Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
đŠMasking fluid can either take your watercolor paintings to the next level⌠or completely ruin them.
A lot of artists avoid it because it adds extra stepsâand yes, it takes a bit of practice.
But when you understand how to use it, it can make protecting complex highlights and creating texture so much easier. It can even speed up your process, because you donât have to work around highlights so carefully. đ¨
If youâve been hesitant to try it, here are a few key things to keep in mind:
⢠Plan before you apply đ
Donât go in blindly. Decide exactly why youâre using itâhighlights, textures, specific shapesâand test your marks on scrap paper if needed.
⢠Use the right tools (and protect your brushes) đď¸
Masking fluid is liquid latex and can damage brushes fast. Use older brushes or tools like toothpicks, skewers, or a toothbrush for splatter. Each one gives you a different kind of mark.
⢠Apply on dry paper⌠and remove from dry paper âł
Always apply it on completely dry paper, let it dry fully, and only remove it once your painting is completely dry. Rushing this is one of the easiest ways to damage your paper.
⢠Use good quality paper đ
If your paper is too thin, it can tear when removing masking fluid. 100% cotton paper (140 lb / 300 gsm) makes a huge difference.
⢠Donât leave it on too long â ď¸
The longer it sits, the higher the risk of it sticking too much. Try to finish your painting within a few days to a week.
Bonus tip: â¨
Once you remove it, donât just leave those shapes as they are.
I usually remove mine when Iâm about 80% done, then soften edges with a scrubber brush or make shapes slightly smaller so highlights look naturalânot harsh or cut-out.
Masking fluid isnât essential⌠but used thoughtfully, it can make your process easier and open up a lot of possibilities.
#watercolorforbeginners #watercolortechniques
đŠMasking fluid can either take your watercolor paintings to the next level⌠or completely ruin them.
A lot of artists avoid it because it adds extra stepsâand yes, it takes a bit of practice.
But when you understand how to use it, it can make protecting complex highlights and creating texture so much easier. It can even speed up your process, because you donât have to work around highlights so carefully. đ¨
If youâve been hesitant to try it, here are a few key things to keep in mind:
⢠Plan before you apply đ
Donât go in blindly. Decide exactly why youâre using itâhighlights, textures, specific shapesâand test your marks on scrap paper if needed.
⢠Use the right tools (and protect your brushes) đď¸
Masking fluid is liquid latex and can damage brushes fast. Use older brushes or tools like toothpicks, skewers, or a toothbrush for splatter. Each one gives you a different kind of mark.
⢠Apply on dry paper⌠and remove from dry paper âł
Always apply it on completely dry paper, let it dry fully, and only remove it once your painting is completely dry. Rushing this is one of the easiest ways to damage your paper.
⢠Use good quality paper đ
If your paper is too thin, it can tear when removing masking fluid. 100% cotton paper (140 lb / 300 gsm) makes a huge difference.
⢠Donât leave it on too long â ď¸
The longer it sits, the higher the risk of it sticking too much. Try to finish your painting within a few days to a week.
Bonus tip: â¨
Once you remove it, donât just leave those shapes as they are.
I usually remove mine when Iâm about 80% done, then soften edges with a scrubber brush or make shapes slightly smaller so highlights look naturalânot harsh or cut-out.
Masking fluid isnât essential⌠but used thoughtfully, it can make your process easier and open up a lot of possibilities.
#watercolorforbeginners #watercolortechniques
