Using Masking Fluid in Watercolor Paintings

Many of you have seen some really amazing watercolor paintings that probably make you wonder, "How did they do that?" First of all, watercolor painting is not the easiest media to work with. Secondly, to paint a detailed painting with watercolor takes practice and time. One of the key ingredients a Watercolorist uses to perfect such a painting is Art Masking Fluid. This is what artists call a medium, which allows protection of the paper or painting from other paint running off onto during the painting process.

The first step to applying art masking fluid is by taking the time to layout your future painting in great detail with a 4H or 6H lead pencil. You don't want the linework too dark as you may not want a transparent looking painting. Once you have this all laid out as you want it to appear, start covering the areas you want to remain white with the art masking fluid. To do this use an old paint brush or a color shaper brush to apply it to the paper. Take your time in applying it exactly where you want it to be.

Once you have the white areas "masked," clean the brush immediately with either soap and water or a masking cleaning solution you can purchase from most any art store. The latter will be much better as it will not strip the hairs on the brush. As with any other brush, stand it on end with the bristles pointing up to dry. Put the lid back on the bottle for the masking fluid to maintain its freshness.

You will come to maybe several points in painting your watercolor picture where you don't want other colors bleeding over onto what you just painted. Wait long enough for the paint to dry, and then you can use the art masking fluid over these areas as well. You may need to keep track of these areas with a second drawing by marking the areas where you used them. That is unless you have a great memory.

Once you have completed the painting, go back to the areas where you applied the art masking fluid and gently rub off the areas with an acrylic eraser. Should you have the color shaper, there is a rubber tip at the other end. Use this end instead to rub off the art masking fluid. Another alternative in removing the fluid is to use a rubber cement eraser. Do not try to remove the art masking fluid with your fingers as the oil from them can show up in the painting.

Store your art masking fluid in a cool dry area preferably out of the light. You may not ever hear this from other artists, but discoloration of the fluid can transfer into your paper during the painting process. There are kits that have the eraser, color shaper brush, and art masking fluid for around $20 to $30 in art stores. Some kits come with extra items, but these are the basic tools.

Some artist like to apply the art masking fluid with other items such at sponge wedges, sea sponges, cloths, etc., but these are just added tools that really aren't necessary for a beginner. Different looks in a watercolor painting require different techniques. Art masking fluid can be used in many ways in a watercolor painting.

The next time you are in a gallery or museum, take a close look at paintings done in watercolor. You may find yourself wondering where they used the art masking fluid or if the artist used it at all. Art masking fluid is one of the many mediums used in watercolor painting as a tool to bring about what the artist wanted to show to the viewers.