1. Select the gradient tool by pressing "G" Now set the tool to linear gradient in the Gradients Palette. I chose the copper preset. Take your mouse to the top left and click and drag to the bottom right.
2. This has now created a gradient fill
3. Filter>Add Noise your image should look grainy like this. Select Monochromatic so that strange colors are not added.
4. Almost done, now go to filter>blur>motion blur. Set angle for 0 and distance to taste.
5.
A finished piece of brushed metal
6.
To change the color: Hue/Saturation, Ctrl/Cmd +U. Slide the Hue slider to get different colors.
This is the method used to produce the trendy Brushed metal that is used on Apples branding.
About the Author:
Colin Smith is a best-selling author, trainer, and award-winning new-media designer
who has caused a stir in the design community with his stunning
photorealistic illustrations composed entirely in Photoshop. He is
founder of the world's most popular Photoshop resource site, PhotoshopCAFE.com, which boasts more than two million visitors.
With over 10 years of experience in the design industry, Colin was formerly Senior Editor and Art Director for VOICE magazine. He is a regular columnist for Photoshop User magazine, PlanetPhotoshop.com, and the official site of the National Association for Photoshop Professionals. He also contributes to a number of other graphic art publications and Web sites, such as Mac Design magazine, Web Designer magazine and Computer Arts Magazine.
Colin's graphic design work has been recognized with numerous awards,
including the Guru awards at Photoshop World 2001 and 2002, for his
work in both Illustration and Web Design. He's authored or co-authored
more than ten books on Photoshop, including the best-selling How to Do Everything with Photoshop CS (McGraw-Hill/Osborne, 2003) and award-winning Photoshop Most Wanted: Effects and Design Tips (A Press/Friends Of Ed, 2002). Colin is also creator of the Photoshop Secrets Video training series (PhotoshopCD.com).
He is in high demand across the United States as a lecturer, presenting
his Photoshop techniques to Web designers and other graphics
professionals across the nation.