Go back to the Drop Shadow. Add a 1px Gaussian Blur to the original shape layer (Rasterize the shape, then Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur). Soft edges mimic surface tension spreading.
Increase the to roughly 150% - 200% to give the edges a distinct curve.
I’ve been experimenting with high-gloss Layer Styles to create everything from chrome to viscous textures. This specific look uses:✅ Custom Gloss Contours for those sharp reflections.✅ 0% Layer Fill to let the background peek through.✅ Soft Inner Glows for that "surface tension" feel. Cum Photoshop Layer Style
150% to 250% (Adjust based on your canvas size to ensure a pronounced curve). Direction: Up
Highly reflective surfaces catch intense, sharp light. Highlighting is the most critical element to make the texture look wet and glossy. Step-by-Step Guide to Creating the Layer Style Go back to the Drop Shadow
Double-click your fluid layer to open the dialog box. Check Bevel & Emboss and apply the following settings: Style: Inner Bevel Technique: Smooth
This is the most important trick in the book for creating transparent liquid effects. The "Fill Opacity" slider controls the visibility of the layer's actual painted content (pixels) but leaves any applied Layer Styles fully visible. By setting Fill Opacity to 0% on your droplet shape, you can build a purely glass-like or liquid appearance using only the shadows, highlights, and bevels from the effects. Increase the to roughly 150% - 200% to
After applying the style, you can merge the layer with a blank layer, then use the Liquify Filter (Filter > Liquify) to drag out realistic drips, splashes, and running droplets.
(not the regular Opacity) is set to 0% if you want the layer content to be transparent while keeping the liquid style visible. Photoshop Layer Styles: Comprehensive Guide - WebFX