Brushed Aluminum

How to make brushed aluminum in Photoshop.


We start off with making a rectangle, by default hotkey U.


Next we select it with the path selection tool (A).


To get the brushed effect, we first need to add some Noise.
Filter -> Noise -> Add Noise...


Next we will get this warning message, it only asks if we want
to convert the rectangle from vectors to a bitmap. It's not that
we have much choice here.


First turn on the Monochromatic option, to make sure we lose the
colour. Than adjust the amount until you get a good mix of gray tones.


Next we want to add a motion blur.
Filter -> Blur -> Motion Blur...


Adjust the Distance to your own liking. Optional you can add an angle to it,
as a different direction of brushing.

Note that the edge of the rectangle gets blurred also, making it slightly
smaller.


This can easily be removed with the Marquee Tool (M) [select and press Delete]
or with the Eraser (E).

You can also select a part and apply the filters:

(the highlighted part is to make the selection stand out better)