Glossy Recycle Bin Icon Tutorial

Here is a tutorial where we will show you a simple technique to create a glossy recycle bin in just a few steps.

Final Image Preview

First of all take a look at the final image.

Step 1

Create a new document and fill it with black.

First you will start by creating the outlines of the recycle bin. Create a new layer then use the Elliptical Marquee Tool (M) and create a selection like below. Then stroke the selection to 4px and use this color: #0090ff.

Step 2

Duplicate the layer and place it below. Then use the Transform Tool (Command + T) and make the shape a little smaller.

Step 3

Next use the Pen Tool (P) set to path and join the shapes. After you have created the path you need to create a new layer and stroke the paths again with 4px and the same color.

Step 4

Next you need to duplicate the layer you created in step 1 and move it down a few pixels so that it will look like this below.

Now make a selection using the Elliptical Marquee Tool (L) and erase the strokes created in step 3.

Step 5

You have finished creating the outlines. Now it is time to create the bin material. Create a new layer first for each selection.

You will need to use the Pen Tool (P) and create selections like below then fill the seletions with the colors shown in the images below.

Step 6

Now you will start adding the shadows and lights. You will do this by using the Burn Tool and Dodge Tool. Follow the below images to see where to use each tool.

Step 7

Create a new layer and fill it with #00a8ff then erase the lower part and set the layer Opacity to 23%.

Step 8

In this step you will have to repeat the exact technique used for step 6 but this time apply the technique to the lower part of the bin. Again you will use the same colors, Burn and Dodge Tools.

Step 9

Now it is time to create the glossy part. You will mostly create these using the Gradient Tool (G).

Create a new layer for each gloss you apply. First make a selection like below and chose the Gradient Tool (G) set to Black/Transparent and make a slight gradient like below. Set the layer to Opacity 54%.

Step 10

Create another selection like below and use the Gradient Tool (G) set to White/Transparent and create a gradient like below.

Step 11

Continue adding white gradients as you go and the bin will start taking shape. Follow the images below for reference.

Conclusion

Hope you learned some new techniques and had fun while doing so.

Download the PSD (.zip, 2 MB)