How to Make Something Look Metal With Photoshop

Create a metal object using Photoshop.

Add a smooth metal look to an object using Adobe Photoshop. In a few easy steps, you can transform an ordinary object into a shiny metal piece. This is a great technique for Web page headings, text, layouts and skins. Use this effect to create metal objects such as swords, screws, chain, buttons or emblems.

Instructions

1. 

   Click "File" and click "New" to open a new document in Adobe Photoshop.

2. 

   Double-click on the "Foreground-Background Color" box in the tool palette to open the color picker. Type "#E6E6E6" in the color number box and click "OK." This will bring up a light gray metal color.

3. 

   Click "Layer" and choose "New." Click "OK." Select the layer you just created by clicking on it in the Layers palette.

4. Create an object or shape, or copy an object from an existing project into the new document. The object will turn metal gray.

5. 

   Double-click the object layer in the Layers palette to open the Layers Style box. Check "Inner Glow" and right-click on it to open the advanced settings box. Change the opacity to "75," noise to "0," choke to "16" and range to "50." Double-click on the color box and select black.

6. 

   Check "Inner Shadow" and right-click on it to open the advanced settings box. Change blend mode to "Color Dodge." Double-click on the color box and select white. Change the opacity to "66," angle to "97," choke to "0" and size to "9."

7. 

   Check "Gradient" and right-click on it to open the advanced settings box. Change the opacity to "57" and the scale to "150."

   Check "Satin" and right-click on it to open the advanced settings box. Change the blend mode to "Color Dodge" and opacity to "5."

8. Check "Drop Shadow" to make the object pop out. Click "OK" to close the Layers Style box. You now have an object with a smooth metal look.

References

• Exploring Adobe Photoshop CS4 (Design Exploration); Annesa Hartman; 2008

Resources

• Adobe Photoshop: More Photoshop tips