Watercolor Masking Fluid Alternatives (10 Professional Tricks!)

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Share your experiences with masking methods in the comments, are you going to try any of the ones on the video? ☺️

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

@Bonnie Kinne Collins thanks so much for sharing my video, I really appreciate it!

[@revati8870]

*do

[@created2bless322]

I will be trying several of the ones that I learned today, thank you!

[@toxic515]

I know I am 3 years behind this, but: I used the oil pastel technique with something of a twist. I have some small dots that I need to stand out against a dark background. I used odorless mineral spirits and a very cheap brush to apply the oil pastel in lemon yellow. It produced perfect "dots" against the dark blue background.

[@kaelart5876]

I came here to learn about masking fluid alternatives but this one’s a whole watercolor lesson. I love the techniques i learn along the way

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You’re very welcome 😊

[@brightonrosie]

Loved this video. I use birthday cake candles for a wax resist for finer details as they are much easier to control where the wax is going xx

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Great tip!

[@shirleydavis6864]

Thank you for sharing all these ideas. I can't wait to be a child again playing in my paints!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are so welcome!

[@ECRandomBits]

I came for masking techniques using wax, I stayed for a series of amazing tricks on watercolor. This video by itself worth a subscription, but Im excited to see the rest of videos available on this channel!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Ah, thanks so much for subscribing!

[@paulaburian7067]

I have learned so much from this video. Brilliant techniques that I will experiment with. I just love your teaching style; easy to follow and to the point. I am a fan for life!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks so much for your kind words!

[@sassycat378]

Another goid trick when removing masking tape is to heat it up with your dryer etc. The heat makes the sticky warm and less sticky and it releases so much easier especially on the edge of your paper.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Yes I have heard of that one but must confess have been too lazy to try it out 🙈

[@annettefournier9655]

Yes, that's what I always do. Works a charm.

[@rmader1997]

Yes. My granddaughter tought me this on how to remove labels easy on jars etc that you want to keep. The hairdryer warms up the label, You peel it of easily. Then you clean the guey mess left with "Lighter Fluid" (Naptha found at the hardware store) . This is a very useful thing to know I think.

[@natford8271]

Sassy Cat this is what I do.

[@OneTrueWord1988]

Sassy Cat: Thanks so much! Hadn't thought of that. 👍😊😻

[@suewoulfe3904]

Thanks!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks so much I appreciate it 🙏

[@hannahcrumley3103]

Thank you! I hadn’t thought to use candle wax, and I hadn’t masked any painted areas before! I’m definitely going to try these techniques!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

That's great Hannah, thanks for watching and good luck with your paintings 🙂

[@citigirlqueens6242]

This video was very helpful and I appreciate your taking the time to demonstrate these methods of applying affects using masking techniques.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for watching!

[@dianacline1439]

I appreciate your willingness to teach us!

[@photophus]

I am a total beginner and I could not understand how lighter spots, lines etc could be made. This is a very good tutorial, I will try all of them. Thank you so much for your time.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I'm so glad!

[@annettecarroll842]

Love all your hints and tips. Thank you so much. Annette from Ireland ☘️

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks so much Annette!

[@debbieabruzzini7004]

Love your demonstration. So well done and I learned so much! Never have seen 3 of the techniques anywhere else!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@danlcorneail6426]

Thank you very much Michelle or teach me these tricks. I hope your son is feeling healthier cuz yesterday I seen them z- and covid-19 but he was still sick. Stay healthy and stay busy and thank you for making me happy

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are welcome, and thank you!

[@danlcorneail6426]

I meant to say he tested negative! Give God glory for that. I hope you both are healthy and safe keep up the good work and you are teaching me a lot thank you

[@joelc202]

WOW!!! This video is amazing! You have some truly ingenious techniques here!

[@joelc202]

I especially liked seeing how the candle wax works well for painting moving water.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you so much!

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

Ohh Scotch Tape!! Seriously that’s so cool! So many things that I already have to add to my painting box. This is definitely a wonderful video of great things to use for such fun looking techniques. More great things for me to use for my paintings of seascapes, lakes, & rivers. Thanks for sharing this with us and giving me some more techniques to practice.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are most welcome!

[@ainhoamonasterio2736]

Great video! I wouldn't have thought of those methods by myself, so much appreciated. Thanks!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pamelanurse2024]

Trying to add watercolors to my skills. I’m fairly good at acrylics but this is totally different. Thank you!

[@pastryqn]

What a fabulous video. I love the pastel resist techniques. Can’t wait to try these. Thank you.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No problem Judy, thanks for watching, and good luck with the techniques!

[@billsiviter9272]

Looking stunning Michelle xxx I use S.A.A. masking fluid it works very well.

[@darlenemartin8742]

I love the splattering along the pathway. Very interesting video!

