Paint a layer mask with a specific maximum transparency using multiple strokes

[Chris]

Is it possible with PS Elements 2024 to paint a layer mask at a specific maximum transparency using multiple brush strokes? 

For example. Here I have painted a layer mask to select the sky in a landscape. However it has some gaps and holes in it. I did not succeed in getting my mask finished in one go.
(I have revealed the image of the layer mask using Alt + left click on the layer mask)




So when I try and paint over the gaps this is what I get. The mask is no longer at 50%. Each successive brush stroke builds up the transparency of the layer mask.



So, is there a way to limit the maximum transparency to 50% or whatever using multiple brush strokes?

I know there are work-arounds. Eg I can use the spot healing brush to patch up the holes in the layer mask. Or I can make 2 layers and paint the top layer using 100% transparency and then dial down the transparency of the whole layer to 50% etc.


But first, I would be interested to learn if it is possible to do this without any work-arounds. Your advice would be appreciated.

Kind regards
Chris

[pontiac1940]

Perhaps I am missing something ... 
You can change the opacity of the brushed used to paint the mask. The mask is then not opaque and the layer only partly reveals.  

Here the brush opacity is set to 29% (and I used a soft brush vs hard.




Here the brush opacity is set to 100% (and I used a hard brush vs soft. 

[Chris]

Thank you for your reply Clive. Yes, this is correct and what I have been doing. However, my question involves using "multiple strokes". The method you have explained will only work if you paint on the transparent mask in one continuous brush stroke without letting go of the mouse. If you miss a small part and go over it again then the transparency will build up over the already painted layer mask.

The photoshop brush is designed to work like a real life paint brush and successive semi-transparent strokes will build up the layer of "paint". In most cases this is fine. But it doesn't work if you have missed a part of the mask and need to paint over a second or third time. The transparency will slowly build up to much more than the specified amount you want.

I am just wondering if there is a trick to limit the transparency of the brush with "multiple" strokes over the same area. Maybe there is a brush setting or blend mode that can help in these situations. Then I can fill in the parts I have missed without building up the transparency.

Kind regards
Chris

[pontiac1940]

Sept 19, 2024 15:17:50 GMT Chris said:

The photoshop brush is designed to work like a real life paint brush and successive semi-transparent strokes will build up the layer of "paint". In most cases this is fine. But it doesn't work if you have missed a part of the mask and need to paint over a second or third time. The transparency will slowly build up to much more than the specified amount you want.

I am just wondering if there is a trick to limit the transparency of the brush with "multiple" strokes over the same area. Maybe there is a brush setting or blend mode that can help in these situations. Then I can fill in the parts I have missed without building up the transparency.

Okay, yes I understand what you mean. And it becomes problem. The only thing I can think of is to switch from conceal to reveal (or vise versa) and go back again to change the mask density in that problematic area. But that will not be as precise as you are looking for.

  

[Lillias]

I am no expert here but I would say the short answer to your question re multiple brush strokes is that it can’t be done to give the results you want. Indeed I would be surprised if it could be done in the full PS either. However I am always willing to be proved wrong.

Two ideas have come to mind but I only have time just now to give a rough outline of what I am thinking.

Number 1...Instead of using brush strokes have you thought of using a gradient layer...
Number 2...Make a selection of the area you want to mask, duplicate that onto its own layer and then fill it with 50% grey.

Without seeing an actual photo of what you are trying to do I can’t be sure if I am just talking rubbish (which is eminently possible) but it’s all I’ve got at the moment. Sorry.

[fotofrank]

So let me get this straight - You want to change the way the brush is designed to work?

You want it to ignore the current mask and only paint where it’s white and not where you overlay on the mask.
.

With a brush set at a lower opacity, each stroke is designed to add.


You can change the BRUSH settings to 100% opacity and paint with a brush with its Brightness (B) set to what your OPACITY was to paint in what you missed the first time.

[Chris]

Thank you all very much for your replies.

Lillias, thank you for these suggestions. Suggestion 2 would probably work for what I need although it would involve more steps.

FotoFrank, yes, you have understood correctly. Your method works perfectly the way I want it!

So instead of painting black on the layer mask set to 50% transparency, the solution is to paint 50% grey set to 100% transparency. Then the brush will work exactly the way I want. It will paint the layer mask with 50% grey using multiple strokes over an already painted area. It will never exceed 50%.

Thanks again for all your help.

Kind regards
Chris

[Sepiana]

Sept 19, 2024 20:17:13 GMT Chris said:

Sept 19, 2024 17:12:33 GMT fotofrank said:

So let me get this straight - You want to change the way the brush is designed to work?
You want it to ignore the current mask and only paint where it’s white and not where you overlay on the mask.
With a brush set at a lower opacity, each stroke is designed to add.
You can change the BRUSH settings to 100% opacity and paint with a brush with its Brightness (B) set to what your OPACITY was to paint in what you missed the first time.

FotoFrank, yes, you have understood correctly. Your method works perfectly the way I want it!

fotofrank,

Thanks for coming to the rescue! I can also confirm; your instructions work like a charm. Kudos to you!

[Andrei Doubrovski]

Chris,
If you are using Elements+
you can adjust the mask density (opacity) in the "Masks" dialog.
More about:
elementsplus.net/help/en/mask-density.htm

[Chris]

Thank you very much for the useful tip Andrei!


Kind regards
Chris

[Andrei Doubrovski]

Chris, you arewelcome!