Do you want to get that rough look on your images? Nowadays, there are plenty of free resources to choose from with just a click of your mouse, and enhancing your photos has never been more accessible. One popular effect on photo enhancement is the grunge texture.
You can only achieve that vintage look with these 10 free grunge overlays available to download for everyone. Just pick the texture that will best fit the goal you are editing towards and click. It’s never been easier.
In this article, we will be giving you our picks of the best grunge texture available online plus a bonus tutorial on how to achieve the grunge effect using an online editor.
What is Grunge Texture?
The grunge texture is a photo style that’s been trending among recent photographers and editors. Grunge is taken from the original word meaning grimy or rough, and the photo effect is similar to that definition.
Grunge textures or overlays have a rugged look that creates an organic or realistic effect on your photos. The finished look gives a vintage or rebellious look depending on the editor’s intent, as it is less uniform and structured.
The Characteristics of a Grunge-styled Photo
A grunge-styled photo can be identified by gritty backgrounds, rough textures like crumpled or torn paper, faded or aged materials, and even urban architecture or scenery. When added to an image, these effects can range from extreme to subtle changes.
The general colors used for grunge photos range around the shades of brown, beige, grey, and black. Editors and photographers remove bright colors and replace them with tamer, subtle, and natural colors.
History of Grunge Filters in Photography
Grunge filter photography is a style of photography that has been around for years, although it’s gained popularity recently. The idea behind grunge filter photography is that the images are supposed to look like they were taken with a dirty camera or on an old film camera.
There’s no one way to achieve this effect and no single tool or technique that defines it, although most people use photo filters or apps on their phones to do so. Grunge filters have become a staple in modern photography because they harken back to the old ways while also looking fresh and exciting.
10 Free And Paid Grunge Textures Online
1. Prairie Girl Soft Grunge Textures
The prairie girl, soft grunge texture pack is a gorgeous set of 20 overlays. The package consists of light pastel-colored textures similar to thin and roughly applied paint on walls. The soft and natural look is perfect for creating elegant designs on printed stationery or packaging.
2. Rust Textures
This rust texture pack comprises 50 designs, all handmade with exceptional quality. The dark browns and oranges mix agreeably to create a rusty effect that would go well on websites or dramatic backgrounds.
3. Film Dust Grunge Textures
If you want a cinematic vintage look, then the film dust grunge textures will do the job. The pack contains 12 handmade textures that combine the elements of dust and grain effect to imitate the old films that used to dominate the silver screen.
4. Heavy Grunge Textures
The heavy grunge textures are a pack created from original surfaces, with 10 grunge textures available for download. The provided overlays are simple and easy on the eye effects of rough concrete or metal surfaces, depending on your choice.
5. Grainy Gradient Textures
The grainy gradient texture pack is a brighter take on the grunge effect. The collection contains 50 textures with many mixed, vibrant colors that give a sort of 90s CD-era look.
6. Wrinkle Paper Textures
One way to achieve a sense of nostalgia in your photos is to add the classic wrinkled paper effect to get that vintage look. The wrinkled paper textures have six overlay options for you to choose from, all available with just a click.
7. Dirty Grunge Textures
The dirty grunge textures have 5 overlays that give off old and roughened surfaces. Adding this texture with the grimy and messy look will give your images an abandoned or weary vibe.
8. Plastic Shmashtic Textures
Get a more modern and rough effect by trying out the plastic shmashtic textures. This collection has 65 plastic textures and objects that you can add to your images. The extensive array of options allows you to choose the best for your image’s enhancement.
9. Free Tortured Paper Texture
The tortured paper texture collection is a delicate yet rough effect that can be added to your image for a dramatic and melancholy feel. The pack had 30 textures of paper being ‘tortured’ with materials ranging from acetone to candles.
10. Soft Grunge Textures
The soft grunge textures were handmade and created by spreading ink or paint onto paper, giving them a softer effect if you want to achieve an aged look for your photos. Complete with five options, add it onto posters or presentations to level them up a step higher.
How To Add Grunge Texture Online Using Colorcinch
There is an easy way to achieve the overlay effect without using Photoshop. We will show you how to add grunge texture to your photos using Colorcinch.
Step 1: Open Colorcinch and Upload an image.
Step 2: Click Overlay on the left side of the panel and it will open a tab of overlay filters. Navigate through it and pick Texture.
Step 3: Choose a Texture filter and adjust the Slider to change the opacity. Click Apply if you are satisfied with the adjustments.
Bonus Tip: You can have more control over the Texture Filter by clicking on Settings. Try the different Blend Modes until you get your desired output.
Let’s take a look at the final output:
Summary
With the many free packs and options available to editors and photographers online, the community has reached an era of easy and accessible artwork. The vintage grunge look is a popular trend as it gives photos the ideal outcome of an old-fashioned finish.
Choose from these 10 free grunge textures to give your photos the boost they need. Or to save you from all the hassle, use the tips we gave you.