[@annettefournier9655]

Thank you Michele, grey tips. For larger areas I've also used clear packing tape as a mask. Placed over a drawing then cut carefully around the drawing with a craft knife and remove the excess tape. You get the same crisp edge as the scotch tape. 😊

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Ah yes, the stuff we get here is fearfully sticky though :-)

[@shammiajay8691]

I'm a beginner and have learnt a lot from your videos. Thank you

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad to help!

[@votisit]

Scotch tape! what a great idea, never even considered it. Love you!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Love you too 😁☺️ I hadn't considered it myself until about 3 days ago when suddenly an 'I wonder...' thought popped into my head!

[@robertjennings5558]

Thanks for sharing these awesome secrets. You have surely expanded my horizons.

[@monopinion8799]

Magnifique. We enjoyed the the different ways to hide space on your work. Thank you for your wonderful work. Love the nails and earrings. Salut from the five of us.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Salut Sylvie, so pleased you liked the video - and my nails/earrings!!

[@haydeeincicco2764]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber I loved your nails and earrings too, on top on wonderful videos!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

@@haydeeincicco2764 thank you 🙏

[@ruthmortimer1365]

Thank you so much. I'm looking forward to trying out your tips. Looks fun.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Have fun!

[@nandinisharma4744]

Very helpful tutorial 🙏

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@annjelley5363]

I like the magic tape idea😀

[@lvg2005]

Michele, this video help me expand your other watercolor techniques, like using masking fluid or gum arabic. Well done!👏

[@lg8365]

Thank you so much Michele! Great tutorial ❤🇨🇦

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you liked it!!

[@lesliejones4514]

This was a great video! I picked up lots of ideas. I saw Frog tape mentioned, which is great, low tack, gentle tape. I also use drafting tape which comes in many widths, even very small like ¼ and ⅛ inch widths. This could be good for masking out fence posts. So glad I found this video.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for sharing, glad you liked it :-)

[@katyb3869]

Thank you so much for sharing this! Saved me loads of time!

[@mayloo2137]

I use your technique on painting around a subject when I do negative painting. Thank you for the tip about using a round tip brush and loading it with paint. I am one of those who uses a small brush, or at least one with a slanted tip to create a darker border around the subject. On the masking tape, it's been recommended that you run it along your clothes a few times to make it less tacky. Applying a wax-based medium like crayons or oil pastels is a good idea as it will resist water-based paints like acrylics and watercolors. I find masking fluid expensive so it's good to find other cheaper alternatives.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Yes masking fluid can be expensive, particularly because it seems to go bad quite quickly!

[@valeriegehling4358]

Another very useful tutorial. Thanks for the tips.

[@susiwakeman4271]

Fabulous teaching, very enjoyable and I've learnt a lot x thank you so much xx

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are so welcome

[@hassanmahmood9935]

Super helpful. Loads of thanks.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You're welcome!

[@panther5031]

Excellent tips💜 Thank You💜🌹

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for watching!

[@sabinelloyd8532]

Such clever hacks. I mainly use soft pastel and sometimes a watercolour under painting.

[@janvanheerden4681]

Thanks Michele. I found your video very informative.

[@lindsayjayne2169]

What a ᗯOᑎᗪᗴᖇᖴᑌᒪ tutorial!!✨👏🏻✨ So many great ideas, thankyou for sharing your work and your energyت

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you so much!

[@yamigekusu]

Your videos are super informative, and you have a soothing voice on top of that!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Wow, thank you!

[@marcynewman1421]

Love it! Thanks Michele.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are very welcome, Marcy!

[@NA-sr8kf]

Thank you 😊❤️, so many fun ideas!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you like them!

[@robinkinley6851]

Some clever tricks and good ideas! You can’t have too many with this medium!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Definitely!

[@thuntz29]

Love this video! I’m starting with watercolours and just got masking fluid and oil pastels to try a few new techniques. This was incredibly helpful!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you Valentina! So pleased you enjoyed it 🙏

[@debbielowrey]

Some great tips here. Thank you x

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for watching!

[@moulimarur]

wow! thanks a ton. you have such a dreamy voice, and yet, very practical tips!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Wow, thank you!

