One embodiment of the invention sets forth a technique for placing objects across a surface of a graphics object. The technique includes establishing a first plurality of grid points over the surface of the graphics object, wherein each grid point in the plurality of grid points is located either inside or outside the surface, establishing a second plurality of grid points that includes only grid points in the first plurality of grid points that are located inside the surface, marking each grid point in the second plurality of grid points as an eligible area or an ineligible area onto which objects can be placed, selecting from the second plurality of grid points a grid point that is marked as an eligible area, and placing an object onto the selected grid point.