How to Apply Masking Fluid with a Ruling Pen - A Watercolor Tutorial

[@oldschoolel]

I am a draftsman and I can tell you I only recently heard about ruling pens. AND I was trained on the board, for crying out loud. Two of your videos have changed my process!!! Now subscribed. THANK YOU!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

That is awesome!

[@ryanrtorres]

Thank you for this, it was very helpful. Just a small tip for anyone who already has a ruler and doesn't want to buy a foam backed one. Four layers of wide masking tape on the back of your ruler will lift the edge off the paper and prevent that capillary action.

[@Goldfinch593]

I have tried so many different masking fluids. I have two different brand bottles with applicator tips that always clog up or flow too freely. I have Molotow pens, good for thick lines but I usually need to draw thin lines. So, I bought a set of three ruling pens at the advice of a watercolor artist friend. I like them but couldn't get those nice thin lines like you drew. I see now how you do it. Your demo is clear and concise and extremely helpful! Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I wish I could give this video more that one thumbs up! I subscribed and look forward to your future videos! I can give more thumbs up this way! 👍👍👍👍👍 😃

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Thanks so much!

[@Always.Ally5d]

The most simple and thorough instructions thus far I have found. Thank you so much. 💛

[@SusanMonroeArt]

You are so welcome!

[@cindinathans7590]

Oh myyy. Thank you so much for this video. I happen to have my Dad’s drafting pens just like yours and never knew how to use them. You have made my day!! 😊. Wonderful video and I am very thankful. Sniff

[@SusanMonroeArt]

I'm so glad! Have fun using your dad's drafting kit!

[@smalone2885]

Honestly, i was about to comment on how essy this tutorial was to digest, and then you added the tip about the ruler, and my brain exploded! How have i not fugured this out with all my failures?! Thank you!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Your welcome! I’m glad it was helpful!

[@MaryannBeckner]

Spectacular demonstration! Great speed, clear speech, useful information throughout! I've never had a video that I didn't fastforward through at some point. What a great job!

[@PaulWalesArt]

Extremely well done tutorial on how to use the ruling pen. I appreciate your step-by-step approach and now feel confident in attempting it’s use. Thank you for sharing!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

I’m so glad the video was helpful!!

[@susieanderson2552]

Thank you. I had no idea. Love that I can even use watercolor paint with it.

[@terrafirma9548]

Would love a tutorial on making the sea foam bubbles as in your awesome fish watercolor. Thank you

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Great suggestion!

[@moniquecaton3285]

I just saw a set of five for under $5 from teemo. I got a set of three and I absolutely love them.

[@louisekiyani1434]

Loved the video and the tips on using the ruling pen. Fantastic, thank you.

[@sandymanning-b5o]

Thank you Susan for the easy to follow podcast about the ruling pen. A lady on a water colour channel used one for thin lines but didn’t show us. So thank you very much for this 🙌

[@treesapgrl]

Thank you so much for this video. I can't wait to try this, I have both of these products already yet I've been using a paintbrush like a chump!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Sometimes I use a paintbrush too - nothing wrong with that! Just put a little soap and water on the bristles so the masking fluid doesn’t stick to it.

[@dessyedeeclark1144]

My late husband was a draftsman an I've had some of his ruling pens tucked away as keepsakes. Now they're moving to my watercolor box!🎉

[@360-media]

LOVE LOVE LOVE the salmon. Fantastic! Subscribed!

[@maryfeeney5240]

I never knew how to use this properly use this ruling pen before. Thank you.

[@SusanMonroeArt]

You're welcome!

[@margaretsmith9085]

Thank you. You’ve explained this very well. I appreciate knowing to stir and not shake masking fluid. I like being able to see how to use any new product on KZbin. So many things are new to me!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Thanks so much! I’m glad you liked it.

[@kbaxterpackwood]

I have set of antique ruling pens that is almost identical to yours! I'll be using them for applying masking fluid, thanks!

[@kareng8726]

Amazing! I bought a ruling pen last year but it’s never worked like that. I’ll give it another try. However the one I have doesn’t have the curved tip on the one side like yours does. First video I’ve seen of yours, now subscribed to your channel. Thank you so much.

[@lindageorge8209]

I have my latr father's set of ruling pens. They may have been his stepfather's before him. He was an artist as well as an industrial pattern maker. I've only just discovered what these pens are for and I'm still learning. I hate the smell of my masking fluid, though!

[@michaelklein5242]

Thank you for this informative and concise demo! I'd not heard of ruling pens until a week ago and mine just arrived today. Hopefully this tool will help eliminate some frustrations and thanks to you, I know how to use it properly. Very glad to subscribe! 🎨

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Thanks for watching! I think you’ll enjoy having using the ruling pen as an option for applying masking fluid. It’s a great tool!

[@annmarie3009]

Thanks for this really useful tutorial. I've been struggling with my ruling pen for ages, and now I know how I should be doing it!

[@AndreaFriedell1]

Brilliant! I have a ruling pen and never knew how to use it! I have masking fluid and it always puddles wrong, even with a skinny tip. Now I'm going to give your method a shot! Thank you.

