DaVinci Resolve is one of the few platforms that is using AI properly, adding useful AI-powered tools that simplify complex post-production tasks that have historically taken ages to do! One of the most useful AI features added recently is the AI Blemish Removal tool, which dramatically reduces the amount of work required. Something that once required multiple nodes, masks, tracking, and additional plugins can now be accomplished with a single controller. And if you don't already know, all of DaVinci Resolve's AI tools run locally.

Takeaways:

  1. What's the easiest way to remove blemishes from skin in DaVinci Resolve?
  2. Learn how to use the AI Blemish Removal tool in DaVinci Resolve.

What Is the AI Blemish Removal Tool?

The AI Blemish Removal tool in DaVinci Resolve is designed to automatically identify and reduce common skin imperfections. It can help minimise spots, small blemishes, visible pores, and minor discolourations without creating the overly smooth, artificial look that usually comes with aggressive skin retouching. In order to use these tools, you will need DaVinci Resolve 21 or newer.

Unlike the old method of removing blemishes, isolating skin with masks and manually tracking movement across a shot, the AI analyses the image and applies corrections automatically. This reduces the amount of time needed for basic skin cleanup a lot! Now you only have to tweak anything that you aren't 100% happy with.

How to Use the AI Blemish Removal Tool in DaVinci Resolve

  • Open your project in DaVinci Resolve and select the clip you want to retouch.
  • Go to the appropriate panel where AI-powered enhancement tools are available.
  • Find the Blemish Removal control.
  • Enable the effect and begin adjusting the strength slider.
  • Gradually increase the value until skin imperfections are reduced while preserving natural texture.
  • Double-check the results at 100% zoom to make sure that details remain realistic and that the effect is not being overapplied. Overdoing it will make it look sloppy.

How to Use the AI Blemish Removal Tool in DaVinci Resolve

This is one of those situations where less is always going to give you more! So don't go overboard with it.

Tips for Best Results

Remember, the goal of blemish removal is not to create perfectly smooth skin. So, focus on reducing temporary distractions while maintaining the subject's natural features and textures.

  • Start with lower settings and increase them slowly.
  • Check the effect on different parts of the face, aiming for a good average result across all areas.
  • Compare before and after versions regularly to catch any potential glitches.
  • Remember! Don't push the slider so far that the skin loses its natural texture.

While the tool is pretty good at preserving surrounding skin detail, it does have its limitations and the lighting in a scene will affect how well it works. In darker scenes, you might have to switch back to manual editing.