Need to make this a transparent PNG w/ Transparent Cracks

[Best34089364g1oq]

  I need first image to look like second image (minus different coloring), what is the quickest way to eliminate colored cracks while not compromising the structure of the mosaic or quality of each individual Hexagon? Thank you!

 

 

[Kevin Stohlmeyer]

@Best34089364g1oq Use Levels or Curves to white balance the background (underexposed) then select the tiles using the Select Subject option and mask. Save as PNG.

[Best34089364g1oq]

Thanks for the response Kevin. I tried that and due to the fact that there is a gray-ish mesh in each crack between tiles, when I balance the background to more of a pure white the cracks stay that grayish color. 

[Best34089364g1oq]

Thanks for the response Kevin. I tried that and due to the fact that there is a gray-ish mesh in each crack between tiles, when I balance the background to more of a pure white the cracks stay that grayish color. 

[Kevin Stohlmeyer]

In that case use the pen tool or the polygonal lasso tool to select each tile minus the mesh and then mask.

[Kevin Stohlmeyer]

Maybe Im overthinking - after the select subject and mask, I used an eraser to simply remove the mesh in the "crack" gap (grout area).