[@judihopewell2499]

Helpful insights. Thanks…i will try it. As a calligrapher this will be helpful.

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@NanetteStein]

Oh. Ma-goodness!! I’m watching like 😲 Thanks for showing this!! Game changer, for sure. Glad I found your channel. New subscriber and I can’t get enough. Your work is beautiful, truly. ✨xo✨

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Thanks so much!!!!

[@juliaidris8620]

Really helpful tips! Any ideas on how to use the ruling pen with a compass and not make holes in the paper that watercolour will pool into?

[@twicebittenthasme5545]

That set looked like a set I used to have when I first started in the construction business. I drew the plans of anything I was going to build or remodel. They got lost over the last 50 years or so but they were useful. The pens can be used for watercolor applications such as wires strung from pole to pole or the rigging of a sailboat and so on. Thank you for the memories and for sharing this!

[@twicebittenthasme5545]

Guess I should have watched the entire video before commenting. I got excited when I saw that case.

[@SusanMonroeArt]

I get excited when I see a drafting set too! They're always neat to check out.

[@sheenapennington4528]

Brilliant, Thankyou - it looks like just what I need.

[@januaryfebruary9810]

Tip for those on a time crunch/tldw: Start at 4:00.

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Thanks!

[@SaltAirnSway]

Great tips. Thank you

[@NM-js8ky]

So very helpful, thank you!!!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

You’re welcome! 😀

[@ecleARTia]

This is very interesting! I used this tool for drafting during 70s and never thought that I'd consider to use it again. Now I am intrigued and am going to try. Thank you for this tutorial!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

You’re welcome!

[@brendadavies3942]

Thank you this is brilliant xx

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@glendapowers28]

Great info.!! Haven’t heard of this before. Thank you for introducing me to this.

[@SusanMonroeArt]

I'm glad you liked the video!

[@ChrisandClaudiaKamen]

great video, exactly what I needed

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Thank for watching!

[@pixiepen1578]

Thank you. Very interesting. I bought a ruling pen and didn't have much success so will give it another go.

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Great! It takes a little time to get used to, but it's a great tool!

[@rpgj1965]

Thanks for this! I have this exact same drafting set - kept from my deceased grandfather - and I always wondered what the ruling pens were and how they are used.

[@SusanMonroeArt]

How sweet that it belonged to your grandfather! ❤️

[@deborahamaral8470]

Amazing!!! ❤

[@simoncrooks7441]

Thanks, that was good to see

[@Esme-qu7zs]

THANK YOU!

[@connieefurulee]

Would you do a tutorial of how to make the bubbles in the picture you showed in the beginning of this video. I’ve searched high and low for videos on making those exact bubbles. Please please please. Thank you. I’ve subscribed

[@SusanMonroeArt]

I’d be glad to! Thanks for the suggestion!

[@connieefurulee]

@@SusanMonroeArt YEAHHHHHHH!!!! I’ll. Thanks again,

[@cartoonblock]

Very useful tutorial. Thanks for explaining

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Glad you liked it

[@lizdouglas1952]

Susan! I'm thrilled that I found you here. I recently purchased a ruling pen, and the exact masking fluid you have. I purchased after I had seen a watercolor video a while back, and couldn't find it. But, you are thorough on it's uses, suggestions, and I purchased a new ruler you've suggested. Thank you so very much. I've subscribed to your channel. 😘💖🌹

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Thanks so much for subscribing!!! I’m glad you found the Biden helpful!

[@carolmarashian2]

Thank you! I bought a set of these, when they came(Chinese) they were labeled “upholstery tools”. I hope they are really ruling pens?! I had not seen an instructional video until yours, so thank you. Now I will try it!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

I hope so too!

[@danalove6292]

Thank you! I bought a pen because I had been using a needle type applicator and it always got clogged and was impossible to clean, but I want really thin lines. My attempts at it didn't work at all & I assumed (correctly, after watching your video) it was just user Error. I'm going to get another one and try again, thanks to you 😊

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Good luck! I hope it works well for you!

[@zlee11]

Such a helpful video. Thank you.

[@SusanMonroeArt]

You're welcome!

[@johnhaywood6358]

I have the same exact Drafting Set

[@jimwarrong]

Ive been using calligraphy dip pens with built in reservoir with some success.

[@SusanMonroeArt]

I like those as well!

[@mynameiswhatever]

Thank you so much. This was incredibly helpful!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

I'm glad you liked it!

[@pipfox7834]

Thankyou for this detailed demo with explanations, very useful info! I will be looking out for a set like yours if I can find it. Ironically, I worked next to a draftsman for a couple of years but never "caught him in the act" of using these great tools :)

[@pipfox7834]

Back in the 80's before open plan offices, we each had our own office those were the days....

[@SusanMonroeArt]

I’m glad it was helpful!

[@RhiannonKagoe]

superb video!!! perfectly informative, thank you Susan :) I'm definitely going to invest in a ruling pen for my comics

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Great! I hope it helps!

[@vassanicolaou9442]

Hi! Thank you for this very useful/ informative video! I don’t know if you’re aware, but at some point when the filming is speeded up, so is your speech! That made it difficult to understand you. But I certainly got a lot out of it. Thank you again!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Noted!

