HOW TO: Change color - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

Abubaca · 01-24-2004, 07:51 PM

OK, several people have asked about this, so here it is. Right off the bat, I want to mention that there are several ways to "skin a Mustang"

...so you may know another method, this is just how I do it.

Here's the original, and the final product.

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ontogenesis · 01-24-2004, 08:06 PM

i was under the impression that there were gonna be instructions...

Abubaca · 01-24-2004, 08:24 PM

Yeah, yeah,....be patient....I'm posting as I make the images!
....plus watching TV!

hehe -jus' messin' with ya!

Here goes.

First open the file.

I always "view actual pixels" just to make sure it's a good image.

Push the "Q" key. This will enter "quick mask" mode.(see circle)

Using the brush tool, paint the area you with to change. It will appear as a translucent red shadow.

Abubaca · 01-24-2004, 08:48 PM

Once you've finished the whole area you wish to change (in this case the spokes) there are 4 quick steps which are always the same....get used to doing them automatically. (at least for a simple color change like this demo). I

1) Q (exit's quick mask)
2) CTR+SHIFT+I (inverts selection)
3) "copy" ( in edit pulldown menu)
4) "paste" ( in edit pulldown menu)

What those four commands do:

obviously, "Q" exits quick mask mode. You will see that EVERYTHING is selected EXCEPT the spokes that you used your brush tool on. CTR+SHFT+I inverts the selected area. Now you will see that NOTHING except the spokes are selected, as in the picture. You can see the spokes are selected (red arrow). You will notice that the other arrow pointing to the edge shows NO "selection line". That's how you know ONLY the spokes are selected. Then you simply copy the spokes, and paste the spokes. PS will automatically paste the spokes exactly where they were originally.

In this picture I've exited quick mask, and inverted my selection. I haven't copy/pasted yet.

Abubaca · 01-24-2004, 08:55 PM

OK, in this pic, I've copied and pasted. I've gone ahead and moved the spokes. (Don't do this). I only did it so you can see the new layer that was "pasted". When you do it on your file, you won't notice because it will be EXACTLY on top of the file, right where it belongs.

However, you will notice that under your "layers" box on the bottom right, you now have a new layer. Go back to the previous pic, you'll notice only the background layer. The pic in this post, as noted by the red circle, you'll see now has a new layer. This layer is highlighted in blue. That means that anything you do will only modify THAT layer.

Ahah!!! Any of you see where this is going?

Abubaca · 01-24-2004, 09:07 PM

OK, now you can see that since you're only modifying that one layer, you can do whatever your heart desires.

The three tools I've circled are typically all you need, but mess around with everything, it'll help you learn.

I only used color balance for this chop!!!

Hope this helps, and feel free to ask any questions!!!!!!

Abubaca · 01-24-2004, 09:23 PM

Couple last things:

When using your paintbrush tool in quick mask mode, be sure to use the right size brushes! It'll take forever if you only use small brushes, and it'll look like crap if you only use big brushes!!! Just like REAL painting. And don't be afraid to zoom into the small nooks and crannies!!! You can't possibly highlight all the correct areas without zooming.

...and last but not least, this last pic illustrates a cool technique. Instead of entering quick mask mode ("Q"), and going right for the brush tool, you can use one of the "Lasso" or "marquee" tools. (circled in red). You select an area with one of the tools, and it'll be highlighted in that black and white floating line. You can then choose one big ole' hoss of a brush and go over EVERYTHING, but only the selected area will get "painted".

I used the circular marquee tool to highlight the entire inner wheel section. Now keep in mind, this is MUCH quicker, but it will also select ALL the lugs, the center cap, the space between the spokes, and the visible parts of the back of the rim. This is OK for super quickies, but it's not ideal for a real good quality chop.

Abubaca · 01-24-2004, 09:26 PM

OK last but not least...a summary.

-Open file.
-"Q" to enter quick mask
-Use brush tool to highlight area to modify
-"Q" to exit quick mask
-CTR+SHFT+I to invert your selection
-Copy
-Paste
-Modify

charlie31603 · 04-22-2006, 07:31 PM

I have Adobe Photoshop Elements. And for the love of me I can't figure it out! I don't know if it's the right program or what. Any help would be great beacuse I would like to do this myself. Thanks in advance! Adam :-)

Abubaca · 02-01-2007, 05:08 PM

Since I don't have PS Elements, I can't tell you if it's possible or not.
More than likely the necessary tools aren't on PSE.

charlie31603 · 02-01-2007, 06:36 PM

Man that was awhile ago. I have Photoshop 7.0 now. But I forgot how to change the colors on that one also. lol. Adam :-)

rsrsrs · 02-01-2007, 06:53 PM

Image > Adjustments.

IMO Quick Mask is just a waste of time. I use the Polygonal Lasso Tool and make my selections then. It'll be more precise, to me atleast. Then when your done selecting whatever it is you want Copy (CTRL+C) and then Paste (CTRL+V).

Different strokes for different folks.

P.S. Get Photoshop 9 CS2. Kicks Arse!

SDIF · 09-25-2009, 01:52 AM