HOW DOES MASKING FLUID WORK?          

Masking Fluid is a latex-based liquid that’s opaque white when applied. It works by drying to a watertight finish that clings to your painting surface and this stops color or mediums from passing through. You can then peel it off once finished and it rolls off the surface without leaving a mark, stain or trace. This is the perfect medium to block off areas of a painting and let the surface show through.

MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES

Masking Fluid can be used on all acrylic-friendly surfaces. Want to create a crisp edge shape? A sharp line? Or reverse effects like clean marks in color, using the base of the canvas or paper to show through? Or want to layer up colors and leave areas of base color showing? It allows you to paint freely knowing your base is sealed. Masking Fluid works best with thin consistency color. Fluid applications of acrylic color and washes of Acrylic Ink are ideal. It’s also a good companion for fine airbrushing or Spray Paint.

Get the best from Masking Fluid with a few simple principles. First choose a suitable brush/tool to apply to ensure you get the detail you want. Then dip your applicator in soapy water before you dip it in Masking Fluid - this will make cleaning easier later. This medium is a superfluid water-like liquid so be careful not to drip in places you don’t want it. Next, carefully paint onto the areas you want to protect and leave to dry. Wash your tools with warm soapy water straight after application. Once dry (it won’t take long) you can start overpainting. When the top layer of your work has dried, carefully start removing Masking Fluid. Make sure your hands are clean and begin at the corners and peel back slowly. You softly rub the surface to make the rubbery layer roll off - then dust it away.

A few tips to remember about Masking Fluid. Don’t use it on damp or soft sized paper. And we don’t recommend using it with thick applications of paint, as you could have problems removing it. Avoid rubbing or overworking areas where Masking Fluid is applied as this could cause the seal to be breached. And don’t leave it sitting for too long – peel it away as soon as possible for best results.

Liquitex Professional Masking Fluid is fully compatible with all Liquitex products and comes in a 118ml bottle.