comprises providing a first appearance signature associated to a first virtual material appearance. The method further comprises identifying one or more virtual material appearances similar to the first virtual material appearance by comparing the first appearance signature with appearance signatures respectively associated to virtual material appearances in the database. The method improves retrieval of virtual material appearances.