Masking Fluid - THIS tool gives amazing results!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

What's your favorite masking fluid applicator? Drawing skills are essential for neat application, try this video next: Drawing Tutorial (AVOID these 10 Beginners' Mistakes!) kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmrWd2yhequYhM0

[@annkadish9503]

I tend to work very small and was on the lookout for a masking tool that would give me fine, clean lines. My favorite is FINELINE’s Masking Fluid Pen - supernib, fine tip that gives me a o.5mm line. The applicator is actually a hyperdermic needle. The cap contains a wire that inserts into the hollow needle, keeping clogs at bay between uses. The applicator does eventually become clogged, but can be cleaned or simply replaced with a new needle. The needles are available on Amazon, 50 needles for $9.90 US. Since first using the masking fluid pen about six months ago, I’ve replaced the needle twice.

[@marlenenakai2728]

Thank you and I agree with your final choice 👍 Minimize the outcome as they say less is more!

[@bluewren65]

@@annkadish9503 i've used a needle-type applicator as well. Works really well for fine lines and dots.

[@77Avadon77]

Your Picture and Sound are perfect 5/5

[@tammiwilliams8320]

Thank you for the video. Thanks to you, I tried the embossing tool and it worked great. Very accurate application and super easy to clean up as you work.

[@tecec3503]

I use an old cheap acrylic brush, wet it and swirl it on a bar of soap. It is the size of a #1 watercolor brush. I have also thinned my masking fluid with water so it lays very thin lines. I pick up dried masking fluid with masking tape which is far easier than an eraser is. I find that the thinner masking fluid works extremely well, dries faster and is easier to get off my paper without tearing.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for the tips!

[@sallyfoley5451]

I agree with you Tece, I've used a bar of Simple soap (no dye or perfume) which works really well. I have found though that sometimes it thins the masking fluid a little too much, so be carefull not to use too much water.

[@ltlove63]

Thank you for the added advice 👍🏼👍🏼🌹🙏😉

[@michaelklein5242]

Something new to try--thanks!

[@lucilleeidse9407]

Very interesting to know masking fluid can be thinned with a bit of water- thank you for that tip!

[@lisawik7234]

I have watched so so many watercolor background tutorials. I really struggle but I think I found my girl!! I have the day off today, I will not get anything accomplished because I will be sitting in my art area watching your videos! And playing with my paints. The dust and dirt can wait. I will clean another day!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Oh, thanks! Have a lovely day!

[@daniellabra4186]

Beautiful hands, beautiful nails, beautiful ring

[@karenwilson6483]

I recently bought a set of embossing tools and I love them. It’s nice that they have different size ends so you can do thicker or thinner lines and it cleans like a dream.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Indeed!

[@karenmcmillan5608]

Love the new camera angle. Straight above your paper is terrific.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Not 100% downwards but I can tip this one further over before it defaults to the wrong dimension video format :-)

[@mindykeys206]

Thank you so much for this. It was very helpful. I am so grateful for all the work you put into making these videos for us, it is appreciated.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

That's kind of you :-)

[@carlycharlesworth1497]

Hi Michele, thank you for doing this experiment, and for saving me from spending money needlessly. I have been thinking of getting a ruling pen, but now I will use the embossing tool I have in my nail kit. Your videos are always full of interesting things that help me tremendously. God bless you and all those you love, now and always. Have a great day!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks, you too Carly!

[@janejones5514]

From an experiment I made years ago, I turned to my embroidery equipment and found embroidery, beading and darning needles to be good candidates for applying masking fluid. Always use the eye-end of the needle as the applicator end. To protect your hands, cover the sharp ends of the needles with transparent tape. Then tape the needles (needle eye-end down) to wooden cooking skewers (cut at different lengths of your choice) to make DIY art tools which are as easily handled as pencils. The needle eye serves as a reservoir for the masking fluid and the size of the needle eye determines the width of the line which can be applied. For applying masking liquid to very fine lines use needles with very narrow eyes such as beading needles. To apply masking fluid to wider lines and to small areas use a darning needle with a wide eye. To clean the needles just use liquid soap or rubbing alcohol.

[@janejones5514]

Thank you.

[@TheSebiestor]

Regarding the specialised making fluid brushes, I'd be curious if it would clean better if it was left to dry, and then peel the dried fluid off in one motion. However, the embossing tool in my opinion was best out of all of them. Really useful video though, we definitely know what not to have a go with, great time saver for us all. Btw, that looked a really long and involved video to make complete!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Ah, you have no idea, I am more video editor than artist at times!

