How to get flat textureless letters with Text Effects?

Greetings,

I am trying to get flat letters without the detailed textures on them. For example, flat shiny metal. It always puts some kind of distortion in it.

I want the "dripping metal" text without the dripping. Just the flat metal unerneath. Or the "icicle" text without the icicles on it. Or the "shiny metallic balloon" without the wrinkles in it.

Anyone know what to type to get this?

Thanks