10-03-2008, 02:14 AM
The method I use for a nice glassy look that works for any color, and even images, is very simple, consisting of a few simple steps.
The first step is to lay the base. In this case my favorite shade of blue.
Next, I select the area I just colored.
Then I use the second gradient in the file below (it's just a black fade) and stretch it from the top of the selected area to the bottom (pressing shift while doing this helps). I normally do this in another layer above the base layer. This is the shading that gives it a deeper look.
Next, I do the exact same thing with the first gradient in the file. This is the actual gloss. This also usually goes in a separate layer.
Finally, I create one last layer and outline the selected area first in black, then in white, and set this layer's blend mode to "Overlay." This helps the image stand out a bit. This step is optional.
Another trick that I used for the glossy bars in this site is to have a gradient from one darker color, in that case navy blue, to a lighter color, like teal, as the base, and not have the shadow layer.
It usually works with circular objects too, but the steps are a bit different. In the shadow step set the gradient style to circular and check the reverse box. Then do the gradient form about 3/4 of the way down to the top. Do the same with the gloss.
I've attached a picture of the results and the gradient file.
The first step is to lay the base. In this case my favorite shade of blue.
Next, I select the area I just colored.
Then I use the second gradient in the file below (it's just a black fade) and stretch it from the top of the selected area to the bottom (pressing shift while doing this helps). I normally do this in another layer above the base layer. This is the shading that gives it a deeper look.
Next, I do the exact same thing with the first gradient in the file. This is the actual gloss. This also usually goes in a separate layer.
Finally, I create one last layer and outline the selected area first in black, then in white, and set this layer's blend mode to "Overlay." This helps the image stand out a bit. This step is optional.
Another trick that I used for the glossy bars in this site is to have a gradient from one darker color, in that case navy blue, to a lighter color, like teal, as the base, and not have the shadow layer.
It usually works with circular objects too, but the steps are a bit different. In the shadow step set the gradient style to circular and check the reverse box. Then do the gradient form about 3/4 of the way down to the top. Do the same with the gloss.
I've attached a picture of the results and the gradient file.