Masking Fluid is very useful in reserving the highlights in watercolour and with a bit of care can work well. I’ve always been careful using it in paintings because of the very hard edges and stark white patches it leaves when I come to rub it off.

After I apply masking fluid, I always make sure it’s completely dry before painting over it. I’ve dragged several good brushes over damp droplets or areas of masking fluid, which I thought were dry, only to discover that the fluid has stuck to the brush and I’ve got blobs of rubber scattered in the brush hairs, which is very difficult to remove. If you don’t get it off immediately it can completely ruin the brush and you will be left with an expensive sable brush only suitable for applying masking fluid.

I like to use masking fluid in subtle ways and will sometimes splash, drop, sponge or spread it on with various implements after the first wash is completely dry. It is not being applied directly on to the white paper and I don’t have to worry about hard white edges.

Normally I wouldn’t use it as the sole method of retaining light areas and will often use it in conjunction with candle wax (see previous blog) or alternatively lifting areas, for example on a petal or leaf using the edge of a damp flat bristle brush.

It is very important to make sure the painted area over the masking fluid is completely dry before removing it, which I do with either a hard rubber, finger tips or my preferred method the edge of my finger nail. Grease from finger tips can leave a deposit on the paper which can result in the paper repelling paint.

Sometimes I soften one edge of the masked area to blend it into the adjacent area or colour. Or alternatively overpaint the stark white area with a light colour like a pale blue or yellow to soften the harshness of the white paper.

Masking fluid is very useful in landscapes where a lot of broken washes are needed to show foliage, tops of waves, etc., and I also use it on the rims of jugs, highlights on fruit or glass/crystal etc., in a still life. In fact anywhere where an area is highlighted.

Aileen

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