WetCanvas: Tutorials Archive:Watercolors:Masking Fluid (Frisket) Do's and Dont's: L3

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Masking Fluid (Frisket) Do's and Dont's: L3

Masking Fluid can be applied at any stage of your painting as long as the surface is thoroughly dry.

First wash applied.

Masking fluid painted using mapping pen and brush.

Additional washes applied over dry masking fluid.

Masking fluid removed revealing original wash.

Fluid can be rolled off using your finger, or a putty rubber. Rubbing your hand across the paper will detect any you have missed.

I use Winsor & Newton's Art Masking Fluid and Arches or Saunders paper. There are many products available, so it would be wise to experiment with your materials before using. Papers vary; some are soft and have little size, hence are more absorbant. Fluid may be difficult to remove if left on too long. Using quality paper, my fluid applications have been left for 3 weeks with no problems. If you are to put your painting aside for a while before finishing, I would advise removing the fluid and reapplying when you recommence.

The most important point is that your paper is thoroughly dry when applying or removing fluid.

Rod Webb is a self taught artist who works mainly in watercolors and pastels.His primary interest is in local scenes and still life paintings. He started painting 4 years ago after watching videos of well known artists.
Rod is a contributing editor to WetCanvas! and can be reached via email at: rodw@ihug.co.nz.Rod can also be found lurking in the WetCanvas! message boards.

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	First wash applied.
	Masking fluid painted using mapping pen and brush.
	Additional washes applied over dry masking fluid.
	Masking fluid removed revealing original wash.


Fluid can be rolled off using your finger, or a putty rubber. Rubbing your hand across the paper will detect any you have missed.
I use Winsor & Newton's Art Masking Fluid and Arches or Saunders paper. There are many products available, so it would be wise to experiment with your materials before using. Papers vary; some are soft and have little size, hence are more absorbant. Fluid may be difficult to remove if left on too long. Using quality paper, my fluid applications have been left for 3 weeks with no problems. If you are to put your painting aside for a while before finishing, I would advise removing the fluid and reapplying when you recommence. The most important point is that your paper is thoroughly dry when applying or removing fluid.