Paintout Imperfections in After Effects with Mocha
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This tutorial demonstrates repairing concrete cracks in a handheld skatepark shot using After Effects. First, organize your project with a Master Comp. Select your plate, launch Mocha from Effects, draw a spline around the concrete block, and track it using high-contrast features. Validate with Mocha's Insert Clip test, then create Transform tracking data in a new Null.
Select a frame showing all target cracks. Duplicate footage as "clean plate," remove Mocha, freeze the frame, and pre-compose it. The original footage maintains camera movement while your clean plate will follow via tracking.
In the clean plate precomp, use the Clone tool set to Constant duration. Work with a modest brush, sample with Alt-click, and paint in short strokes to avoid pattern repetition. Adjust feather and size settings to blend textures naturally. Aim for invisible repairs with no obvious duplication.
Return to the main comp, mask the clean plate to cover only the repair area, and apply the Mocha Transform so it follows the camera movement. Verify seamless integration by toggling before/after views.
This setup also allows for creative additions: place text or graphics in the clean plate precomp, and they'll stick to the surface via the existing track—perfect for sign replacements, decals, and other surface elements without rebuilding the comp.
