There are infinite ways to achieve metal looks using PSE2. Here are just a few tips on how to make metal look backgrounds and elements.

LAYER STYLES

Let's start by making some backgrounds. Open a small file, say 2 inches x 2 inches. (File--New--Width and Height each 2 inches, 300 ppi, background white). Click on layer styles in the palettes well (far right side of the top tool bar). Click on the drop down menu in layer styles and try applying these styles:

In "complex": chrome, rivet, diamond plate, and molten gold.

In "patterns": brushed metal, diamond plate, manhole and copper.

In "wow chrome": try applying each of these to your file to see basically what each one looks like.

Now that you can make some different backgrounds with the metal look, let's explore making an element with layer styles.

Let's start by making a simple metal plaque. Open a small file, again, 2 inches x 2 inches, but this time make the background transparent. Make a simple shape, say a circle or square(Custom Shape(from the "sunflower" tool bar)--Shape(on top tool bar, click on the drop down menu and then click on the shape you want to use, remembering that there are more shapes available by clicking on the little arrow at the right in the dropped down area). Now draw your shape, then apply one of the layer styles as defined above. You can adjust the layer styles by clicking on Layer(top tool bar)--Layer Style--Style Settings--and playing with the sliders until you get the effect you want.

EFFECTS

PSE2 has a simple aluminum frame that you can apply to your picture. It is located in "Effects", which is located in the palette well on the far right side of the top tool bar. Click on the Effects tab, and choose frames from the drop down menu. Click on the apply button in the top right corner of the palette and watch PSE2 make a frame for you!

Try applying some textures styles in Effects for some really interesting elements. In order to apply the effect just to the element, hold down Ctrl and click on the layer in which the shape was made. This will select just the shape. Applying multiple layers of effects, playing with the opacities of the layers, and moving the order of the layers can lead to some really unique elements. If you don't like the effect, just delete the layer!

FILTERS

And certainly, don't forget to try different filters! Textures and lighting effects are two filters I especially enjoy applying to metal look elements. Have fun playing and trying different things! You cannot "break" PSE2! If you make something you don't like, just Edit--Backwards and try again!

IMAGES

You may apply a metal-textured image to an element or even use it as a background. There are many sites from which to download images of textures. My personal favorite is http://www.imageafter.com. After downloading the texture image and then opening it into PSE2, move it onto your file. To apply it to a shape, make sure the textured image is the top layer, then Layer(in the top tool bar)--Group with Previous. The image should now be applied to the shape, and all the "excess" cut off. Then Layer--Merge Visible, apply any layer styles, etc. to your element and enjoy!