Masking Fluid Hacks + No More Gummy Brushes!!

[@jeffatnip]

Graphic designer since the mid 1980s here. We called those rubbery square things a masking pick-up. I still have mine from that era and it still works.

[@LightWorker12]

Me too!!

[@gullwingstorm857]

I’ve been using my Dad’s masking fluid remover block that he used all the way back to the 1940s, it’s identical to the MaskAway block.

[@TheIncognitoCricket]

I was legit about experiment with this stuff for the first time on a school project that is due tomorrow...I think I shall rethink my life choices. I'm so glad I watched this beforehand

[@Finelinernerd]

😂 it’s tricky stuff huh, but I hope this helped and good luck with the project! 💙

[@VanmeterFL]

Thank you! I really appreciate all your comments. I'm looking for great tools to use to spread masking fluid in thin lines. I've used the dish soap method for a long time and it's great for larger areas, but sometimes I need really thin lines. Someone mentioned "Gold Line Painting Pen Fluid Writer Pen Fine Tip Pens" (sold on Amazon), but they have a tendency to drip the masking fluid and they are hard to clean even with the little tools they provide to clean this tool with. There are silicone-tipped "brushes", and I've had excellent results using the Fineline mask "pen" (which I have the greatest success with), but it's a pain to get the wired lid back on, and still clogs. Some people say they use a toothpick to apply masking fluid, but again, you can't regulate that easily and it constantly has to be redipped. And I've even used art ruling pens. BTW, I cut my glue residue erasers into smaller strips. The edges always pick up residue and sometimes it's hard to get off, so this way I have multiplied the edges I can use.

[@valerieh.708]

One artist, I've seen, saves his masking fluid bits, after rubbing off and turned them into a giant dried masking fluid ball that works as well as the Maskaway.

[@lwalker2234]

One time I thought it would be smart and put food coloring in my masking fluid! You could probably guess what it did, the paper was died, and ruined the whole bottle of masking fluid. Oh well, one of those mistakes you learn by I really enjoy your teachings. I’ve been a watercolor artist for a long time. But returning to the basics is a must every now and then and your basics are really worthwhile. I picked up a couple of new tricks from you. Thank you very much for your time and your work on these videos. I subscribed and will be watching more. Blessings from Oregon USA.

[@sarahtaylor6322]

Really helpful about the brush protection! About to try it right now. I've had my fluid since college (about 18 years ago ) and it's shockingly still just as good - it's SO worth investing in a good quality product!

[@Finelinernerd]

Oh wow! I can’t believe it still works! Let me know how it goes with the tip, it’s saved so many of my brushes from art-death 😅🖤

[@sarahtaylor6322]

@@Finelinernerd my brushed and I are officially in your debt! It was some pretty intricate detail so I repeated the process every 5 mins or so to be safe and there was LITERALLY NOTHING left on the brush after the swill.

[@Finelinernerd]

WOOHOO!! Good times ahead huh and one less reason reason to hate masking fluid haha (for me anyway)

[@emmavukman4541]

I absolutely adore your videos so much, your voice, the way you film, the way you explain things, and your adorable personality is all just so wonderful to watch! 🙏🏻

[@Finelinernerd]

Hi Emma! Thank you so much for your kind comment, I’ve been feeling a little unsure about this new venture and I can’t tell you how much of a boost you’ve given me 💙💙💙

[@emmavukman4541]

@@Finelinernerd Hi James! My pleasure really! 🖤🙏🏻 I'll keep on being here to give you a little boost every time in that case x I adore your artwork so much

[@fscolza]

my first time finding you on YOU TUBE, as i searched and watched a doz videos about using the product- i will subscribe! your delivery is delightful- my art is for fun ( yes, i am a serious watercolor student) but please keep on filming and sharing in your manner! appreciated the “hack/trick” about soap for the brushes and the demonstrations on removing the masking fluid were very helpful. TY!

