About the Silver Effect in Photoshop

By Xandra Lynn

Create the metallic silver effect in Photoshop with a layer.
i Brushed silver metallic background image by Ragnarocks from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

It is fairly easy to create a silver effect in Photoshop using the existing tools. You can apply this silver effect to text or shapes by using a mask, once you have created the silver "layer."

About the Silver Effect

The silver effect is a combination of noise, contrast, motion blur and dodge-burn tool. First create a silver layer. Then you will apply it to other items. This effect is used often for reflective-looking text or shapes.

Making the Silver Layer

To make the silver layer, first make a new layer and set your colors to black and white. Then select "Filter" at the top and select "Add Noise." Your screen will be filled with gray dots. Adjust the brightness and contrast. Drag brightness all the way to the left, and then drag the contrast control all the way to the right. Then select "Filter" and "Motion Blur." Set the Motion Blur angle to 36.

Apply the Silver Effect to Text

After you have made the silver layer, you can apply it to text. Select your existing text layer with the magic wand tool. Select "Silver Layer" and then apply text mask to your layer. Do this by going to the layer menu and selecting "Apply Mask" and "Reveal Selection." Your text will now have the silver effect applied to it. Bold-faced type works best for this effect. For added depth, highlight with dodge tool and apply bevel effect and shadowing.

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