Painting with Mask Fluid - Frisket

Painting with Mask Fluid - Frisket

Years ago in high school, I never learned about masking fluid

for leaving white areas in watercolor.

I picked up a bottle from Amazon. Link here

This was my 1st ever attempt at using the masking fluid.   You apply the masking

fluid and let it dry.  It's not suggested to use a hair dryer to speed the process up. 

The heat could melt the product to the paper.   I let it dry over night.    You don't 

actually need to let it dry that long, but it worked out time wise for me. 

Once you paint your picture, you will need the painting to dry fully before removing

the masking.   I removed it with my finger tip.   It's a pliable material once dry. 

It came off quite easily. 

I've seen it suggested that you not use any good brushes to apply the mask. 

Don't ask me WHAT I was thinking when I applied the mask to the top of

the mountains.   LOL    That was dumb.    Also the glints of white on the

water are actually too thick.    I should have used a thinner line

of the mask.   To correct that, I could go back in and paint the glints so they

come out a bit more narrow.   I would also paint around the moon as to 

more clearly define it's shape.   I just wanted to share how my painting came out

trouble and all.   :))))

I was quite happy with the ease of use and will look forward to trying more

attempts at using the mask.

FOUND these tips on the web.   There are many more tips and video

tutorials available for learning about using masking fluid in watercolor

paintings. 

To keep your masking fluid from drying out, store your less-than-full bottles upside down. The unused portion is not exposed to the air and air cannot get into the bottom of the container.

Tip from: Linda M

Don't shake a jar of masking fluid before you use it as this will create bubbles. If you paint with bubbly masking fluid, when the bubbles pop there'll be little spots where the masking fluid won't cover the paper and the paint will get in. Rather store you jar of masking fluid upside down so that you don't get a film at the top of it.

Tip from: J.B.

As your jar of masking fluid is used up there is more room for air in the jar. It's contact with this air that creates a film on top of the masking fluid. So as it is used up, find a smaller jar to replace the bigger one and the film will not gather as thickly on the top while not in use.

Tip from: John W