Layering with different colors

[Tape99]

I'm looking for a source of a good tutorial to help with a problem in adding layers upon one another.

The attached image 5068 is similar to what I want to create, but not as extreme.  I have a bottom layer of white painted wood with worn edges, as in image 3224, but when I add a filled layer of blue, for example, any adjustment I make to see the underlying wood pattern, the layer also colors the bare wood.  I'm sure I am just not doing something simple, but nothing I do comes close to the effect I want.  Help, please.

[Theresa J]

You need to learn about layer masking so that you can selectively apply the color where you want it.

[Tape99]

Theresa J,

I know this is exactly what I need to do, which is why I was asking for suggestions to a tutorial that may be of helo to me.  Any suggestions?

[PECourtejoie · Accepted solution]

Hi, when using a mask, basically, black hides, white reveals, and the lighter the greys, the more the image would show.

here are some masking 101 links: https://helpx.adobe.com/be_en/photoshop/how-to/layer-mask.html

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/masking-layers.html

more info: https://jkost.com/blog/tag/masking/page/2

There are also Blend modes that can be of help.