Liquid Frisket aka Masking Fluid

QUESTIONS: Hi, Could you tell me which liquid frisket would be best to use that would cover good and that would NOT damage your paper when lifted.  Thank you soooo much.   Carrie/Nevada

SUSIE'S REPLY: Thanks for your question Carrie!  There are several good liquid friskets aka masking fluids on the market today that won't harm your paper when removed. It is important to remember that masking fluids or liquid friskets should not be left on the paper for an extended period of time. Your type of watercolor paper needs some careful consideration too. Some watercolor paper's surfaces are softer and will not hold up to the wear and tear masking sometimes requires.


In my classes I use several masking fluids when painting my greeting cards. Each type serves a different purpose. These are all available online or in local art supply stores.

Pebeo Drawing Gum is a gray color which makes it easy to see when applying. It has a very thin consistency which helps to make some fine lines. Contains latex.

Daniel Smith Masking Fluid is milky in the bottle and dries clear to amber in color. This makes it easy to see and helps to determine the values when painting over it with darker paints. This manufacturer advertises that it can remain on the paper for a month or more after application. I find this to be true. Contains latex.

Incredible White Mask is a high-quality, non-pigmented liquid frisket is ideal for watercolor masking. It dries to a neutral cream color that shows through dry paint, so that you can see exactly where you've masked. Slightly thicker in consistency. Contains latex.

Winsor / Newton Colorless Art Masking Fluid  a removable colorless liquid specifically designed for soft sized papers to avoid staining. Contains latex. Wash brushes immediately after use.

Blick Liquid Frisket  Tinted orange color makes it easy to see. Works best on sized paper, and should not be used on wet paper. Remove the frisket by peeling or rubbing with a soft eraser. Ideally, it should be removed within 24 to 48 hours to achieve the best results. Contains latex.

Masquepen Art Masking Fluid  The pale blue water-based latex solution is easy to see, apply, and peels away from paper without harm. Easy to see when wet or dry.  It comes in a squeeze bottle with a needle tip making application simple and effortless. Contains latex.


Molotow Grafx Art Masking Liquid Pump Markers these ready-to-use, refillable markers contain a water-repellant masking fluid that applies cleanly and rubs off easily, leaving no residue. Molotow's patented pump delivery system assures precise, mess-free application and sharp edges. Latex free. A must for the plein air painter!  An empty marker is also available to fill with other masking fluids.

More info:

Masking Fluids prevent the paper from absorbing color. Use a watercolor mask before you apply a wash to protect areas that you want to remain white. Peel away the mask when it is no longer needed.
Most masking fluids use natural latex or a synthetic compound with very similar characteristics. Some may contain an artificial colorant so that you can easily identify the areas you have masked.

Easy Christmas Cards with Masking Fluid

Hi Susie,
Help! I want to paint my own Christmas cards this year and I'm running out of time!
I am not totally new to watercolor but I am new to the use of masking fluids. What tips can you give me to to create a card using masking fluid to reserve the whites for the snow. I need ideas to get me going. Thanks. EJ

Hello EJ -- Good for you! Hand made holiday cards are always welcome and appreciated!

Here are a few tips:

• If you are using the packaged blank cards (precut with envelopes) be sure the paper will support a wet application.
• When shopping for blank cards look for cards made for watercolor or use standard watercolor paper cut to the size you need to fit your envelopes.

Masking fluids are a great way to reserve whites when painting Christmas cards. There are several brands of masking fluid available in many art stores, some are clear and some are tinted. They are similar in how they are applied and how they work. Use what works best for you.

As for ideas and inspiration, I have a new Winter Landscape card lesson using masking fluid on my website. It's free to print for your personal use.

Let me know what you think!

Happy painting!

SUSIE

Thining masking fluids

FYI: Masking fluid also known as drawing gum or liquid frisket is used to reserve whites when painting with watercolor.

Question: When masking fluid gets thick how can I thin it so it can be used again?

Susie's Replay: Unfortunately there is not a simple answer to this problem. I find than most masking fluids have a relatively short shelf life once they have been opened and exposed to air. Most manufacturers state the shelf life for masking fluid is +/- 12 months.
Depending on the formula used to make the masking fluid (most are made of latex with ammonia added as a preservative) you might try adding a drop or two of pure ammonia (not ammonia with soap added.) Sometimes a drop of water will work, but not always. Test first! Try thinning a small amount in a separate container so as not to destroy the whole bottle of masking.
My best advice is its better to be safe than sorry..... if in doubt as to whether using old masking will work as it is intended don't risk it on an important project. If you are just experimenting and playing with the paint then you can afford to take a risk.
If possible check with the manufacturer of your brand to see what they recommend.

Thanks for your question. I'd be interested to know if you find out there's a better solution.
SUSIE

Masking Fluid

_______________________________________
QUESTION: Hi Susie,
I appreciate your web sites ease of navigation and helpful
information. I am shocked by how much I have forgotten
since 1976. Back in school we used rubber cement as a
masking liquid. Is this not suggested anymore?
Thanks CS

SUSIE'S REPLY:
Thanks for the kind words and encouragement! Wow, you
do have a lot to catch up on when it come to the advances
watercolor has made in the art world! How fun! About using
rubber cement as masking: you can still use it but 
there are some newer (and thinner) masking fluids available
now that are so much easier to apply. One I particularly like
is the Masque Pen. It comes in a small plastic bottle with it's
own applicator tip so you don’t even have to use a brush to
apply it. Look for it in your local art store and if you don’t 
see it there, most online art suppliers carry it.

Thanks for writing! Happy Painting!
SUSIE