Using layer masks in Photoshop

[limin]

I am making a collage for my wife on a 13x19 layout with a main subject in the middle filling page with people all around showing thru .I have used layer masks before but for some reason this time it is leaving the only way I can describe it as a ghost image over
any help on how to get rid of this would be great I ahve included a enlarged section of the picture if you look around the hand you can still see the chair image

[Geoff F]

Just a thought, Mark, but how are you editing the masks?

I find that if I am brushing with a soft brush it is often difficult to totally obtain clarity, either show all or hide all. Using a hard brush makes an instant difference.

[limin]

I am using soft brush around edges but hard eveyewere else In the image i have included I used a hard brush

[Quinn]

A few things spring to mind,
1. Check the opacity of the layers,
2. make sure the brush you are using is at 100% Opacity and Flow
3. make sure the layers are set to 'normal' not overlay or anything else
4. Make sure your layers are in the correct order from top to bottom.

Hope this helps !
Phil