[@TrueLoveX1027]

James, thanks for the video. Wanted to address an issue mentioned... when using masking fluid, your pencil lines "vanish" as the masking fluid is rubbed off your paper. The best solution I've found when I want a pencil line to remain, is to use graphite tracing paper. You just put the tracing paper beneath your drawing and wherever you want pencil lines to remain, just use a 2B pencil and press lightly to firmly, depending on how much you want to be able to see that pencil line after the masking fluid is removed. It works every time! Hope this helps. Thanks again for saving my brushes!

[@Finelinernerd]

That’s such a great tip! Thank you for letting me know, I often have a problem with pencil being erased, returning to my lightbox to draw what I need again 💙

[@suziefarrell8297]

I use a dry wine çork to remove masking fluid - so easy and doesn't rip the paper ☺

[@koipondering]

Not sure if this will help anyone but I wanted to tell you there is a rescue from gummed up brushes but its a two parter. You will need "Winsor newton brush cleaner" (small bottle will do) and a bar of soap, brush soap, or what ever is fine but it may take two tries. fill up the shot glass or glass with a bit of the brush cleaner and then put your brushes in. if possible use a clip so they can soak tip down for a while, do not let it go up to the paint above the ferrule or it will eat it. let it sit for a while, I have had to leave it an hour or more. then pull it out wipe it off on a paper towel, if its still gummy do it again and leave it. once you have most of he gummy out then use your washing liquid or bar soap and wash it all off this will help work out any additional bits. dry off the tip and now dip it in to water and start gently rubbing it over the soap your loading it up so you can reform the tip, shape it in to place and let it dry over night. the next day it should be trained in to place, gently rinse with warm water, if the tip hasn't fully returned try doing the soap trick again. this works especially well with natural brushes. also to prevent the fluid from sticking you can also dip the brush in water and roll it over a sliver of bar soap and then just wipe off the brush. (do not rinse) then dip it in to the masking fluid, the soap will coat the bristles and prevent it from building up. I still pick up some low end craft brushes just for masking fluid but all these tricks have made it so I haven't had to buy new ones in the whole time, and I use masking fluid a lot.

[@viviennegreenwood8817]

Thank you ❤❤❤

[@gabrielblack5805]

I've actually had that maskaway eraser for a long time now. I got it the first time I bought masking fluid and it is extremely effective at getting that stuff off with ease. I still use my finger because I am absolutely addicted to the feeling of peeling masking fluid. It's funny; I've never really had that problem with oils on my paper. I honestly didn't even know that was a thing that could happen!😂

[@Finelinernerd]

Oh gosh have I been living under a rock? 😅 i don’t know if you’re in the UK but I find that art supply stores are limited in cool products and sell selections of essentials, it’s only recently that a major brand started stocking arches’ paper! I like using my finger too because of the satisfaction like you say, but yeah if I want to glaze over sometimes it leaves like ... less absorbed spots? Does that make sense? It’s probably nothing a good hand wash can’t fix I suppose

[@gabrielblack5805]

@@Finelinernerd Yeah, I'm from the U.S. I guess it's just a more common product over here, because I found it at our local small town art store. It's kind of hard to tell though because sometimes that store has really obscure stuff in it. I'll have to keep an eye out for that oil thing though. My watercolor style tends to be a bit more loose and fast with less washes, so it is quite possible I've just never noticed.

[@koipondering]

Also, mask away erasers are also sold under the names Crepe eraser and Rubber Cement eraser. and can be found readily they are amazing, when the edges get kind of gross and gummed up, I just use an exacto and shave off that part.

[@LightWorker12]

Exactly! -I do the same!

[@theartistici]

You are my favorite artist on KZbin!!! Thank you for taking the time to share your skills 😊.

[@Finelinernerd]

Aw that’s so nice to hear! And it’s totally my pleasure to share what I know so far ⚡️

[@l.nelson3093]

It looks like the crepe soles we used to get on shoes!👏 They picked up everything😉

[@tezoodle]

Thanks very much! If you dont have rubber gloves, or are allergic to them, I use cling film or a plastic bag (like a freezer bag or sandwich bag) to remove the masking fluid. I like cling film best, and I've been using the same piece for 2 years! My bottle of W&N masking fluid is years old and it still works really well. Cheers :)

[@karendirmish2696]

Thanks for your info regarding masking fluid! I’ve tried several times and it has worked well if I don’t over use it! Always appreciate your helpful hints. Thanks,Karen Dirmish Elmhurst

[@margaretderen2082]

Yes, I used that type of eraser (called rubber cement eraser) over 35 years ago when I taught oil painting!

