Its actually a function of the bitmap resolution - the stepping is from a transition from gradations in the 255 available shades from black to white. I'll try the erosion but I was hoping someone may have a way to break them up using a material or function. I see what you mean though about the filter not knowing the difference. I've also tried resampling the image but I can't seem to find anything out there that does a decent job of resampling. Thanks Bot