Creating 3D Metal/Chrome Knobs?

[WithoutBrainz]

Hey, I'm quite kinda good in Photo Shop, But, I want to make 3D Metal Knobs (Or chrome like) There is an old tutorial by theKeeper but I dont understand it...
If somebody can make me understand it, Or have a better one or something, Please tell me.
I really want to learn how to make Chrome Stuff in PS.
Thanks.
Dan.

 

[Moth]

There is an old tutorial by theKeeper but I dont understand it

Well, tell us where you are getting stuck on theKeeper's tutorial and we can help you along with it. It's probably the best you'll find on the web.

The secret to chrome is contast. Use gradients to make your knobs then up the contrast with curves. You can also use the layer blend modes to brighten or darken areas. The below is just made up of several reflected gradients stacked on top of each other.

 

[WithoutBrainz]

"4) Now 'Lock' the transparency for layer '1', and grab the Gradient tool. Using a Radial white-to-black gradient, fill your circle diagonaly; from one edge to the other. Whatever direction your main light source will be coming from, that's the side where you would start the tool from.

5) Press Ctrl+M. (Curves filter) Example image is below.
Look just below the grid on the right there's a pencil image. Click that. Now, start anywhere in the 2nd grid square at the bottom left, and draw a rough wavey line diagonaly up to the top right corner. Draw your wavey line over top of the default line. There's no 'perfect' line here... just do a rough wavey one that's good enough.
Once your wavey line is drawn, click on the "Smooth" button to the right. This will smooth out the effect of our curve. Click OK to apply. "

How do you lock the transparency??? Never used that... And what is it talking about that grid pencil thing?? Do i have to set the grid? Do i have to grab the pencil tool?

"6) Add a new layer and make sure your Foreground colour is black. Grab your brush again and while hovering it over the canvas right-click. Type in a new brush size: 72px. Then click the brush anywhere on the canvas. And now center this circle as you did earlier using that quick-key combo i gave you in Step 1. "

I dont understand that part neither....
Also, What does it mean with the gradient tool and start filling the angle?? I mean, If u use the gradient tool, It fills the whole brush thing, No?

Anyways, The rest I think i understand. But by the way, What is hovering?
Thanks if you answer.
Dan.

 

[theKeeper]

Hi Dan...

Looks like you're just starting to get a handle on using Photoshop's many tools. Hopefully we can sort a few out for you here.

How do you lock the transparency???

Look near the top of your layers palette Dan. There are a few small checkboxes. On the left side of those is one that is named 'Lock'. Click in that box to 'lock' the layer's transparent areas. This will prevent/protect any editing from being applied to the transparent areas. This is a very useful function. Use it a lot.

And what is it talking about that grid pencil thing?? Do i have to set the grid? Do i have to grab the pencil tool?

Press Ctrl+M Dan. You'll get the Curves dialogue window. Right there you'll see a grid with a diagonal line running through it, bottom to top.
Look below and to the right of the grid box and you'll see 2 small tools. One is a Pencil; used to manually edit/change the line running through the grid.

6) Add a new layer and make sure your Foreground colour is black. Grab your brush again and while hovering it over the canvas right-click. Type in a new brush size: 72px. Then click the brush anywhere on the canvas. And now center this circle as you did earlier using that quick-key combo i gave you in Step 1.

Which part of this step do you not understand?

To 'hover' means to 'position' your mouse. That's all. With the brush tool chosen (the B key), position your mouse over the canvas and right-click. In the brush palette window that appears, near the top you can manually type in a new brush size number. Type 72. Once the size is set, click the brush anywhere on the canvas. Then center the circle you just made by using a shortcut key combo mentioned in Step 1. The combo is this: Ctrl+A (select all), Ctrl+X (cut selection), Ctrl+V (paste selection).

What does it mean with the gradient tool and start filling the angle??

I'm not sure where you're reading that sentence from Dan. Are you sure you have the wording correct? Give me the Step that that sentence comes from please. I didn't find it.

Hope this helps get you through anywho.
If not just say so. :B