In this tutorial, I’ll be showing you a simple way to
create the ’scotch tape’ effect. I’ve taken
what works from other tutorials and simplified the
whole process as much as possible. This method can
be used on any color of background. I’m using Photoshop
CS3, but I don’t use anything not available in all
versions.
Okay, so let’s get started! 
Step One: wherever you are – blank background or on top
of an existing image or layer, create a new layer and name it tape.
Step Two: With the Rectangle Marquee tool, draw a
rectangle anywhere on your image (you’ll be able to move
it to where you need it later). Make your selection about
220 X 75. This size will make the following steps easier
and you can resize when we’re done.
Step Three: Fill the selection with a light gray color.
I used #CCCCCC.
Step Four: You can now deselect the rectangle by clicking
Select > Deselect from the drop down menu at the top or
by pressing Ctrl + D.
Step Five: Now, make sure your tape layer is selected in
the layers palette and grab your eraser tool. Set the
brush for the eraser to the diamond shape (assorted brushes library)
at a size of 10. We’re going to recreate the jagged ends that you’d find
on a real piece of scotch tape.
At either end, start at the top and use the eraser to
remove sections of the tape so that what’s left is your
jagged edge. Repeat on the opposite end of the tape.Don’t worry
about getting the points to match. Perfection on the end of a
piece of tape isn’t realistic.
Step Six: Now, double click your tape layer in the layers
palette to bring up the layer style box.
You want to apply a pattern overlay. To do this, check
the box beside pattern overlay, and then click on the
words Pattern Overlay so that those setting options
become visible to the right.
Apply the following settings:
Blend Mode: Overlay
Opacity: 100 %
Pattern: Streifen (diagonal patterns library)
Scale: 165%
Check the box beside Link with Layer.
Step Seven: Last step! In the Layers palette, you can
set the opacity to anything you want, depending on how
much you want the tape to stand out, or what looks more
realistic to you. I set it at 60%, but think it’s looks
fine anywhere between there and 100%.
Optional step: I have found that to add a bit more of a
realistic look you can take a small round brush eraser
set to about 15% Opacity and erase here and there to recreate
the look of the tape being smoothly applied in areas and not
so much in other areas.
Now, you can resize to fit your purposes. Leave it straight
if you’re taping across the top of something, or rotate
it to tape across a corner. It’s up to you!
And, that’s it!
Now, that wasn’t so bad was it? You might play
around with it and find settings that look better to
you. That’s how I came up with this method. I followed
a tut (actually, several), wasn’t really satisfied with the look in the end
so I played with it. I ended up with something that took far
less steps, and looks better – or, at least I think so.
If you do, and you come up with something better – let us
all know! Any designer is always looking to improve.
If you have any questions, or even some suggestions on
how to improve on this tut, you can email me at:
nonnie -AT- designcreativelee -DOT- com
- or leave your feedback here via comment.
Good luck!
