About the Silver Effect in Photoshop
By Xandra Lynn
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.
References
Writer Bio
Xandra Lynn has been a writer since 1999. Her work has been published in "Seeing Sacramento Magazine," and her writing focuses on digital media art techniques, digital imaging, graphic design and visual art, environment and alternative health and other health topics. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in media communications from California State University, Sacramento.