[@Guylangloisartist]

Thank you for this video. I have been holding back on painting the moon and the sun because I want to mask them before I apply a wash for the sky. I can paint around the sun confidently as typically there is a bit of bleed of color into the sun. The moon is a lot sharper and requires masking so I will try your scotch tape trick. I agree, masking leaves to sharp edges. I have used gouache to soften the edges. Regarding sharp edges. Can matte fluid be used on water colour paper? I have seen artist using it with acrylic paints to get crisp edges from masking tape. I have been using painters washi tape to mask the borders of my paintings but some times I get bleeding under the tape if I use a heavy wash. Thank you again for all your lovely videos and sharing your knowledge with the world.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are welcome! I haven't used matte fluid sorry :-)

[@isobelmckee3199]

Your methods are great I shall certainly use your wonderful skills isobel thanks so much

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No problem Isobel ☺️

[@helenschaefer1167]

Michele, thank you so much for your very well executed video. I appreciate that you told it all. I must rewatch, so that I can review all of these wonderful tips. I am getting out my oil pastels and Scotch tape as we speak. Thank you again, Michele, my new friend.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are most welcome Helen, so pleased you liked the video!

[@gaemlinsidoharthi]

Good video. Thanks. I like seeing the occasional completed paintings like that. I don’t always notice or recognise the techniques used in a completed work so it’s nice to see them pointed out like this.

[@ngrao9739]

Thank you for this informative video !

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

My pleasure!

[@elgoogernut]

That was a very informative video and thanks for the time you've taken to do this lesson. Thanks Michele !

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

My pleasure!

[@lindathaxton1994]

Really good teaching - thank you for sharing!

[@abriebotha]

Thank you. I have enjoyed the video. It helps me a lot to try new things.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are very welcome!

[@CutestHeidi]

I use Grafix frisket. It has been phenomenal

[@valeriegehling4358]

On registering for your course where masking fluid was named as a material needed, not sure about it, I re-read/ listened to this video, & I’ll re- trial tests methods before purchasing the fluid. Thanks.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No problem Valerie :-)

[@arshadabdullah7425]

This was a great lesson! There's always something new to learn from you. I'll try these, thank you 😊 scotch tape was brilliant! 👍🏽

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks Arshad, I only discovered it a few days ago, I just suddenly decided to try it and see what happened!

[@arshadabdullah7425]

And we saw what happened 👍🏽 great effort 😊

[@dianarowny9192]

Watching this again. So useful!

[@created2bless322]

Brilliant techniques and I learned some new ones. I appreciate it. New subscriber today.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks and welcome!

[@ritaobrien9093]

Jam packed with great information and you answered questions i didn't know I had! Thank you!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Perhaps I am psychic!

[@elizapi314]

fantastic and unique. Not a re-hash of the same techniques I always see from every watercolor KZbinr!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you, that's a very kind thing to say ☺️

[@angievanwyk8161]

Jyst love this new techniques. Thanks for sharing your expertise.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for watching Angie!

[@sydcoleman7086]

I'm no artist but try to make cards, watching your video has shown me lots of little ways I can make my colouring look more realistic. Many thanks from a senior who is still learning basics. Regards VeeCee

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

All who paint and draw are artists, I love crafts too, thanks for watching :-)

[@juliehenderson7978]

Very helpful and thorough Michele

[@isabeltipple9942]

Great tips Michelle and it really encourages me to paint 👍

[@LeeRoyAshworth]

Some nice ideas and tricks, thanks

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Most welcome 😊

[@CarinaParry]

What a great informative video, thank you Michele :)

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Noniof3]

I love your videos. I always learn so much. You’re a great teacher.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you so much Linda!

[@renigalea767]

So happy I found your Channel ! Learning so much & will be recommending to Facebook watercolour group that I am on.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks so much Reni, very kind of you 💚

[@Some_guy_passing_by]

I tried the candle wax technique. It turned out better that I thought.

[@lrose1046]

phenomenal video!

[@lynettemaritz5653]

Thank you for all the tips

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are so welcome!

[@OneTrueWord1988]

What a great video! Such good ideas, and awesome instruction. 👍 Thanks so much Michele! 😊💕😻

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are so welcome!

[@annewatman677]

I’m not a professional, but I enjoy playing around with watercolors. These are great ideas! I have some masking fluid, and so far haven’t had the guts to try it. I’ll definitely check out your video on that. And I’ll definitely be subscribing. Thanks!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for subscribing Anne :-) The main thing with masking fluid is to realise that it was invented for preserving small details and fine lines, not large areas!

[@TomWoodCHESHIREMETALDETECTING]

Hi Michele, I really enjoyed the video, I am always thinking of ways to make painting a bit easier, what I have done in the past is use brown parcel tape, the waterproof stuff. lol I use it mostly for tree trunks, all you need is a piece of glass, say off an old picture frame and a craft knife, stick a piece of tape to the glass, and use the knife to cut them out, you can even draw the trunks first on the tape, the tape is about 2 inches wide, so can get a few tree trunks out of one piece, I still stick it to my clothing first, but doesn't take as long to do as masking tape, pluss it's a lot cheaper than masking tape. Sorry about the long comment. Take careHP (happy painting) Tom

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Long comments no problem! Yes someone else mentioned that tape, it's seriously sticky of course 🙂

[@BbGun-lw5vi]

CHESHIRE METAL DETECTING Awesome tip! Is the tape see through? Also was wondering if when you’re cutting the tape, does the blade easily scratch onto the glass? Thank you!

