Metallic Gradient Advice

[latchet_mcbride@adobeforums.com]

Hi All

Im developing a piece which requires the use of a metallic silver. I have never worked with metallics before and am after both general and specific advice.

Specifically - I want to create a gradient with the silver and another spot colour. Can this be achieved by just using the gradient palet or should I be doing it another way?

Any other advice or links to info would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

Latchet

[latchet_mcbride@adobeforums.com]

After thought - Using AI10.

And the job will be commercially printed so the job will be process + 2 specials + varnish - anyother advice re pitfalls etc warmly recieved.

thanks

LAtchet

[Brigid_Johanna@adobeforums.com]

Hi Latchet,

I use the metallic image often, gold. It can be tedious, but I use the gradient mesh tool. By pushing the points around and simply changing a few colors, I can make it look quite different and use it for another project.
But this advice is too unsophisticated. I am an amatuer.
Brigid

[Jonathan_McClintic@adobeforums.com]

Latchet,

So if you are using a foil that you want to print a gradient on, I would think that using the gradient tool with a transparency mask would achieve the desired results.

Jon

[latchet_mcbride@adobeforums.com]

Hi

Thanks for the replies.

Clarification - I want the foil to fade (gradient?) to a pms blue. So is just using the gradient palet ok or is there another way I should be doing this considering it is a foil/metallic (is there a difference?).

Jonathan is your "transperancy mask" the same as has been answered in the previous couple of weeks or a seperate alternative?

Many thanks

Latchet

[Jonathan_McClintic@adobeforums.com]

Oops, that's what happens when I don't have Illustrator open when I answer questions. I meant opacity mask. In reality, you may want to finish the product in Photoshop using the alpha channels, though to set it up for special inks and foils.