I do not really understand what you are doing, and with what purpose. Basic information that might help: in alpha channels and masks you have all shades of grey to your disposal. But only gray. 100% black is 100% transparent 100% white is 100% opaque You have to show a screenshot if this does not clearify your situation. And you can always aply a 'levels' correction to a mask, click with the black eyedropper tool on the grey you want black.