There are many different techniques in watercolor painting. Sometimes you just can not do without masking certain sections of the picture, so that they do not accidentally drip paint. This artist can help masking liquid for watercolor.
What is it like?
A masking liquid is a solution of liquid rubber or latex, which, after drying, is easily removed from the surface. Usually this solution is sold in jars and applied to the drawing with a brush. Additionally, dilute it with water is not necessary. Masking liquid for watercolors is very useful in cases where the picture has numerous highlights or places that the artist wants to work separately, after applying the background. For example, in drawing water.
One of the best in the art market is Sennelier watercolor masking fluid. Available in jars of 37 and 75 milliliters. This is a very high-quality material, but also quite expensive.
How to use
It is most convenient to apply masking liquid for watercolor with a brush. It must be borne in mind that this is still rubber, and it hardens upon drying so that it will then be impossible to wash it off with a brush. And if immediately after applying the brush is not washed with soap and water, then it will have to be discarded. Therefore, use for such purposes old brushes, which are not a pity, or apply the liquid with a pen.
After application, you need to wait until the liquid dries and solidifies. After that, it is easily removed from the surface with your fingers or erased with an eraser.
Useful tips for use
Do not apply masking liquid for watercolor on a damp surface. Since after drying, you can not achieve the desired effect. After use in the desired areas of the drawing, leave the masking liquid to dry as long as possible.
Coarse watercolor paper is not suitable, since removing the mask may damage the surface of the paper. In place after removing the liquid, you can apply paint or leave it completely unpainted. Close the jar lid tightly so that as little air as possible gets there.
How to replace?
Since factory-made masking liquid is quite expensive, not everyone can afford to buy it just to try it in one or two works. How to replace the masking liquid for watercolor to someone who does not feel any special need for it, but would like to diversify their painting technique? There are several proven materials for this.
The closest in composition to the masking liquid is a rubber adhesive brand A. It is made from rubber. This glue is good because it does not absorb into the paper and does not stick to it, and after drying it is well removed.
For areas where it is not planned to apply paint after masking, you can use wax or white wax crayon. This material repels watercolors. It is especially suitable for glare or splashing water.
In works of small format or for small highlights, a gel pen with white paste is suitable.
If you need to depict some large objects with a clear and not complicated shape, you can cut stencils for them from paper or paper tape.
The use of tape must be considered in more detail. Masking paper tape has an advantage over masking liquid. It is very convenient if you need to keep clear straight lines in the picture. For example, in architectural elements. But to draw straight lines with a brush with liquid is quite difficult.
Using tape is very simple. It is necessary to cut off strips of the required length and stick to paper. At the same time, it is better not to press the tape too much, because when removed it may peel off along with the top layer of paper. You can remove the tape from the picture only after it dries, otherwise the glue will ruin the paper.
As with masking liquid, a textured surface should not be used. This masking method is not only suitable for watercolors or other liquid paints. It is used in pastel painting and when working with colored pencils.
The use of each of the above materials gives its own interesting and unique effect, whether it is a factory fluid or a hand-made masking liquid for watercolor. To determine which is more suitable personally for your purposes, you can experiment. Fortunately, watercolor disposes to this like no other paint.