How to make layer mask affect blending options

[noiseordinance]

Hey there. I'm a total photoshop n00b, even after numerous years of casual use. So I want to create some fonts with a sort of weathered, aged look. I make my font, add layer mask, and insert a coarse gradient. My problem is this: if I add stroke to the font (so that it stands out from the background), the stroke is not affected by the layer mask. This makes the font look aged, while the stroke is sharp and intact. Any advice? Here's a sample of what I'm referring to:

 

[IamSam]

Hey NO,

Not following you at all. Masks conceal or reveal, not sure how your using it in this instance or why you think it should be affecting the stroke, unless your referring to a layer style. Perhaps a screenshot of the layers panel might help.

Is this more like what your trying to accomplish?
Stroked


Compared to a soft edge....

 

[Tracy Mapes]

"Why Don't You Just Stroke It?

 

[Tracy Mapes]

View attachment B2.psd

Here's a PSD File to Give You Some Ideas?

 

[noiseordinance]

View attachment 30427

Here's a PSD File to Give You Some Ideas?

View attachment 30428

Hey Tracy, that's the effect I'm trying to go for. I'm not sure how you did that though?

IamSam, I'm just trying to create an "aged" looking font, and found a guide online about how to through a layer mask on the fonts with a coarse gradient to give it a textured, faded look. However, since I'm using a white font on a possibly light-colored t-shirt, I want to make sure the font "pops" from the background... so I added a thin amount of black stroke. I'm obviously not doing this the right way though. :/

 

[IamSam]

IamSam, I'm just trying to create an "aged" looking font, and found a guide online about how to through a layer mask on the fonts with a coarse gradient to give it a textured, faded look.

Ok, I need to learn this. Please post a link to the guide.

Tracy - Took a look at your PSD..............it's way over complicated for adding a gradient to a stroke!

Below, I placed the "stroke" behind the text. It could be in front. It could be sharp or blurred. I also made it upside down. The "textured gradient" is different. But is this "kinda" what your looking for?