Recoloring objects is one of the most popular Photoshop tricks in the history of the program. However, I have always had issues with Replace Color ever since it’s arrival. I have never felt like it does a good job when recoloring an object. Sometimes it works great, but it’s almost never a sure thing and mostly I end up frustrated. In my opinion, it’s just one of those tools that still needs improvement.

So, when recoloring an object, I tend to use Adjustment Layers. But, for extra touches of realism try this Quick Tip along with your favorite Adjustment Layer:

First select the area of your image that you wish to recolor, then apply a Photo Filter layer adjustment – (the icon looks like a camera in the Adjustment Layers pallet.) When you go to the Photo Filter Adjustment Layer you have two options. One: choose from a list of preset options, or Two: Choose your own color. Which of these you wish to use is up to you and will depend on the new color you wish to make your object. But once you have made your selection, then slide your “scrubby” all the way to the right until the number = 100%.

Then using the same selection, add your main color adjustment layer (Solid Color, Hue/Saturation, Gradiant Map, or whatever you like) and set it’s Blending Mode to Soft Light or Overlay.

After that, it’s just a matter of cleaning up your masks with the Paint Brush tool. It’s quick, easy, and you will end up with loads of color combinations that give you more control than the Replace Color tool will ever give you.

But let me explain why adding the Photo Filter first is a good idea.

Image you are painting a wall in your house. In order to get a good rich and true color, you are first going to apply a base coat. After that, you add a top coat of your color and that’s when your wall comes to life.

Recoloring in photos is the same principle. In order to get a true and rich color, adding a base coat will always help your top coat come to life. It helps give the color a boost of light and a dynamic color range that it wouldn’t normally have. Check out the examples below. In each case I showed you what the Adjustment Layer would look like with and without the Photo Filter.

In short – play with your Photo Filters! If you have any questions, let me know.