[@joykruczay]

Thanks ever so much for sharing your talents with the world! Great information, photography, and delivery.

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Thank you!

[@claytonmoore2091]

Perfect!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

I’m glad you liked it!

[@anitacosmika9568]

Wonderful!!! Thank you for sharing!!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

You are so welcome!

[@rettain]

Thank you. I just got three sizes

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Great!

[@travelbonne4872]

fantastic information ❤

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ashleyevans3330]

Love the trout painting!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Thanks!

[@juliasaunders2165]

Thank you, this was so very helpful!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

I'm so glad!

[@kathyhall668]

I just dont have good luck with the ruling pin. I hope I can master it with your instruction.

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Good luck and if you have any questions just let me know!

[@nessapainter]

Excellent Video. Thank you!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BlueZion9]

Thanks for the tutorial.

[@SusanMonroeArt]

You're welcome!

[@nickdaggerbeats]

Great tutorial!!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Thanks!

[@lisecousineau]

Thanks for sharing…good tuteral

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Thank you for watching!

[@RavenBlack534]

Fantastic, thanks so much x

[@SusanMonroeArt]

You are so welcome!

[@tutaart]

can you make finer lines with it

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Yes, you can make very fine lines!

[@sweetmemorish]

Thank you!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

You're welcome!

[@autumnrain1892]

Super helpful!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@barbaracushing7476]

Thank you. Great video. Can you achieve even thinner lines?

[@SusanMonroeArt]

You can get them very thin!

[@tinkabell39]

Thank you so much! 😀

[@carolinemohai1252]

Very helpful! I see that I have been way too impatient. But I still have trouble with the fluid thickening before I get very far with the mask.

[@SusanMonroeArt]

If your masking fluid is thickening, then maybe it’s too old. Get a new bottle and give it a try. Good luck!

[@chrisgrant1620]

I wish there had been non-straight lines in the demo with the pen. do you have to keep turning the pen? I assume so but it would have helped. and does it always have to be pulled? Again, I assume so. But all that was shown was straight ines.

[@gtinsa]

So can you just make tiny circles of masking fluid using the regular ruling pen without the compass attached? I bought one but haven't yet tried it but I was hoping to make tiny bubbles with it but I don't have the compass part.

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Yes. You can make tiny circle with the masking pen or with an ink pen dipped in masking fluid. I'd suggest trying both and find out which one your more comfortable with. I only use the compass for larger circles that need to be exact.

[@LucysArtNSoul]

Thank you for this video, I know its 2 years ago but I recently bought some ruling pens also and I was wondering if rinsing them off with water would damage them? I know its a silly question but I find that when I am done with the pen, I rinse it off with water and dry it off completely with a dry wash cloth, is this ok?

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Not a silly question at all! It's fine to rinse them with water when you're done so long as your completely dry it (which you're doing.) I don't think they can rust, but I wouldn't want to take the chance!

[@christinearnold-green8540]

Do both inner sides of the pen act as the reservoir, or only one? Also, is there a right way to hold the pen (reservoir up, or down)? Wondering how it holds fluids, and does not just flood out the moment it is inverted?!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Both the inner sides hold in the fluid, I think it’s by surface tension. I haven’t noticed a difference in the angle of the reservoir being important. You just need to adjust the opening at the bottom to get the kind of line you want.

[@christinearnold-green8540]

@@SusanMonroeArt Thank you so much for your kind response. I've now got one on order!

[@alexgowanyang607]

May I ask what brand of masking fluid you are using? I’ve got a bottle of fine line but it does not seem to want to flow with my ruling pen

[@SusanMonroeArt]

I use Pebeo masking fluid. Maybe your fluid is old? If it's not fresh it can be more gummy and clog up the pen.

[@username4787]

Where did you get the compass ruling pen to make circles? Can you please link it and the brand and store where you got it from?

[@SusanMonroeArt]

I got mine from a friend. It’s antique and she purchased the set on eBay, so you can find them there. I haven’t looked on Amazon, but they probably have them as well.

[@enrikacreates]

Can you do curves with a ruling pen as well?

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Yes. I've done them with a ruling pen. You need to use a light touch.

[@lucilleeidse9407]

Does the pencil line still erase if masking fluid gets on it?

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Yes, it usually gets erased.

[@loredana8716]

Where did you buy the ruling pen to make circles?

[@SusanMonroeArt]

I bought it from a friend but you can also find them on eBay.

[@annecollier8741]

Don’t dip and wipe; use a small brush to insert the liquid between the blades

[@SusanMonroeArt]

That works too! I’ve done that when using it to apply watercolor.

[@rmader1997]

That door behind you is causing a tremendous ECHO. Please move away from such smooth surfaces like doors, walls, windows etc. A thick blanket behind you will kill those echoes. In the old days, radio stations used empth egg cartons on the walls which worked wonderfully to kill distracting echoes.This is the worst effect next to Loud and Distracting Music overwhelming the speaking. Why Bother. These distractions are easy to fix. Thank you. I can use this video.

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Thank you for your suggestion.

[@donnaeturner]

Thank you so much!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

You’re welcome!