Repainting Layers

[positiveg]

I am getting started on my first repaint request. I have done a few tutorials, but I still need some help with layers. Can someone please help me and tell me how I can pain an aircraft without erasing all the bolts, weathering, and etc?

[jontyjago]

To be honest playing around, maybe not using a plane model would be the best way to start. In Photoshop or PaintShop create or open an image and add a layer - with that layer selected paint on it and see what happens. Add another lower than the first and see what effect that has. It's vital you inderstand layer blending options so that you get the effect you desire with bolts / weathering etc

This is a good place to start for Photoshop basics - though I'm sure you can find others out there for whatever package you are using.

To be honest, get comfortable with layers before starting your repaint - it will make life much easier.

[positiveg]

I tried using a basic image to test may layer skills and it workes really well. However, I am still painting over the rivets and all the effects on the fuselage. This is what I do. I click on the background layer and then go to the dropper to get the color of the rivets. Then I create a new layer, choose the dropper again and select the color I need, I then paint using layer1 and not the background selected and my paint goes over everything.

[FelixFFDS]

Of course, your layer is "on top" of the background, so anything you paint over will hide the lower layers...unless you vary the opcaity/transparency of the layer.

Think of layers as sheets of tracing paper (or better, clear acetate).

For rivets, panel lines, etc., I still think you're better off having a topmost layer with JUST the rivets, panel lines, etc. on it. Then add layers below that with the other colors/schemes.

[positiveg]

Could you show me an expample if it isn't too much trouble please?

[plaincorgi]

This is what you have to do so that the rivets and all the detail show through. Add a layer above the background layer, now in PSP7 or PSP8 it will have a screen pop up when you create a layer, it will have an option called "blending options" or similiar, it will be on default by normal, select multiply, this will allow the details to show through while maintaing the originial colour. It should be the same in Photoshop too.

[FelixFFDS]

Matthew - thanks for the tip - I've been using PSP since v.1.0 and never realized that.... It seems I've only scratched the surface of PSP's capabilities!

[plaincorgi]

No problem, I felt stupid when I learnt that too. Couldn't figure out why my colours always changed when I changed the transparency, this changed that.