Paint a layer mask with a specific maximum transparency using multiple strokes

Thank you for your reply Clive. Yes, this is correct and what I have been doing. However, my question involves using "multiple strokes". The method you have explained will only work if you paint on the transparent mask in one continuous brush stroke without letting go of the mouse. If you miss a small part and go over it again then the transparency will build up over the already painted layer mask.

The photoshop brush is designed to work like a real life paint brush and successive semi-transparent strokes will build up the layer of "paint". In most cases this is fine. But it doesn't work if you have missed a part of the mask and need to paint over a second or third time. The transparency will slowly build up to much more than the specified amount you want.

I am just wondering if there is a trick to limit the transparency of the brush with "multiple" strokes over the same area. Maybe there is a brush setting or blend mode that can help in these situations. Then I can fill in the parts I have missed without building up the transparency.

Kind regards
Chris

I am no expert here but I would say the short answer to your question re multiple brush strokes is that it can’t be done to give the results you want. Indeed I would be surprised if it could be done in the full PS either. However I am always willing to be proved wrong.

Two ideas have come to mind but I only have time just now to give a rough outline of what I am thinking.

Number 1...Instead of using brush strokes have you thought of using a gradient layer...
Number 2...Make a selection of the area you want to mask, duplicate that onto its own layer and then fill it with 50% grey.

Without seeing an actual photo of what you are trying to do I can’t be sure if I am just talking rubbish (which is eminently possible) but it’s all I’ve got at the moment. Sorry.

Thank you all very much for your replies.

Lillias, thank you for these suggestions. Suggestion 2 would probably work for what I need although it would involve more steps.

FotoFrank, yes, you have understood correctly. Your method works perfectly the way I want it!

So instead of painting black on the layer mask set to 50% transparency, the solution is to paint 50% grey set to 100% transparency. Then the brush will work exactly the way I want. It will paint the layer mask with 50% grey using multiple strokes over an already painted area. It will never exceed 50%.

Thanks again for all your help.

Kind regards
Chris

Chris,
If you are using Elements+
you can adjust the mask density (opacity) in the "Masks" dialog.
More about:
elementsplus.net/help/en/mask-density.htm