[@ideasareLIMITLESS]

Finelinernerd this thing called Maskaway is something we used to use in the graphic art studio in the advertising agencies 40 years ago. We called it a "gumbo rubber". We used it to take Milliners Solution off our artwork. We didn't use computers then to do artwork for print media..so we had to actually lightly coat the text on paper with milliners solution then glue the art down ..but the miliners solution often spread out the sides so then we used one of the rubbery white things you just discovered now to clean off the edges so it was all clean and able to be photographed for the printing.

[@Sam34292]

Yes, gumbo. And if we didn't have one of those we would pour some rubber cement out to dry, rub it into a ball and use that.

[@marellibelli]

Fantastic as usual, James! I have a thing of masking fluid I'm always too afraid to use, but you've convinced me :) Also thanks for the name love, you can borrow it anytime.

[@Finelinernerd]

Thank you so much Marley! Let me know how it goes 🤗 “James Inksetter” sounds awesome and I’m filling out my deed poll right this second 😂😂😂

[@roderikvolf6151]

Very informative video. I've learned many new things. Thanks again!

[@Finelinernerd]

Thanks Roderik! I’m so glad it was useful 🤗

[@leoniejonk]

And you are very welcome 😎🧙‍♀️😉 I'm a big believer in sharing tips. I found this tip (I have no idea where!) after some horrendous masking fluid experiences. I was on the verge of giving up but now we have reunited again and shall never part 💕 Brilliant video again btw! I'm loving your energy on camera and the length of these is just perfect! Long enough to get into things a bit, short enough not to get sidetracked. Looking forward to the next one already 😉

[@theresaferreira8485]

Super helpful! , just started exploring watercolor techniques and was a little anxious about using this new unfamiliar fluid so happy I found this video thank you! 😊🙏🏼

[@donnchadhmacaoidh6885]

In the US it is know as a rubber cement eraser, had them for years. Can also remove some other types of adhesive.

[@donnchadhmacaoidh6885]

I have also added a small amount of black ink mixed into the masking fluid with no staining ( I am in a very dry environment, so I don't know if that helps it to not stain)

[@golden1789]

Just found your channel and subscribed. I hope you will do some more paint with me videos.

[@raquelgonzalez5272]

Uhh I have to test that tip. My brush for masking fluid is almost dead. Thanks James!!💙💙

[@Finelinernerd]

My pleasure Raquel! Let me know how you get on with it 🤗

[@artofgould1945]

This was so incredibly helpful! I’m using masking fluid right now and was about to give up on it before seeing this ☺️

[@Finelinernerd]

I’m so glad you found it! Gummy brushes are a nightmare! Let me know how you get on with the tip 😊👍🏻

[@LoveeAsHell]

That was super helpful! RIP all my brushes but now they're gonna be okay! Thank you!

[@Finelinernerd]

Aw yay I’m so glad it’s helped! A couple of people on Instagram have tested this and it’s working really nicely for them too 🤗

[@lisavento7474]

small amount in tiny cap or well will help be able to CLOSE THE LID while not using the bottle, which you can store upside down when not using also to prevent gumming up or drying in the bottle.

[@SistaLee1978]

Good video. My masking fluid has became hard and couldn't use anymore. Any tips to soften it?😁

[@tanyag2584]

Thank you for the video! I only recently learned about masking fluid from your video (in my country masking fluid still not very common). Therefore, these were useful tips before starting my experiments with it :)

[@Finelinernerd]

My pleasure Tanya! If you have any questions let me know 🤗🖤

[@tanyag2584]

@@Finelinernerd Thank you! 😊 🤗

[@TegsMom]

This video was really helpful! I wanted to try masking fluid for a while now but I was scared of ripping my paper 😅 So thank you for the help!

