Achieve Clean, Clear & Airbrushed Skin with Topaz Clean

Achieve Clean, Clear & Airbrushed Skin with Topaz Clean

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Overview of Topaz Clean
3. The Three Tabs in Topaz Clean 3.1 Clean Tab 3.2 Edges Tab 3.3 Texture Tab
4. How to Use Topaz Clean 4.1 Cleaning Up Images with the Skin Even Preset 4.2 Manual Adjustments
5. Understanding the Clean Tab 5.1 The Strength Slider 5.2 The Threshold Slider 5.3 The Radius Slider
6. Exploring the Edges Tab 6.1 The Accent Slider 6.2 The Radius Slider 6.3 The Sharpness Slider
7. Refining Images with the Texture Tab 7.1 The Strength Slider 7.2 The Boost Slider 7.3 The Size Slider
8. Finalizing the Image
9. Reviving Detail with a Duplicate Layer
10. Conclusion

Achieving Clean, Clear Airbrush Looking Skin with Topaz Clean

Introduction

Welcome to this tutorial on the Topaz Clean program. In this article, we will dive deep into the capabilities of Topaz Clean and learn how to easily achieve clean, clear, and airbrushed-looking skin using the program. Topaz Clean is a texture adjustment program that offers various enhancement techniques for adjusting texture, smoothing features, enhancing edges, and creating Stylized effects. It is a versatile tool for quick and easy portraiture enhancements and corrections.

Overview of Topaz Clean

Topaz Clean stands out as a unique program that not only allows You to improve texture and smoothness but also preserves major facial features and tiny yet crucial skin details. This program consists of three tabs, each serving a specific purpose in creating desired skin effects. Let's take a closer look at these tabs and how they can enhance your images.

The Three Tabs in Topaz Clean

3.1 Clean Tab

The Clean tab is where you can flatten texture, remove weaker details, and smoothen the image. The Strength slider is the most important parameter in the program as it determines the level of smoothness. However, it is crucial to find a balance and avoid an unnatural appearance. The Threshold slider adjusts the size of the affected features, while the Radius slider controls the radius of the effect applied.

3.2 Edges Tab

The Edges tab allows you to enhance and Stylize the edges in your image. The Accent slider controls the degree of edge enhancement, allowing for more defined edges and lines. The Radius slider determines the size of the edges and lines being processed, while the Sharpness slider controls the level of sharpness in the effected edges.

3.3 Texture Tab

In the Texture tab, you can reintroduce the original texture and detail back into your image, ensuring a natural look. The Strength slider determines how much of the original texture is brought back, while the Boost slider increases the strength of smaller details. The Size slider adjusts the size of the reintroduced detail.

How to Use Topaz Clean

4.1 Cleaning Up Images with the Skin Even Preset

Topaz Clean offers a convenient skin even preset, which serves as a great starting point for your skin adjustments. By selecting this preset, you can Instantly balance out the texture of your subject's face, reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and blemishes. If you are satisfied with the results, you can save the image and proceed or make additional adjustments manually.

4.2 Manual Adjustments

If you prefer more control over the changes, you can opt for manual adjustments. This allows you to fine-tune the parameters to achieve your desired look. By starting in the Clean tab and working your way through each tab, you can gradually refine the image. Experiment with different values and settings to Create smoother or more pronounced effects.

Understanding the Clean Tab

5.1 The Strength Slider

The Strength slider determines the level of smoothness in the image. It is essential to find the right balance to avoid an unnatural appearance. A value between one and two is generally recommended for working with faces.

5.2 The Threshold Slider

The Threshold slider determines the size of the features affected by the smoothing process. Higher values result in a flatter and smoother image with less depth. However, be cautious not to overapply this parameter, as it can blur into detail.

5.3 The Radius Slider

The Radius slider adjusts the radius of the effect applied in pixels. It is worth experimenting with different values to find the ideal balance for your image.

Exploring the Edges Tab

6.1 The Accent Slider

The Accent slider in the Edges tab controls the degree of edge enhancement in your image. Higher values result in more defined edges and lines. If you desire stylized or artistic effects, increasing this parameter can yield interesting results.

6.2 The Radius Slider

The Radius slider in the Edges tab determines the size of the edges and lines being processed. Increasing this value can give your edges and lines a more defined look.

6.3 The Sharpness Slider

The Sharpness slider in the Edges tab regulates the level of sharpness in the affected edges. Adjust this parameter to achieve the desired level of definition.

Refining Images with the Texture Tab

7.1 The Strength Slider

In the Texture tab, the Strength slider controls the amount of original texture reintroduced into the image. It is advisable to add only a small amount of texture to retain a smooth and airbrushed appearance.

7.2 The Boost Slider

The Boost slider in the Texture tab enhances the strength of smaller details in the image, providing a fine-grained effect. Adjust this parameter to achieve the desired effect.

7.3 The Size Slider

The Size slider in the Texture tab sets the size of the reintroduced detail. For portraiture, opting for a smaller value is recommended.

Finalizing the Image

After making adjustments in each of the tabs, take a moment to evaluate the final result. Compare the before and after using the original and preview tabs to assess the difference in skin appearance. If you are satisfied with the adjustments, click OK to process the image and save it back to your editing software.

Reviving Detail with a Duplicate Layer

You may Notice reduced detail and Clarity in areas such as the eyes, eyebrows, and mouth after applying Topaz Clean. To restore this detail, utilize the duplicate layer created earlier. Add a layer mask to the processed layer, allowing you to selectively bring back the desired details. Use the brush tool set to black to carefully brush over the eyes, eyebrows, lips, and any other areas requiring additional detail.

Conclusion

Topaz Clean is a powerful program for achieving clean, clear, and airbrushed-looking skin. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can enhance your portraits and images with ease and precision. Experiment with the various sliders and parameters to find the perfect balance for your desired look. Incorporate Topaz Clean into your workflow to elevate your portrait retouching and achieve Flawless results.

Highlights:

• Introducing Topaz Clean and its capabilities
• Understanding the three tabs: Clean, Edges, and Texture
• Using the Skin Even preset for quick improvements
• Manual adjustments for precise control
• Mastering the Clean tab: Strength, Threshold, and Radius sliders
• Exploring the possibilities with the Edges tab: Accent, Radius, and Sharpness sliders
• Refining images with the Texture tab: Strength, Boost, and Size sliders
• Finalizing the image and preserving detail using a duplicate layer
• Incorporating Topaz Clean into your workflow for flawless results

FAQ:

Q: Can Topaz Clean be used for non-portrait images? A: Yes, Topaz Clean can be used to enhance texture in various types of images, including landscapes, still life, and more.

Q: Will Topaz Clean completely remove all facial imperfections? A: Topaz Clean is designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and blemishes. However, it is essential to use it subtly to maintain a natural look.

Q: Can I use Topaz Clean as a standalone program? A: Yes, Topaz Clean can be used as a standalone program or as a plugin in popular editing software like Adobe Photoshop.