Weathering: Step 2

[Aviar]

I'm interested in learning how to do Step 2 in the Step-By-Step Weathering tutorial on this site:

Step-By-Step Weathering

However, I'm using GIMP, so I don't know if it's possible.

I suppose one starts with the layer that has the panel lines. After that I'm stuck.

I don't know what "...select the inverse..." means. Same goes for "...reduce it by quite a bit and feather it."

So, if anyone can get me started in the right direction I would be very grateful.

Aviar

[gamary]

It means instead of selecting the lines, you select the void in between the lines. Then you reduce that selection by many pixels, and then you "feather" it, meaning that you make it soft (soft edges). If you look at the image in the tut, it will make sense.

[BLOWHARD]

Did I do that? I almost forgot what that was all about. Sorry, I'm not doing skinning anymore and I haven't worked that way in a LONG time seemingly

But yes, Gamary is correct, you select the space between the panel lines.
I'm talking Photoshop here though, I'm sure Gimp will give you the same abilities but they may have different names.
We'll need someone who knows both Photoshop and Gimp to fill in the proper operation names for Gimp.

[Aviar]

Yes, I need specific instructions for GIMP, because I have no clue what you guys are talking about.....and I've been using GIMP for over a year, so I'm not a total noob....

Aviar

[Aviar]

I think I figured it out. I'll try and post tomorrow.

Aviar

[Aviar]

Ok, here is what I did in GIMP:

1. Select my Panel Lines layer.
2. Click on 'Alpha to Selection'.
3. Click on 'Select' and then 'Invert'.
4. Click on 'Select' and then 'Shrink'. (I have been using 5 pixels.)
5. Click on 'Select' and then 'Feather'. (I have been experimenting with 5-20.)
6. Click on 'Edit' and then 'Fill with FG Color'.
7. Click on 'Select' and then 'None'.

I'm not sure if that is the correct or best way to do it, but at least it seems to work. However, I have one problem. The weathering and panel lines are now on the same layer. They should be on seperate layers.

How can I erase the panel lines so that I can control the opacity for the weathering only? I guess I can painstakingly erase them with a small eraser brush, but is there a quicker method?

*EDIT - I found out how to erase the panel lines quickly. Just add the following step to the ones above:

3a. Click on 'Edit' and then 'Cut' (several times) to erase the panel lines.

**Of course, this is assuming you are using a duplicate Panel Lines layer to create your weathering. You don't want to erase your original panel lines.


Aviar

[BLOWHARD]

That will work