Make a Cork Texture in Photoshop

  1. Start with an empty white RGB canvas at your choice of size.
  2. Go to Filter > Noise > Add Noise, use the following settings:
    Amount: 130%
    Distribution: Gaussian
    Monochromatic: yes
    Click OK.
    bullet icon It will look something like this.
  3. Next, go to Filter > Pixelate > Pointillize:
    Cell Size: 5
    Click OK.
    bullet icon It will look something like this.
  4. Invert the image colours by pressing Ctrl+I or choose Image > Adjustments > Invert
  5. Convert the image to Greyscale: This is done by selecting Image > Mode > Greyscale
    bullet icon It will look something like this.
  6. Convert the image back to RGB using the same menu.
  7. *OPTIONAL* Increase the amount of black by opening Image > Adjustments > Levels
    bullet icon Slide the first (black) arrow as shown here.

    The amount may vary (or may not be needed) depending on your canvas size. The more black, the more contrast you will have.
  8. Select a dark and medium brown to use as your foreground and background colours.
    colours
  9. Go to Image > Adjustments > Gradient Map. You do not need to change anything here, although you may wish to 'Reverse' the colours for your desired effect.
    bullet icon It will look something like this.
  10. Add a new layer, and fill it with either of your browns.
  11. Add noise to this layer with these settings:
    Amount: 12%
    Distribution: Gaussian
    Monochromatic: yes
    Click OK.
  12. Raise and lower the opacity of this layer until you're happy with the look.

Done! Your result may look something like this:

completed cork texture

Please do not publish this tutorial elsewhere without my permission.