In PDN can i fully COLORIZE a B&W image without diminishing the SOLID BLACK in the image ?....

[hypercat]

In PDN can i....1. 'extract' all the SOLID BLACK in a B&W image as a separate element, set it aside, then...2. (with my cursor) colorize the original image with TRANSPARENT COLORS, then....3. place the SOLID BLACK element back onto the colorized image....resulting in a colorized image with full un-diminished BLACK CONTRAST ?....

 

I would prefer to do a similar procedure, instead of just trying to carefully apply TRANSPARENT COLORS on the lighter parts of the b&w image (which would cover and diminish much of the gradated-BLACK areas)....

 

If i can NOT do that above 1-2-3 procedure in PDN, is there another FREE (or inexpensive) app or plug-in available online, in which i CAN do a similar procedure ?

Edited June 17, 2021 by hypercat
A minor clarification.

[BoltBait]

I find the best way to add color is to add a new layer, change the layer’s blend mode to multiply, then paint your color onto that new layer. 

[Ego Eram Reputo]

You can also use the Overlay blend mode as I explained in this thread: https://forums.getpaint.net/topic/118101-best-method-to-recolor-a-game-texture/

 

Quote

1. Add a new layer above the image.
2. Set the Blend mode to Overlay.
3. Paint over the parts you want to recolor with an appropriately colored brush.

This technique is largely how I recolored this model from grayscale.

 

 

[MJW]

My plugin Split Color and Brightness might be useful for this.

[Roly Poly Goblinoli]

You probably don't mean you only want perfectly black pixels on a separate layer (in which case follow above), but otherwise, the direct way to do what you're asking is to switch to the magic wand tool, set flood mood to global, set tolerance to 0% and click any perfectly black pixel. This selects them all. Now cut and paste on a new layer above the current one. Switch to the original layer you were just on, perform your recolorizations. You're done.

[FinlayPacks]

Easiest way is to make a new layer, add the colour / gradient that you want, make the layer blend mode overlay, and then use brightness and contrast "Cntrl Shift T" on the first layer till you get the desired effect.