What is the best way to change overall color

[jparnold]

I have an image of timber planks which I want to change so that it is more BROWN in color than it currently is.
Refer image below and I want to change the color of the wooden planks to be similar to the color of the timber in the image on the right.

[LeviFiction]

Don't know about "best" but there are several options I can recommend that all do what you want.

1) Manual Color Correction - This is an unused command so you'll have to restore it from the customize menu.
View -> Customize
In the "commands" tab select the "Unused Commands" category, and then find the "Manual Color Correction" command. Drag it onto a toolbar or into a menu. Close the customize dialog.
Now run manual color correction
Use the "Manual Target Color" option, and select the original grey color from the image for the source swatch, and then sample a color from your example image for the target swatch. PSP should attempt to auto-match the colors.

2) Brown overlay layer
Create a blank layer and fill it with the brown color you want to use
Go through the blend modes to find one you like. This one was made with Overlay

3) Curves
This one is more fiddly, but ultimate control
First Sample the original color and get the RGB values
Second sample the brown color and get the RGB values
Third add a Curves adjustment layer, then under each of the three channels add a point and set the input to be the original Red, Green, or Blue depending on the channel, and the output as the target color value

4) Also curves but more automated as a script
Run this script -

CurvesColorReplacer.zip

(1000 Bytes) Downloaded 53 times

It uses the foreground color as the source color and the background color as the target color in the color palette and creates a curves adjustment layer

[jparnold]

Thanks Levifiction.
Gee I like option 4. Anything which is simple but I will try each to see which outcome I prefer and also for the learning experience.

[jparnold]

I just used your 'method 1' and found it easy. I ended up with what looks like a slightly weathered timber colour. As this uses a 'unused command' I wonder why it is not a 'used command' or do users normally use 'method 2' using a layer. Maybe 'method 2' gives the user more control.

[LeviFiction]

All commands in the "unused commands" category were replaced by what the developers at one point thought were better versions. As I don't know when it was replaced I can't really say what they were replaced with. But Curves, White Balance, the White Balance Adjustment layer (previously called Color Balance) are all possible contenders as they provide greater control.

[jparnold]

I had tried Color Balance and it is quite easy for this example (I just gave it some warmth). The other options for me are too much like trial and error. Being able to select the color to be changed and select a color you prefer is much easier IMHO.