[@1msfit]

This was really interesting. I recently used masking fluid for only the second time. I have an embossing tool from past scrapbooking projects and did look at it, but just thought, “Nah, not going to work.” Guess I should try that now! What I did use was a different brand of double tipped masking fluid brush (Colour Shaper), also one silicone tip and one brush tip. The reviews on Amazon indicated buyers were confused as to what the brush was for and some used it for watercolor paint. Others thought it was supposed to be used for removing the masking fluid. I believe it was meant for MF application, and did just that and found that it worked well. To clean it, I rinsed it in water first and then used the same artist soap on it that I use for my paint brushes and that worked well. Also, regarding bubbles in the MF, another thing I learned from scrapbooking is that products that require some mixing but in which you want to avoid bubbles should just be swirled around until it is mixed-no shaking required. Thanks for all your hard work. Your videos are much appreciated.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Yes, I didn't expect it to work either!

[@dawnwiesner8292]

I use very small Silicone Clay Sculpting Tools-. They are rubber Tip Silicone Brushes for Pottery Clay. They are easy to clean and I can get a very fine lines. I also use the drafting tool

[@dmlejeune7618]

I buy disposable eyeliner brushes. They come with fine brush tips and foam tips. You get around 100 from Amazon for around $6 USD. I find I can reuse them if I want using the dishwashing soap method, but I don't feel bad if I have to throw them away. They also work well with watercolor for fine lines of paint, like whiskers.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for sharing!

[@paulettepaulsen2336]

I really liked this comparison tutorial. Awhile back I dug out masking fluid I ordered 6 years ago (it was still good!). Tried toothpicks - nope. Tried an old brush - globbed up immediately. Then ordered a cheap nail decor set, the silicone tips were not too bad, but it included a few metal embossing tips and I like using them. Can get some really fine lines with them too.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Easy clean up too!

[@babytuksbaby]

Visually I find the ruling pen‘s results most appealing ☺️

[@reneerose9730]

I don’t know if anyone said this already but the dish soap is supposed to be completely dry on brush before dipping in masking fluid. Excellent tests. Thank you!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Great tip!

[@deeanncross7674]

Yay! I have 3 different sizes of embossing tools. I was considering buying a ruling pen, but will hold off for now. The silicon brushes are very easy to clean, but not my favorite. Didn't like using a dip pen at all and have never tried a soapy paint brush. So happy you experimented on behalf of us all. Great video.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No worries!

[@l.e.brentwood3137]

I prefer the ruling pen. There are several different sizes for larger and very detailed work. No problems, however I am going to try the paint brush. So many wonderful tips!

[@stormy439]

I like the 4' from the picture on the mantle and a good toss of masking fluid approach... but I will give an Embossing tool a try because I lack said mantle! Thankyou for yet another great video! 😃👍🇺🇸

[@delphinewood7519]

I laughed out loud as I listened to your way of making your points. So enlightening! Thanks for taking the time to create this comparison video. I also wanted to thank you for reminding me part way through the video to hit the thumbs up button. I wait weekly for your videos and hit play sometimes before I even hit the like button. I love all your tutorials.💙🙏🌵🌵🌵🌵🌵

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks so much!

[@lisap5615]

Although I have not tried this myself yet, I read some reviews on the masking fluid brushes, which offered a few tips on how to get the most of these brushes. One person said to wet the brush before using it for easier clean up. Another said to dip it in soapy water before using. Another said it helps to clean it in warm soapy water periodically while still in the process of using it. If you liked the way these brushes worked to apply the masking fluid as well as the result you achieved, these tips might be worth a try.

[@natashawebb9496]

I had my old trusty ruling pen for years, perfect for applying masking fluid. Sadly I lost it and have been trying to find a decent replacement but finding them either too scratchy, thick or the nib just not quite right. Thanks to your excellent video, I have just purchased some embossing tools and am excited to test them. Thank you- I didn't even know these tools existed. By the way I found your video very entertaining and highly amusing alongside being really clear and informative. I shall certainly be watching more Michele 😊

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you so much, I'm glad you enjoyed this one!

[@DarkMoonSanctuary]

❤ I use my embossing tools and yes I appreciate the different sizes. Great video as always...

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for watching!

[@mrs.m.b.3630]

Wonderful! Loved this experiment and seeing how each worked. Also your sense of humor and fairness lol. Now I know what tool I'm reaching for next time! Thank you!

[@aliciashackley5830]

As expected great video with lots of useful points. I love using masking fluid and have tried lots of different tools. The takeaway for me is that it’s an individual choice. Thx as always Michele. 🥰💕🐶💕🥰

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Absolutely!

[@ronamansfield6773]

I have a lot of different sized knitting needles. They work great for masking fluid.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

That's a great idea!

