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Posted on 04/10/05 4:03:50 PM |
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CaraDunn
* Posts: 20 Reply |
white one almost white cut out
Hello smart ones, I have a problem I get all the time here. So I come running here for help. I get really intricate cut outs needed doing. The picture shows a section of a model boat they need on a white background. I usually sit and mask the thing... but it takes AGES! and its frustraiting when I have 5 other retouching things need doing... So basically what's the best way to etch white on white? I'm scared you going to say there is no easy way! x Cara  |
Posted on 04/10/05 4:12:41 PM |
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trinityofone
Guest Reply |
Re: white one almost white cut out
As this is 'How to cheat', one suggestion (and one I've used from time to time with power lines and other such nasties) is to ignore the ropes. Cut the sails, etc. away then use the pen tool and stroke to recreate the ropes, it's unlikely that the detail will show up enough to see that they have been added. _________________ It must be Thursday, I never could get the hang of Thursdays |
Posted on 04/10/05 4:19:28 PM |
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CaraDunn
* Posts: 20 Reply |
Re: white one almost white cut out
ooo ah! clever! I'll do that for some of the ropes but what about the nets? Draw them too? x |
Posted on 04/10/05 4:32:50 PM |
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trinityofone
Guest Reply |
Re: white one almost white cut out
Hmm, that is an option but probably not much more time-saving than masking. You could try creating a flat grid, vaguely net like and use Warp and/or Liquify to distort it. _________________ A happy-go-lucky chap, always dressed in black |
Posted on 04/10/05 4:35:12 PM |
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Steve Caplin
Administrator Posts: 7047 Reply  |
Re: white one almost white cut out
I think the best way is to work on different copies of the image, in separate layers, to treat them individually. So for the sails, you really have no option but to use pen paths to cut them out. For the ropes, I'd recommend David's technique. But for the rigging, you could try using the Background Eraser, set to Sample Once and a low threshold (about 30% or less) to take out the sky behind them. I always find it easier to add a coloured layer behind the one you're working on, to see the results better. Here's a very quick go, using the low res image you posted:  |
Posted on 04/10/05 4:41:34 PM |
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CaraDunn
* Posts: 20 Reply |
Re: white one almost white cut out
hmmmm good advice. grrrr these are truely the worst part of my job. Thanks David. 
I'm fiddling with the extract tool at the mo... to me it looks like another fancy masking technique. I don't get the whole masking thing... I find I take just as much time making a mask of something as I would drawing a path... I actually think a path might be a bit quicker...without all the painting in the middle bits. Is that just me or? To path or to mask? (hair and fluff excluded from this poll) ;-) Going for a ciggie to console myself... then I'll tackle these silly sails x |
Posted on 04/10/05 7:22:24 PM |
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BobbyJo
Image Imaginator Posts: 250 Reply  |
Re: white one almost white cut out
I have heard of a plug in called 'Fluid Mask' that is supposed to be good at this sort of thing. Anybody tried it ? _________________ BJ - Image Imaginator |
Posted on 04/10/05 8:16:03 PM |
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trinityofone
Guest Reply |
Re: white one almost white cut out
I haven't tried it but heard it's quite good - it does cost £200 however. _________________ A happy-go-lucky chap, always dressed in black |