[@Finelinernerd]

My pleasure Clodie! I’m so glad it was helpful for you - and I hope I pronounced your name right! 💙💙

[@TegsMom]

Finelinernerd Dont worry you did pronounce it right!😁

[@Finelinernerd]

🥳⚡️

[@georgemarklow4683]

Love it - really informative. I'm trying to do a two-colour painting of Debbie Harry from Blondie and I'm going to try masking fluid to help get a smooth surface around the main subject.

[@AsmX_]

* punches the subscription button* Take this, you amazing man!

[@Atliermia]

Like your video. Suggestion, put food color to masking fluid . Another tip, use rubber tip brush to take off Frisked.

[@Finelinernerd]

Those are good tips! Have you found any staining from them food colouring at all?

[@dianafish3600]

Great Hacks! Thank you :)

[@vivianeb90]

Really great tips! Would it work if I used a rubber glove, too? Asking because I don't have masking fluid to try it out with. At least with the glove I think you'd avoid oily films from your fingers and also the rubber might help pick up the masking tape.

[@lisawaller7620]

I have the same brand as yours but it's off white/ slightly yellow . Have not had issue with blue tint. The eraser you used, I believe is a rubber cement eraser?. Thx, great video

[@lindaknox9908]

Very helpful. Thanks!

[@1toshi32]

Thank you for a great video. Just by the by, you were talking about using a hair dryer to get the last bit of moisture out of your paper before removing the masking tape. I have had advice from others (never tried it myself) who said that if you use any kind of heat on the masking fluid while it's on the paper, the masking fluid will fully adhere to the paper and become impossible to remove. You may have had the opposite experience and got away with it but I'm not willing to try. Any comments welcomed.

[@didi7074]

I actually never tried masking fluid because I heard some masking fluids can destroy your paper when you remove it. Also because they destroy brushes. Thank you so much!

[@Finelinernerd]

I hope it’s useful for the future, and if you need any further advice DM me on Instagram 🤗 always happy to help 💙

[@didi7074]

@@Finelinernerd Have you tried other masking fluids besides W&N? Have you ever had problems with it or other masking fluids?

[@Finelinernerd]

I haven’t, in my area it’s really the only thing the art stores stock, and I have had problems with it, however I believe that was because of the paper I was using and probably not letting everything dry properly either. I have found that 100% cotton paper in 300gsm or above works best for not tearing. I actually had a section about comparing different papers with masking fluid recorded for this video but it was REALLY boring, I’ll save it/re-record it for a future part 2 perhaps 💙

[@didi7074]

@@Finelinernerd Thank you! Oh, and good luck recording/editing the masking fluid comparison video in case you decide to tackle it. I'm still using the Canson XL watercolor paper (it's 300gsm but 0% cotton...which is sad) so I believe any masking fluid would destroy the paper since it's such a fragile paper.

[@Finelinernerd]

The only way to know is to test it, I have some wood based watercolour paper that performs really well, I think it all depends on the brand and you’re using one of the best! 🤗

[@Itsamallard]

I have another hack for your brushes. o wet my brush and roll it over a bar of soap and let it get on top bristles well. The liquid should be dipped a little high so it’ll dry over the metal an you can peak it off really quickly with no damage to the brush. I also have found these dollar store square texture “eraser” it’s the same block you can buy online shown in the video but just for a better price point.

[@Finelinernerd]

Hey Samantha! Great tip! With the erasers do you use them like a stick to apply the masking fluid?