[@patferguson572]

Thank you Michelle. I've tried most of the 'tools', including the 'pen' I made from my slender bamboo. However, never used embossing tool. I have in a box somewhere, given to me as a teenager. [66 y/o now]. NEVER USED IT! Wow, now have to find it! This would be a good time to declutter my house. YAY!! Not only find a brilliant masking fluid tool, BUT more importantly, the mental peace which comes from decluttering. Thank you Michelle. This video may have saved my sanity! LOL Thank you, Sweet Pea. from Qld. Oz

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are welcome! I am also decluttering, it's so important as life changes I think :-)

[@susanreinersuedahl]

I like to use wooden pointy clay molding tools to apply my masking fluid. I just peel the dired masking fluid off of the clay tool and use it again. Great video Michele. Saves me and all of us from having to do this test. I was thinking of trying a dip pen but I will stick with my clay tool and embossing tool. Thanks.

[@scottkendall5655]

Glad the silicone brushes were included. I've been using them with happy success for a bit now. I bought a set of five of the #2 size from the local HobLob, and a couple have a nice fine point to make thin lines...so thin, I only remembered where I put them by feel across the surface of my paper as they were too dainty to see clearly. PLUS, they have a zero problem with clean up, leave them alone go back in a few minutes and just rub the frisket off with your fingers. Easy Peasy.

[@sharonbaker8851]

Love all your videos and tutorials! Appreciate having this applicator information so I don't have to test them out for myself. I am a watercolor newbie and do not have many materials/tools yet, so the one time I have used masking fluid, I sharpened a sturdy twig in an electric pencil sharpener and dulled the tip with sandpaper. (I think I got that ideal from a Karen Rice video.) This actually worked pretty well for me, for my purposes anyway. (p.s. I think bruises don't hurt as much when you can picture what the "other guy" has. Would like to see a clip from your class and see your other skills! 🤣😉)

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Lol maybe one day. I barely bruise now (trauma training). The beginners are in a state though ;-)

[@captlynhall]

Spot on video. I just purchased masking fluid and have yet to use it. So was researching what the best applicator would be to apply it. You just saved me money. I have a large variety of the embossing tools, and a bunch of cheap brushes. So I will just use what I have. Surely appreciate all the work you put into this study. Can't wait to view more of your videos.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@deborahgoodwin3426]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Up to this point in time, I have been using the drafting pen. But, I just recently purchased a set of embossing tools, all different sizes, and have yet to try them. After having watched all of the work you invested on our behalf, I can't wait to try out my embossing tools. Again, thank you!!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are so welcome!

[@barbarachapman4114]

Thanks for the masking fluid lesson! I normally make a mess of it. I'm excited to try the different ways to use it.

[@christinewrestsmith6957]

Love your videos, you speak clearly and concisely and your delivery is gentle and thoughtful.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you! 😊

[@lenaislena134]

Love your scientific approach to this! I'm the same especially with colour mixing, treat it like science experiments! I've discovered a new appliction tool that might interest you.. if you have an empty Golden High Flow bottle (or similar twist applicator mechanism) it means you can apply it continuously like a pen although not really suitable for finer detail, and it's easy to unclog any dried fluid on the opening. Good for splashing dots too, and there is a little room for variation of how open the tip is

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Interesting!

[@warpedweft9004]

At the art society I am a member of, they use picksters, those plastic brushy things you use instead of dental floss. The masking fluid comes off them easily but they are horrible to use unless you want to fill in a reasonably large area and don't care about being particularly accurate. Most of my fellow members paint very loosely, so accuracy isn't an issue for them, but I'm more of a precise painter and want more accuracy. I had been thinking about getting a tracing pen, but now I'm going to try out an embossing tool instead, as I have several in different sizes in my craft room.

[@shirleydavis6864]

I have used an old-fashioned Speedball calligraphy dip pen and it does a nice job of giving thick to thin lines when sketching with masking fluid for things like grass and weeds in a painting. It is not too hard to clean with running water and your fingernail. I love your fun video. We are all guilty of taking ourselves much too seriously! Thanks from North Carolina USA.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Great tip! Thanks for watching!

[@frankmazzant2868]

You actually maybe me laugh with some of your comments. I liked the get. I use an old brush with water diluted soap. I’ve tried the other methods except for the embossing tool. I’ll try it. Thanks. Hope your concussion gets better.

[@caroles5258]

I love your analogy of throwing the masking fluid at the painting, lol

[@michaelklein5242]

Thanks for demonstrating these varied techniques--it has saved me time poking around with them myself, Michele. I'll have to try that throwing the bottle of masking fluid at the picture from four feet away! Lately, I use a ruling pen to outline the area, then use a very manky brush to fill the area in. I've not used the dish cleaning liquid on a brush yet, so will give it a try.

[@margaretstewart4058]

Love your sense of humor Michele. I have a ruling pen that I like to use for masking fluid. I've tried the toothpick with no success. I've also tried an embossing tool but prefer the ruling pen. I'm afraid to use a brush because I don't have that many brushes that I can afford to ruin if it doesn't clean up properly. Thank you for this informative video.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No problem Margaret!

