How to use Topaz Denoise with mask?

[robgo2]

I would like to use Topaz DeNoise 5 in a selective fashion, i.e. apply it only to certain parts of an image.  I presume that this can be done with layer masks, but I am struggling with the mechanics of that.  Could someone please walk me through the process?

Thanks,
Rob

[leuallen]

Assuming just a Background layer. Copy the Background layer and run Denoise on it. Add a mask to the copy - third icon from the left, square with circle inside - at the bottom of the layers pallet. The mask will show in the layers pallet and will be white (reveal all). So far nothing has changed. If the mask is painted with black or gray it will block out the Denoise effect and show the original background layer in that area. Black will show 100% of the original background. Gray (% of black) will show a combination of the Denoise layer and original background.

Choose a brush of a convenient size brush and set it to black. Use 100% opacity if you want to totally block the Denoise effect. A lesser percent will reduce the Denoise effect. Use a hard or soft brush depending upon whether you want hard edges or feathering. Be sure you select the mask to paint on. Click on it and it will show a rectangle surround the icon. Paint the areas that you wish remove Denoise from.

That the basics - it can get a lot more involved.

Larry

[walter.sk]

I would like to use Topaz DeNoise 5 in a selective fashion, i.e. apply it only to certain parts of an image.  I presume that this can be done with layer masks, but I am struggling with the mechanics of that.  Could someone please walk me through the process?
Thanks,
Rob

Duplicate your background layer before using DeNoise.  On the layer copy, run DeNoise and apply it.  Go to the Layers menu and add a layer mask.  If you have relatively few areas in which you want the DeNoise applied, select the type of mask as Hide All, which will show you the background, unprocessed layer and make the noise removal invisible.  

Click on the little squares in the color chooser, then hit "x" to make the foreground color white.  Click on the black icon of the layer mask on your duplicate layer so that you will be painting on the layer mask.  Hit "B" to get the brush, and adjust its size with the right or left bracket.  As you paint on the image you will see the noise go away.  You can do this with the brush flow reduced to 25% or 50% if you like, in order to build up the effect.  If you go beyond the desired area, hit "x" to switch to black, click on the layer mask, and you can erase the error by painting it out.

On the other hand, if you want the noise removed from the majority of the image, choose Layers>Layer Mask> Reveal.  This will show you the
effect of the noise removal on the entire image.  Make Black the foreground color.  Click on the now white layer mask on the layer.  Hit B and brush back the noise in the areas where you do not want the results of DeNoise.

There are shortcut keys for many of these steps, and I'll leave you to figure them out.  The above should get you in the ballpark.

[robgo2]

Thanks, guys.  I will give it a try.

Rob