I've Googled up and down on how to get rid of the artifacts but haven't found anything... probably using the wrong search term.

What would YOU call the grey thingies around my sample 3D-rotated object?!

(Or, if you know how to get rid of 'em, feel free to post a solution here )

You should just accept and embrace your artifact overlords.

That or try a white background.

Assuming its on its own layer I don't see why Defringe 1 or 2 px wouldn't work. Maybe even remove white matte and then defringe 1px.

It's a result of it being a 3D layer. I can edit the source (via Smart Object) all I want, even add a stroke or inner shadow, but the resulting image is always rendered with extra artifacts.

If I could find a way to make those artifacts black instead of gray I'd be fine with that...

Oh, lovely! Here's what happens when I use a soft-edge brush then 3Dize it...

Clearly somethin' I ain't doin' right.

hmm never did anything with 3d. only thing I found was this and I've got no idea if it works on 3d.http://www.deke.com/content/photoshop-cs5-top-5-refining-your-masks

Deke rocks!

You're correct, that's not a 3D fix, but I'll definitely use the information contained in that video. Thanks!

Figured it out!

The artifacting can be reduced by changing the "diffuse" color.

thanks a bunch