How to Make Grunge Masks in Photoshop

Grunge borders recall the messy borders around traditional photographic prints.

While some purist photographers prefer to leave their images untouched, exhibiting them the way they appeared through the viewfinder of the camera, others enjoy adding effects with post processing software like Photoshop. A common effect is the messy grunge border, which is applied using a layer mask. A basic grunge edge simulates the frame of a 35mm film negative on a black and white print, traditionally created by using a filed-out negative carrier. Brushes can be used to enhance the effect of the border for a chaotic, punk aesthetic.

Instructions

1. • 1
     Run Photoshop and open a new document. For best results, make a document with dimensions that are identical or slightly larger than the image you wish to add the grunge border to.
   • 2
     Select the "Add New Layer" icon in the lower right corner of your Layers palette, typically located to the right of the Photoshop window. Alternatively, select Window > Layers > New Layer. Double-click the layer and rename it "Grunge Edges" or something similar.
   • 3
     Press "U" on your keyboard to open the Custom Shapes toolbar. Depress the "Pixels" and "Rounded Rectangle" icon on the toolbar. Also set the "Radius" value to 10 pixels. These commands determine the shape and thickness of the resulting border.
   • 4
     Click-drag within the new layer to create the border template. For accurate results, the resulting rounded rectangle should be the same size, or slightly larger, than the image you wish to crete a border around. Select the "Add Layer Mask" icon from the lower center of the Layers palette.
   • 5
     Press "B" on your keyboard to open the Brush selection toolbar. Open the Brush palette by selecting Windows > Brushes. The commands in the Brush palette allow you to manipulate the size, opacity and direction of your brush strokes.
   • 6
     Click the Layer Mask within your "Grunge Edges" layer. Select your desired brush from the palette and begin applying it to the inside edges of the rounded rectangle. As you work your way around the edges of the rectangle, rotate the brush in 90-degree turns using the adjustment window on the palette. Continue applying the brush, or switch off between several different brushes, until you achieve the desired border effect.
   • 7
     Open your photo in Photoshop. Press Ctrl-A (or Command-A on Mac) to select the entire photo, then Ctrl-C (or Command-C on Mac) to copy it. Close the photo.
   • 8
     Return to your "Grunge Edges" layer and press Ctrl-V (or Command-V) to paste the photo as a new layer. Right-click (or Control-click) on the new layer and select "Create Clipping Mask."
   • 9
     Review your image. The edges of your photo should now appear to erode and crumble away, giving the image a grungy look. Save your image before performing additional editing. To preserve the original file, rename the edited image prior to saving.