How To Use Masking Fluid With Watercolor

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I really enjoy using masking fluid in watercolor painting. It’s great for saving white spaces on the paper, which makes the artwork pop.

My personal technique is simple to pick up and so much fun to experiment with!

Supplies for Using Masking Fluid

You’ll need a few key items to get started with masking fluid. These tools make the process easier and help you create clean, sharp effects in your watercolor art.

Masking fluid

Masking fluid

Masking fluid works as a protective medium to block areas from paint. It preserves the paper's white or an applied base color underneath.

I use it to create clean edges and save lighter sections in my watercolor art.

This liquid frisket lets me paint freely without worrying about covering those spots.

Brush

I use a cheap paintbrush for masking fluid.

I use a cheap paintbrush for masking fluid. It protects my expensive brushes from damage. Before painting, I coat the bristles with dish soap.

This keeps the masking fluid from sticking and ruining the brush.

Cleaning becomes easier too, saving time and effort.

Dish soap

I coat my brush bristles lightly with dish soap before dipping into the fluid

Dish soap works wonders for cleaning brushes used with masking fluid. I coat my brush bristles lightly with it before dipping into the fluid.

This keeps the masking fluid from sticking and ruining the brush.

It acts as a grease remover and makes cleaning easier later.

Key Precautions Before Applying Masking Fluid

Make sure the paper is completely dry

I make sure the paper is completely dry. Wet paper can ruin the masking liquid and tear later.

Any watercolor paint already applied must also be dry to avoid smudging or peeling.

Apply masking fluid

Masking fluid takes time to dry after I apply it, so I let it sit untouched. Rushing this step damages both my painting and my tools.

Patience gives me clean lines and better results in precision painting.

Methods for Removing Masking Fluid

Removing masking fluid is easy with simple tricks that keep your artwork safe. Learn the best ways to clean up without damaging your watercolor painting!

How to Remove Masking Fluid

Pulling it off

I peel off masking fluid by rubbing gently. It lifts easily and leaves clean edges. I avoid using too much force to protect the paper underneath.

Rubbing it off with a finger

I rub the dried masking fluid gently with my finger. It lifts off easily and clears without damaging the paper underneath.

This method works well for small areas or delicate details I want to clean off.

I rub the dried masking fluid gently with my finger

Using an eraser

An eraser works well as a masking fluid remover. I gently rub the dried masking fluid with a soft eraser until it lifts off.

This method keeps the paper safe and clean without tearing or damaging it.

4 Tutorials Showcasing Different Applications of Masking Fluid

Masking fluid can create stunning effects in watercolor painting. Try simple ideas to practice and explore its full potential.

Grass

To create grass, I apply masking fluid in thin, upward strokes. This gives a grassy texture.

After the fluid dries, I paint over it with a yellow watercolor wash. The masking protects the light areas, making them pop.

Once dry, I remove the masking to reveal bright strands of grass beneath the paint.

Ocean Scene

I apply masking fluid over a light blue base to shape the ocean waves.

Next, I layer deeper blues and greens for depth, keeping the fluid in place to protect white highlights. At the bottom, I use soft sandy colors for a coastal touch.

Leafy Scene

For leaf painting techniques, I use masking fluid to outline clear leaf shapes.

After it dries, I apply a dark wash over the area. This makes the masked leaves pop against the deep background.

The result is bold and detailed watercolor leaf art.

White Daisies

I paint white daisies by sketching them lightly and filling them with masking fluid. This keeps the petals bright while I color the background.

I mix my favorite colors for a soft, blended effect around the flowers.

Technique for Working with Multiple Sections

I work on one section and let it dry before moving to another. Switching between sections keeps my progress smooth and avoids smudging wet areas.

This method helps manage different parts, like a sky or detailed leaves, without waiting too long.

Conclusion

Masking fluid adds fun effects to watercolor painting. Using it gets easy with practice and the right tools. Try these tips, and your art will pop!

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