Tip of the month – June 2005


Maskoid, what is it? It is a masking fluid that is used to save the white of the paper. The fluid is a rubber solution which dries when in contact with the air. Once it is dry, watercolor can be applied over it. The shape that you are saving will remain protected from the wet color.

There are many brands of masking fluid which come in different colors. There are also a variety of names: MASKOID, FRISKET, MISKET, DRAWING GUM. My favorite masking fluid is a gray color.

Your masking fluid can be a great tool if you remember its limitations. Remember to let it dry before applying paint over it. It is dry when you see a change in its color. It is also tacky to the touch. Masking fluid does not like the direct sun; it does not like to stay on the paper for more than a few days; it likes to be applied to dry paper only.

DO NOT USE THE HEAT OF A HAIR DRYER TO SPEED UP THE DRYING TIME.

When it is dry, masking fluid can be removed by rubbing it with your finger or with an art gum lifter.

If there is excess color on top of the dry masking fluid, wipe it off. It may dirty the area of white that you have saved.

There are a variety of tools to use to apply your masking fluid to the paper. I prefer to use the least expensive that I can find. Masking fluid dries quickly enough to ruin a good brush.

Try DOLLAR STORE brushes, a palette knife, small twigs, an old toothbrush or anything else that you can think of.

If you use a brush or a piece of natural sponge, touch the moist brush or sponge to a piece of hand soap before dipping it into the masking fluid. It helps to protect your tool.

Do not try to remove wet masking fluid from your paper. If you do, you may push it into the paper where it will remain permanently. Wait until it dries and then rub it off.

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