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Inspiring
July 24, 2025
Question

How to change color for brush strokes in Photoshop, very specifically even if some have transparency

  • July 24, 2025
  • 1 reply
  • 467 views

Hi,

I created an illustration using watercolor brushes so they have many gaps in the strokes to simulate real watercolor. In addition, some of the layers utilizing this effect have the opacity turned down for a transparent effect for blending effect.

I need to convert the same 3 colors I utilized for each brush stroke to different colors. (specific colors)

How can I achieve this considering the delicate nature of each watercolor brush stroke and varying opacity %s factored in?

I need a bullet-proof technique.

 

Thank you.

1 reply

melissapiccone
Community Expert
Community Expert
July 24, 2025

You have brush stokes and want to change the colors - a screenshot would help, include your layers panel. Are the brush strokes in their own layers? I would use a clipping mask above the layer set to color with a solid color in it... Create a colid color layer, set blend mode to color and clip to the layer to recolor. 

Melissa Piccone | Adobe Trainer | Online Courses Author | Fine Artist
c.pfaffenbichler
Community Expert
Community Expert
July 25, 2025

The layered image or at least a part of it might also be useful to assess what the actual situation is. 

Are there significant areas where the three current colors overlap/mix? 

What are the intended replacement colors? 

c.pfaffenbichler
Community Expert
Community Expert
July 26, 2025

Tried a quick test using color overlay. It seems to work just fine! But, for printing (CMYK) does this pose any challenges or is it viable for the final file?


quote

Tried a quick test using color overlay. It seems to work just fine! But, for printing (CMYK) does this pose any challenges or is it viable for the final file?


By @r_tist

First off: Please post the requested screenshots. 

Secondly: What do you mean? Are you working in RGB or CMYK?