[@IshanDeston]

Don't use "washing up" soap with your brushes! Unless you are using synthetic brushes you should be aware that the brush hairs are at the very least as delicate as your own hair. You wouldn't use "washing up soap" to wash your hair either... the chemical in there are bad for your hair.. and most natural hair brushes are either human, horse, squirrel or sable hair. With squirrel and sable being more delicate than human hair. (Most water color brushes being squirrel hair) Instead of washing up soap, just use natural soap without additives (which then can double as your brush soap) or use shampoo with conditioner for delicate hair (the conditioner will help strengthen the bristles) and you can use it to shape the tips of your brush (if a fine tip is something you need for your work) by leaving the conditioner in the brush after cleaning and shaping the brush (the soap/conditioner will help set the bristles in shape). If you use natural soap, without additives (you can get that stuff in most drug stores for people with allergies and environmental conscious campers), you don't really need to rinse the brush after the soap. You make the brush wet. work the brush over the soap stone, and then brush it off on a paper towl before going into the masking fluid. The holes in the masking fluid are most likely caused by the soap. Natural soap doesn't foam (as much - you really have to work for those bubbles) as dish soap. The mask away, by the way is an adhesive eraser.. and you get like 5 packs for 10 bucks in a skateboard store. They are used to clean the grip tapes on skateboards and they need quite a lot of them, so they are usually lot cheaper than you get them as "rubber cement pickup" or "masking eraser" in your local art store.

[@kyratrimble8146]

Whyyy has nobody told me about the mask away thing?! I’ve stopped using my masking fluid because I used my finger and nobody told me and I couldn’t find another way to do it! Thank you!!

[@Finelinernerd]

I’m so glad you found a useful tip here! I used to use my finger too! the cement eraser is SO satisfying to use 🖤

[@TL-pk6jl]

Can you add glitter/sand in the masking fluid to see where it is located on the paper?

[@elenalevy-arie7860]

Thank you!!

[@emmasheppard2639]

I've always used a ruling pen or dotting tools. Luckily never ruined a brush because of it luckily xxx

[@Finelinernerd]

Oh cool! I never thought of that before, I’ll have to try that out 💙

[@Miyani-h4f]

Sir can you please guide me which brand brushes have u used in your video? Can u plz mention the link of that brand, if its available on Amazon? It would be a great help sir?

[@Finelinernerd]

Hi Karnika, please call me James 🤗 the brushes I used are made by ProArte and they’re the ‘Prolene’ range - you should be able to get them as a set. This is a link to where I bought them but if you’re not in the UK you can see the details so you can buy them elsewhere 🖤 www.cassart.co.uk/painting/brushes-2/synthetic-1/pro-arte-prolene-series-101-106-watercolour-brush-cass-exclusive-set-of-5.htm

[@Miyani-h4f]

@@Finelinernerd Actually i am calling you sir, because to give respect. As you must be elder and i am younger than you. That's why. I hope you won't mind. And thanks a lot for acknowledging my comment and responding to it.

[@Finelinernerd]

Hey Karnika, I understand and I don’t mind of course! 🖤

[@JHasTheDeathNote]

I ruined my best brush the first time I used masking fluid and I never used that shit afterwards 😂 this video savedy life

[@Finelinernerd]

The same happened to me too! I hope you can work with the masking fluid again in the future because of this 🤗💙

[@PhilKoenigBrooklyn]

That cream colored square is a rubber cement pickup

[@donnagreene83]

I could be wrong but maybe the person who asked how long a bottle of masking fluid lasts, wanted to know if it goes off after a while. As in, does it have a 'shelf life' or a 'use by date', once opened? I would like to know the answer to this, even if that wasn't what they were getting at.

[@leoniejonk]

BRB gotta go buy that maskaway eraser. 🏃‍♀️💥💨

[@Finelinernerd]

I thought you’d like that! Honestly it was such a surprise to use it, whoever invented it is GENIUS!!

[@leoniejonk]

@@Finelinernerd It looks like it!! 😱I need that tool like.. now. :P

[@Finelinernerd]

Did you manage to get it? I still want to know how I’ve never seen one before 😂

[@leoniejonk]

Finelinernerd I went to a local art store yesterday (also known as my new favorite place on earth) and they had it there! In (translated) art lingo they called it a ‘booger’! 🤣 It’s also referred to as a glue removal something. So apparently it’s a pretty common thing! I have no idea why I’ve never seen this online until now 🤔 Also, apparently there’s such a thing as ‘permanent masking fluid’.. like.. why?

