(No-Mess) Masking Fluid Application

Before we start, think of masking fluid like gum. It's sticky, it clings, and once it gets onto something (like a paintbrush, your clothes, the carpet), it can be such a nightmare to remove that you end up throwing things away. Don't worry, I've made all these mistakes so that you don't have to. Here's all my tips for keeping your masking fluid under control.

Why Use Masking Fluid?

Masking fluid (aka drawing gum or liquid frisket) is a liquid you paint onto your watercolor paper to protect areas you want to keep unpainted. It allows you to paint areas as large washes, rather than painting around smaller parts. Think about painting where the leaves of a tree are touching the sky. You want to paint the sky as one big wash, so, rather than painting around each individual leaf, you can just mask them. By the time you've mixed up your sky color, the mask should be dry, and you can paint that wash in a matter of seconds.

Sounds simple, right? It is, but one of the biggest concerns many artists have when thinking about using masking fluid is the potential damage to our brushes. Again, like gum stuck in hair, removing dried masking fluid from our beloved brushes can be a daunting task. Here are some hacks from someone who has been there, done that...I speak for the brushes!

Protect Your Brush

You can apply masking fluid with a regular paintbrush if you first dip your brush in dish soap before dipping it into the masking fluid. The soap creates a barrier between the bristles and the fluid, making it easier to clean the brush later. I usually just put a few drops of dish soap in a dish and roll the outside of my brush around it for a few seconds, then dip right into the masking fluid.

Skip the Brush

If you only need a small dot, for example for a sparkle in an eye, you can skip the soap and just use the back of your brush. One dip straight into the masking fluid, then one dot on the paper, done. Since there are no brush hairs for the masking fluid to gunk up into, it won't stick and mess up your handle, you can just let the mask dry, then you'll be able to peel it off easily.

Some masking fluid will come with an applicator, Daniel Smith and Sennelier are two that I have used and recommended for years. These are great, you just have to remember to store them properly according to their labels after use.

If you want a tool you can designate specifically for the task, there are

Silicone Shaper Tools which are a fantastic investment for anyone regularly using masking fluid. They look like paintbrushes but instead of hair, their tips are made of silicone. They are easy to clean, and come in different shapes and sizes, they are perfect for applying masking fluid. Once the fluid dries on the shaper, it can be peeled right off, super easy and super satisfying!

There are also masking fluid markers that come in various sizes, I have yet to get the hang of long-term storage with these, but I do use them if I know I will use it up within a month or so. Mine have tended to dry out, but I'm sure there's a hack out there I just don't know about yet.

Thin layers Only

Apply masking fluid in one very thin layer, if it doesn't dry within 10 minutes, its on too thick, and you're just wasting product. You can tell it is dry by how shiny it is. You could give it a light touch, even when dry it will almost always be a little sticky to the touch, but the liquid won't go onto your hand.

Removal

You can remove the masking fluid by gently rubbing it with your finger or a rubber cement pickup eraser.

Spills

Some masking fluid spilled on your watercolor paper, or you've applied it in the wrong spot. No worries, let it dry, remove, then carry on. If you spill it onto carpet, I'm sorry, I cannot help you with this one. Also rip carpet.

Selecting Your Masking Fluid

You'll want to play around and see what you like. Lately, as my eyes insist on aging (rude), I’ve been loving Grumbacher’s Miskit because it’s tinted neon orange, making it impossible to miss. Sennelier's is also tinted blue, even though it says white. Experiment, explore, and find one works best for your style and needs and let me know if any of these no-mess tips have helped you or if you or share yours!

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