[@TomWoodCHESHIREMETALDETECTING]

@@BbGun-lw5vi Thank you, the brown packaging tape is not see through, don't know if you can get clear tape..over time it will mark the glass, but everyone as got an old broken photo frame knocking about, but you could use anything the tape wont stick to, plastic, tile, old mirror.. I am sure you will sort it out.. Take care Tom

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

@@BbGun-lw5vi I haven't done it often enough to notice any damage to the glass, and yes you can see through the tape, although it's less clear than sellotape.

[@iIZaCAT16]

I can't use masking fluid, as it's typically made of liquid latex, and I am very allergic to latex. I've found ways around it, I use masking tape, wax resist and just painting around areas carefully. I haven't tried the scotch tape! I use paper washi tape a lot, it works like the masking tape but it's a lot less sticky!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Interesting! I am experimenting with more resist techniques and have another video planned soon :-)

[@MrAnimatronicJesus]

Hi, I try to use Jackson's masking fluid (blue) but given that it's a UK product, it's pricey/difficult to obtain in the US. But I highly recommend using it when available.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks, haven't tried that one!

[@BrazenSpirituality]

Awesome advice as usual!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you!

[@thecentralscrutinizerr]

What a beautiful woman with that beautiful, graceful English accent.

[@annhinson5670]

Very helpful ideas.

[@rosejordan4245]

Love all your tips

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks so much!

[@nurayhatipoglu2834]

12:07 May i ask what is name of that white thing you are using for impact?

[@erinp7944]

Great Ideas!! Thank you

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you like them!

[@stephenwelham]

Wax resist how about white neo-colonial 1. and brush o clear wax resist

[@rev.bobertbockstop7057]

Excellent information!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for watching!

[@hannahobrochta]

Yes I’m making a canvas full of pictures and I can’t print around anything and tried other things and I’m scared to mess up with my photos that I did so hopefully ur video will be good for me

[@JWolff-md3ij]

So I'm here because I'm a bit desperate to find a proper mask of a polo shirt decal. I knew it would be a stretch to be looking at watercolor techniques however sometimes learning things for unrelated subjects bring other ideas to light. With that in mind, might you know a masking technique best suited to withstand boiling water?

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Hmm sorry, out of my area of expertise, I hope you find a solution!

[@juliemorley22]

I have ruined many a painting removing masking tape, thank you so much for this video x

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JulioMercado]

I used candle wax once before and used a hair dryer to "evaporate" the wax away. It took some time and might not be perfect but I got it to work

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Amazing! I would probably have set fire to my work by accident :-)

[@JulioMercado]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber hahaha, need to be careful :)

[@PENFOLD1962]

Thank you for an excellent and educational video, I'm struggling to get a mottled texture on a pig's snout, I thought that I had a bottle of masking fluid but it's decided to solidify due to it's age, I only have a bottle of the permanent masking fluid! I'm housebound so getting hold of the gear that I need can be so difficult. I've tried buying from both Amazon and eBay and ended up with cheap materials although they're titled of high class equipment! Can oil pastels be used together with 99% Isopropanol alcohol employing the dry brush method? Thank you once again for a very handy video and I've learnt load's... Even at 60 years there's always something that one doesn't know, thank you and take care. BIG THUMBS UP FROM ME👍😷👍

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Not sure about that, candle wax is very efficient I find, and clear too. Masking fluid goes 'off' quite fast and smells horrible when it does!

[@08squareeyes08]

thank you for all this wonderful help, however you can buy lo tack masking tape xx

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You can, it's a little pricier though :-)

[@ArtBrain]

Thanks for the wax idea. I think I'm going to try it with my Prismacolor clear colored pencil (for small areas) and see if I get a similar effect.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I have used white coloured pencils in this way but had poor results. I expect it depends on the brand and composition, wax based coloured pencils should work, but I need to experiment more before recommending it in my videos ☺️

[@debrashattuck6742]

What kind of brush are you using?

[@wendydann8180]

How long can official resist stay on before it has to be removed? The bottle says 24 to 48 hours but I might only be likely to paint once a week.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

The bottle errs on the side of caution. It might be okay to leave it longer, a lot is going to depend on the quality of your paper. I certainly wouldn't leave it on more than a couple of weeks. It's a good idea to experiment on some scraps of paper and leave them a while to see what happens.

[@amandaclark63]

Excellent

[@duarteshelia]

Im so glad I found your video today I learned a lot thank you for sharing.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are very welcome Sheila, so glad it helped you!

[@meggraham7564]

Wonderfully interesting