How to create this grunge texture effect

Question

I am making a logo in photoshop and want to add this old spotted vintage type of filter. Can anyone let me know how? Specifically the light dots on the black:

I'm using photoshop CS4

Answer 1

Scan in a texture you like, then use it as a layer mask. Google "PhotoShop Grunge Layer Mask" and you'll find dozens of examples and tutorials:

https://www.google.com/search?q=photoshop+grunge+layer+mask

Answer 2

An alternative approach (there are several ways to do almost anything in Photoshop) would be to create a dark gray layer -- maybe H 0, S 0, B 15 -- above your shape, and clip it to that layer. Add noise (lots -- 20 to 30% or more, Gaussian). Blur slightly. Add a Levels adjustment layer and clip it to your noise layer, then work the sliders until you have the effect you want. (Hint: be extreme!) You can get a subtle granite texture, a star field or anything between very easily.

I'm pretty sure this technique comes from an old Deke McClelland tutorial that builds a versatile, changeable background using essentially this technique. I searched around for it, but can't find it currently. I do have just such a Photoshop file, though, that I use for anything from star fields to grunge to wildly colored textures. Build it once, and it's a resource forever.