This is a strong and eye-catching text effect, though relatively simple to create. We’ll be using bevel and emboss styles, pattern overlays, and combining different techniques to mock-up the text into a related background. For PLUS Members, the main layer style is ready to copy and paste into your designs as well.
Final Image Preview
Before we get started, let’s take a look at the image we’ll be creating. Want access to full PSD files and downloadable copies of every tutorial, including this one? Join PSDTUTS PLUS for just $9/month. You can view the final image preview below or view a larger version here.
Step 1
Copper is a wonderful metal. It’s strong and resistant but easy to handle. Besides, copper is great when you’re designing grunge and old-style graphics or websites. So here’s a simple and quick way to add this particular effect to your text and shapes.
First, create a new black document, 1024 pixels by 768 pixels this time. Then decide where you’re going to put your text in. I’ve found this image of a ruined wall, and after adjusting the Hue/Saturation (Command + U), and Levels (Command + L) using the values of the image below, our background is ready.
Step 2
Since the copper has green tones when it gets old (like the Statue of Liberty in New York, USA). We’ll need to add some green details here and there, Create a new layer and set this color (#1A3404) as the foreground, then using a medium size soft brush draw some spots. Next, change the "Green Spots" layer Blending Mode to Color Dodge.
Step 3
Press Command + A to select all, then Command + Option + D to Feather the selection 50px.
Step 4
Fill the selection with black (#000000) into a new layer called "Frame." Then go to Filter > Distort > Wave, and set the Max Wave length to 370.
Step 5
Now create a new layer, name it "Light" and fill it with a White to Black (#FFFFFF to #000000) Reflected Gradient. Then go to Image > Adjustments > Curves (Command + M) and set the curves just like it shows in the image below. Finally, change the "Light" layer Blending mode to Overlay. Keep this layer always above all others in the layers palette.
Step 6
Now begins the fun part! Write your text, I’m using Rockwell typeface, but you can use any other.
Step 7
Now let’s look at the creative flow of making a layer style. A good point to start is adding a Gradient Overlay matching the scene lightening. In this case add a five colors gradient (#000000, #160700, #783501, #421F01, and #050505) and an Angle of 140º. Also, add a 5 pixels Gradient Stroke effect using five colors (#803C17, #A44F30, #52230F, #52230F, and #381408) Angle: -95º.
Step 8
Now add the shadows, first an Inner Shadow, then a Drop Shadow, take special care with the Blending Modes of every Style. Both shadows must be in Multiply mode.
Step 9
Next add a Color Overlay effect (#742901), but set the Blend mode to Linear Dodge (Add). Then add a dimmed (Opacity 16%) Satin effect.