[@Finelinernerd]

Hahaha I love that they call it a booger 😂😂 I kind of understand why lol, and yeah I don’t know why I’ve not seen it until recently either! Permanent masking fluid?!?! No thanks 😂😂😂

[@chroniclesmagnus4586]

Have you tried the ruling pens with it?😊

[@bigboyanimation3799]

I have the same bottle of winsor & newton masking fluid but the color of the fluid is yellow not white i think the store sell me a very old bottle

[@PittsburghTrivia]

Washing up liquid is what... dish soap or simply liquid soap or is this a special artist brush cleaning thing?

[@jeanielaramie6617]

Can the masking fluid be applied too thinly

[@geoffreypleavin5268]

Can you water down masking fluid and it still be effective?

[@supme7558]

6:00 is that not a soft eraser ?

[@gootium-canvasbagssince2015]

it's useful tips for artists😉

[@Finelinernerd]

Glad you found it helpful 🤜🏻⚡️🤛🏻

[@posh8823]

can you thin out masking fluids? specifically the talens brand

[@ashoktandon6579]

Masking fluid has become viscous, can it be diluted to give a thin layer on paper?

[@davidtaylor7456]

Can you thin masking fluid

[@ronkamens4733]

This was often used when rubber cement was prevalent

[@tarabrenner684]

What is washing up liquid?

[@danaobera4207]

I would like to retain my pencil mark, I'm afraid using soft eraser will erase the pencil mark too. The problem I've experienced in using Winsor & Newton masking liquid is after a month or so the liquid inside the bottle would become gooey and thick. Is there a way to keep W&N masking liquid so it stays liquid in the bottle for a long time? Thanks!👍

[@Finelinernerd]

I think the cap might not have been screwed on tight because I’ve had my W&N masking fluid for about 18 months and it’s fine, otherwise I’m not sure but could be worth emailing the company about? About the pencil, if you use a kneaded eraser you can control how much pencil gets removed very gently by tapping the paper with it, I hope that helps, J 🖤

[@danaobera4207]

@@Finelinernerd Ahh kneaded eraser, why didn't I think of that. I just ordered a Schmincke masking liquid pen, want to see how it goes. Thank you for the tips! It helps a lot! (just Subscribed looking forward to watch your watercoloring videos)

[@Finelinernerd]

My pleasure Dana, you can ask me anything any time and I’ll do my best to answer if I have the knowledge 🤗

[@danaobera4207]

@@Finelinernerd I tried this W&N masking liquid, soap, clean water method, but it didn't work. I think it's just me, though. I skipped dipping on the soap and cleaning on paper towel once in awhile. My brush is ruined halfway through one piece.

[@carine4318]

I use super old brushes for masking

[@anagiovannaart]

How long can take dry this masking fluid?

[@precious2493]

What is the “washing up” liquid? I tried dish washing soap and my brush did not survive these steps. I’m not a painter but using liquid mask for a different reason so if this washing up liquid is for painters please be specific for me.

[@Finelinernerd]

Hello! Sorry for the late reply, yes it’s dish washing soap, sorry to hear the tip didn’t work for you, did you find a solution in the end? You have to repeat the steps frequently while using the masking fluid because it will dry on the brush bristles over time, I hope this helps! 🥰

[@precious2493]

Finelinernerd immediately after writing I made a fool of myself. I tried again after cleaning the brush quickly and it did work with my Dawn dish soap. Thanks!👍🏻

[@Finelinernerd]

I’m so pleased it worked out Peggy, long live our brushes! 💙

[@username-mu8yf]

how do you put a white MF on a white paper? it's difficult to see where you applied it already. do you use MF of a different color? do you add pigments to your MF?

[@PENFOLD1962]

RUBBER GLOVES can be used to remove the masking fluid! Block of Fairy Soap does the same as the dish washing liquid soap but the 'Fairy Soap' can be cut into small blocks and stored with your watercolour paints! Why does MASKING FLUID always solidify when you need it most?

