How does masking fluid work

Powered by WordPress. Our Sites. Close the menu Menu. ARTnews Expand the sub menu. Art In America Logo Expand the sub menu. Art Collectors Expand the sub menu. Subscriber Support Expand the sub menu. It can be applied using a brush, dip pen, a colour shaper, toothbrush, stencil brush or rolled up paper. When choosing a brush to apply the masking fluid, I will go for an old brush that has lost both spring and point; a nylon-haired brush will stay cleaner than one made from natural fibres.

I will also have a jar of soapy water to hand, into which I dip my brush, removing any excess with kitchen roll before I dip it into the masking fluid. Coating the hairs of the brush with this weak detergent solution helps to prevent the masking fluid from clinging to them, making dispersal much easier.

It also helps to prevent the masking fluid drying out too quickly and clogging the brush in mid application. Masking fluid can be painted, drawn, spattered, dabbed or flicked on to your painting surface. Spend some time experimenting with some of the effects and marks that you can make with the different tools that you have at your disposal, and consider how they might be used in a painting. For example, a flicked application from a stencil brush can create a wonderfully random effect of light sparkling on water.

Make certain that the paper is thoroughly dry before applying the masking fluid, otherwise you run the risk of the masking fluid penetrating the top layer of the paper. This could result in the paper being torn when the masking fluid is removed. Always leave the masking fluid to dry fully before over-painting too. To check this, carefully touch the masking fluid with your finger tip.

If some comes away, then leave it for a few minutes and re check. Only when you touch the masking fluid without it being disturbed is it safe to proceed. I clean my masking fluid brushes in water, but I never use the same water to paint with, as the small amount of masking fluid in the water will damage and clog up the brush hairs. How to Use Masking Fluid Plan Out Your Painting Before picking up your brush, you need to have your painting pretty well mapped out so you know exactly where the highlights and areas you want to preserve will be located.

Add Water — But Sparingly If your fluid becomes too thick, you can add a drop or two of water to thin it out and make it easier to spread. Consider Silicone If you start using masking fluid on the reg, you might want to pick up some silicone brushes. Think Beyond the Brush Using different applicators for masking fluid can yield a range of amazing effects.

Use It on Painted Areas, Too! Toss That Water After cleaning your brush, immediately change the water or use a different glass altogether. Be Patient Wait for the masking fluid to dry completely before starting to paint; otherwise, it might mix and mingle with your paint, which is the opposite of what you want! Add a Soft Touch Masking fluid works very well to preserve white areas on your paper.

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