Can't get black brush, is always gray

[RoyMcCoy]

I don't recall changing any related settings in Affinity Photo 2, but in the last two days I've been unable to get a black brush. It's obstinately gray, though in the Color panel Gray is set to 0, Opacity to 100%, and the top circle is showing total black. Can someone explain why this is happening and how to get the black brush back? Thanks.

[Old Bruce]

Check the Context Toolbar to see if Wet Edges is checked, if it is uncheck it. Another thing to check is whether or not the brush you have chosen is in fact opaque, meaning there is no transparency in the brush itself. Use a Basic brush. Finally look at the hardness, a very low setting will blur a solid black to a fuzzy grey.

[RoyMcCoy]

Opacity was 20% in the Context Toolbar, thanks. But like I said, opacity was 100% in the color palette. Apparently there are two opacity settings. What does the color palette one apply to, if not to the brushes?

[Old Bruce]

46 minutes ago, RoyMcCoy said:

 What does the color palette one apply to, if not to the brushes?

It applies to the colour.

46 minutes ago, RoyMcCoy said:

Opacity was 20% in the Context Toolbar, thanks. But like I said, opacity was 100% in the color palette. Apparently there are two opacity settings....

Think of it like this; The Colour's Opacity * the Brush's Opacity = the applied opacity. 1.00 * 0.2 = 0.2 or 20%. Another example 0.5 * 0.5 = 0.25  or 50% * 50%  = 25%. To add to the confusion are the Brushes with transparency, they only apply some of the colour even if the brush and the colour are at 100%

[RoyMcCoy]

Thanks, Old Bruce. It's less confusing now.

You've really posted 16,700 messages in this forum? Wow.