Panel editing

I would like to know which graphics editor people are using to edit the panel colorization/shading. I currently have FS Panel Studio which works very well but does not allow colorization such as a matte finish or any other type of coloring. I also have Paint Shop Pro but it also does not have the matte type of finish or shadowing. I am still using Windows 2000 and what I want to do does not require a very high end graphics program.

Thanks