Using a texture as a coloring tool

[nedstar1]

Hi,

I'm a PS newbie, using 6.0.1. I've got a logo that is a solid color, and a decent photo of a chrome pen. I want to use the chrome as the color for the logo instead of the solid color.

What I have done so far is to size the logo to a copy of part of the chrome barrel, so I'll have the same highlights inthe logo as I do on the pen. So far so good. I have pulled the logo and the chrome background to new layers.

I can select all of the logo color using the magic wand tool just fine, but I don't understand the next step in the process.

How can I use this logo as the outline to effectively mask the chrome background so that it shows through only where the logo should be? ie, the solid logo would be placed on a solid background to give the impression of a cutout revealing a chrome backing.

Thanks in advance.

 

[barehug]

Once you have a selection made, the same shape as your logo you can then convert it to a mask.

1. Make sure the image to be masked is on an editable layer(ie: chrome pen image, double click on the image in layers palette[or hold alt and click] will convert a background to an editable layer)

2. Make selection, then in layers palette - select the chrome pen layer and click 'add layer mask' (button at the bottom of palette).

3. you should now see only the parts of your image that were covered by the selection. Also a chain symbol and a black and white thumbnail will appear in the layers palette next to the pen image.

4. The black and white thumbnail is the mask. to move the mask over the image, uncheck the chain(link) icon (click on it) and select what you want to move or resize by selecting the thumbnail of either the mask or the image in the layers palette.

5. If you select the image, you can then move or transform the image as normal while the mask stays in the same place - Note; the mask will make any part of the image that passes out of the white area transparent.

6. If you select the mask, you can then move or transform the mask as normal while the image stays in the same place - Note; the mask can be added to or subtracted from by painting on it with the brush tool(ensure the mask thumbnail is selected in the palette) - Black = opaque, white = transparent; with shades of gray graduating between.

7. remember to link the image and mask when you are happy with both their size and position by clicking between the two thumbnails in the layers palette.

Don't forget you can see all about masking in the Photoshop help files (F1), which are excellent.

Hope this helps nedstar1.

Moe: It could have been a real ugly situation, but luckily I managed to shoot him in the spine.

 

[barehug]

PS: If you want a background colour/image, then simply make a new layer, put it below the image layer with the mask in it, and copy and paste your image (or paintbucket your colour) into it.
The mask will only affect the one layer.

Moe: It could have been a real ugly situation, but luckily I managed to shoot him in the spine.