Monday 11 May 2009

The best way to remove masking fluid

I read a number of articles suggesting to use a rubber eraser or even sharp tools to remove masking fluids. However, these ways of doing can damage the painting.

There is a very effective way to remove masking fluid from your watercolour paper. I have been using this method for a few years now and never had any issue with it.

First, make sure the masking fluid and your watercolour paint are completely dry; otherwise you are going to make a mess.

After you’ve washed and dried your hands (to remove the natural oil on your skin), rub-off a small amount masking fluid with your index by moving the tip of your finger in circular motion on the surface of the paper. Try to pick an area where you applied the masking fluid thickly as it makes it easier to remove. Soon, a ball of masking fluid is going to form. If you have a larger surface, you may also lift gently the masking fluid film and add it to your masking fluid ball.

When you have enough masking fluid to hold the ball between your index and thumb, use this ball of masking fluid as you would with an eraser and go over the surfaces of the painting with masking fluid. The masking fluid on the paper will stick to your ball of masking fluid and will come off the paper easily.


The advantage of this method is that the ball of masking fluid picks up very well small amounts of masking fluids or masking fluid applied thinly and does not damage or blemish the paint.





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1 comment:

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for sharing this info. I am a beginner artist and tips like this are so helpful. I am just amazed at the generosity of artists out there in the blogosphere who share their expertise.