I have a veil layer that I want to have the background show through.

[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2087/2331091144_22a631667d.jpg[img]
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2087/2331091144_22a631667d.jpg

If you look at it you'll see that there's some residual color from the source picture in the veil. How can I make the whole veil a single color, and show the background layer through it?

In order to make this you need to "know" what the background looks like behind that veil. If you are good at drawing then you will find it quite easy to achieve the effect you're aksing for.

However, if you don't want to draw, well, then you need to copy the background showing left of the veil, move it to the place where you want the veil to be transparent.
Adjust the looks by using "twirl" or other distortion tool, blend and airbrush so the edges do not show.

This is all in theory. Unfortunately you need to master quite a few techniques in order to make it look natural.

There are other options off course, but nothing I can think of at this very moment.

since you cannot see through the veil, you’ll have to use an area of the image that is similar.
I would use channels to create a selection of this new area, adjust through levels and move this over the veil and use this as a mask to isolate the veil. good luck.

Mask it and paint black with a soft brush at a low opacity maybe 15-25% till the background shows through

As suggested by cloning a background, then masking and painting with black to reveal it. I also added a layer to burn in the center area of the scharf.

Hi there

I often make a selection of the veiled area then pick a channel that has the contrast I like best. Then I select the veil part of the channel and paste it in the mask

With the selection still active I use a levels adjustment to further adjust transparency.

Finally I hand adjust by low opacity brushes on the mask.

Butch

Thanks all!
All very good suggestions and I'll see which one I like best.