[@leonardbertaux6897]

Hahaha you're too young to have had to paste up art boards with rubber cement! The name here is a rubber cement eraser, used to clean up paste up boards after layup

[@Finelinernerd]

Leonard I’m flattered, I’ve not been called young in a hot minute! But this is now one of my favourite tools and so easy to use

[@murraycallahan1753]

Leonard Bertaux we called it a rubber cement pick-up, from the days when one did paste-ups to prepare art and text for commercial printing. Bits and pieces of art were glued down with rubber cement necessitating removal of excess rubber cement.

[@l.nelson3093]

I remember😉😆

[@peterbiddy]

I remember too! Cow Gum and the hot wax roller for paste up

[@yellow_three]

I had read that this works, but I just tried it and it didn't work at all. haha. Good thing I used a brush I don't like too much.

[@Veltzshmertz]

Great tutorial, maybe I won't screw up with masking fluid that much next time :P Btw an unrelated question, did u have a lip piercing sometime in your life?

[@Finelinernerd]

Yeah I did! In the right side, how did you see that on camera? 🤩

[@Veltzshmertz]

@@Finelinernerd I'm a piercing nerd I can sense past and future piercings from miles away XD but in your case I think it was the fact that the hole might have not closed completely.

[@Finelinernerd]

Hawk eyes! 😂 I had it pierced twice in the same place so I think it just scarred weirdly, I can’t get anything through it anymore, it’s a permanent pick mark thing forever now haha

[@Veltzshmertz]

@@Finelinernerd It's not THAT visible

[@ESowash]

Hahaha, I really feel old! Do you know that’s a rubber cement picker-upper.

[@cirokatchadjian8537]

what i do and works for me for not ripping the paper is to peel it off on the oposite way

[@lisavento7474]

and a hair dryer puts the fluid INTO the paper if still damp. be patient and let dry.

[@karenpierce1905]

This is a rubber cement eraser and has been around for MANY years.

[@Finelinernerd]

I know that now 😉 but at the time I was like WHAT IS THIS 🤩 haha

[@viviennegreenwood8817]

You need a really good expensive pair of tweezers or they just wont grip anything ❤

[@StungunBetty-ww5kr]

They sell that maskaway at dollar tree for 1.25.

[@belindarv3rse]

Hogwarts!!!!!!!! 💙🦅💙🦅

[@normc9851]

Rubber cement remover

[@Sevvin89]

Excuse my French, but I fucking hate masking fluid. lol I’ve never had the luck with masking fluid without tearing my paper. And yes I took an hour for it to be all dry.

[@Sevvin89]

Ps. My favorite watercolor is Payne’s Grey as well. lol

[@Finelinernerd]

Omg I hate it too 😂 especially on cold press paper because the edges are never smooth

[@carnibug]

some people say that you dont want to leave dry masking fluid on paper for too long because it can grip onto the page longer. its advised to use thinner layers of masking fluid over thick too. also maybe try to take it off slowly and not quickly. last, your paper weight might be too low to withstand it. if you use a paper weight below 140, your page will definitely rip no matter what. personally i peel it off slowly on 140 pound paper and get minimal to no tears

[@adamsharris405]

Looks like a rubber cement remover.

[@pixelbernstein286]

So your "mask-away" is nothing more than what us old timers call a *Rubber Cement Pickup*!!!! We used to use in graphic design to clean up rubber cement. They used to cost next to nothing (less tan $1) and last for ever! We've been using them for years!! Good luck!

[@carolmasters1639]

Store your bottle upside down

[@markdonovan1540]

Don't use the hairdryer - that can make it harder to remove. Let it dry naturally and completely. You can then rub it of with your finger, ensuring fingers are clean, of course. Amazon product is a gimmick, it's totally unnecessary.

[@SomethingImpromptu]

Not a fan of Assad’s ethnonationalism & oppression of the Kurds, but it’s pretty tight that the Syrian Arab Army is revolutionizing the game in watercolor painting with new inventions!

[@cabadangokcen]

cute face

[@heeropat]

unfortunately bri sh innit

[@nina549]

Desapointing. You only talk stuff you can go to the store and but , Daaaah

[@EricaJoyArts]

Today is my first day using masking fluid. Thanks for sharing the tips!😁✌