[@ltlove63]

Thank you Michele 🙏 i have been curious about the use of this product. extremely helpful video 👍🏼👍🏼🌹🙏

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@deniseracine6788]

I always enjoy your videos and find them very interesting and educational. What I don’t usually do is laugh out loud. This video was an exception. I couldn’t help laughing when you used the toothpick and the glass pen. You’re a real trooper for going through with it despite the obvious disasters!😂

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I couldn't stop once committed 😂

[@bonnieg4076]

Great informative comparison. Thank you. I use cheap brushes from the bargain store, trim them to size, then toss them after a few uses. No soap except for washing later.

[@taw1117]

very informative, thank you!

[@tiffanyhohmannjacobsen7858]

Agree I love the different sizes of the tool I got when I ordered the ones that are used in acrylic nail art. They really work well, the embossing tool and make beautiful deep lines for leaves and the watercolor settles into the lines. Lovely lovely

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Yes they do

[@jennymurray2873]

The first time I used masking fluid, I applied it with a mapping pen and it worked reasonably well. Since then I haven't got it to work very well and used an embossing tool, silicone tool, old paint brush dipped in washing up liquid. I haven't used masking fluid for a while as nothing has worked as well as that first time. Relegated it to the bottom of my bag in disgust

[@lucilleeidse9407]

Watching you go through these I felt that the embossing tool was the best option but I did go ahead and order a set of the special masking fluid brushes. I was using a small inexpensive brush dipped in dish soap but it only took one instance of being too slow to clean it before it was done so I’m happy to find other options! Thank you Michelle

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@suziemizon685]

Just started painting my first ever watercolour prompted by and following Michele's Distant Trees tutorial .... so pleased with my results after a very nervous start! I used the ruling pen for the fence too like Michele did and I found it, and the masking fluid process much easier than expected - it didn't even vlog and worked just as well for me as it did for Michele in the tutorial 😊 Thank you so much for getting me started on my painting journey - giving me the confidence to have a bash🙏🌳

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

That's great Suzie!

[@anitakim]

This was so helpful - thank you! I had only ever heard to dip your brush in soap beforehand and to use a brush you wouldn't mind ruined. I did both things and the brush got ruined. I'm not sure if I didn't put enough soap on, or what. This video came up and I appreciated your going through all of the techniques that I hadn't heard of, and showing how they go.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Many people use the soap method, but I don't fully trust it!

[@jlighthouse9458]

Good demo ! Than you !

[@natlisan]

Thanks Michele for another great tips video. I've always used the old paint brush and dish soap method myself for the most part! My trick is to leave the dish soap out to let it dry, It becomes almost like a gel. I apply a very thin coat then I dip into the masking fluid, I repeat this frequently to keep the masking from drying in my brush. I have never had any issues with having soap residue interfering with my paper surface. I've also used masking fluid markers and needle applicator's which also work pretty effectively.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Oh, great tip, thanks!

[@connied8507]

I bought ink nibs for easy cleanup but I have embossing tools that would dent the paper less.🤔😏 I'll definitely try embossing tools first 🥇

[@captlynhall]

Just a thought. Using soap, instead of dishwashing liquid which is a detergent, may have made clean up a bit easier. Soap has fats in it that would perhaps coat the bristles, just as soap leaves a scum in the shower while body washes that are detergents, don't.

[@pagalmasala]

Love you Michele Webber! I have your watercolor class but haven't really used it...just a few sections. Thank you for showing us about the masking fluid. It really smells bad though! Make sure you're in a well ventilated room. Masking fluid stinks like ammonia when wet! ICK!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

If it smells bad it's probably gone off (happens a lot actually). Thanks for watching!

[@triciashelton8482]

I use a water brush filled with soapy water (I use a small brush). Dip it in the masking fluid (I prefer Pebeo), and start masking for awhile. You can squeeze some soapy water through it to clean it, wipe it off, dip back into the masking fluid, and go again. Your brush stays clean, with minimal amount of soap ever touching the masking fluid or paper. Thanks for another good video.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

What a great tip, and one I haven't heard!

[@anni50ful]

I use the old brush dipped in washing up liquid or just an old brush that I can toss in the bin, I never thought to use my embossing tool it will be a lot cheaper in the long run , please be aware ,I recently used blue masking fluid and because I'm only human used my fingers to remove it, the whole painting ripped which does not happen when I do the same thing to white masking fluid,I was very upset as I was about to enter my painting into our local art exhibition, the air was as blue as the masking fluid , I retrieved it from the bin and used a eraser this time it worked! , so huge lesson learnt 🙄 thank you interesting experiment ☺

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Yes so many varying factors!

[@doninis1354]

Toothpic, dip pen and glas dip use is a no go for me, never would I ever had tryed that. I use silicon tools and pointing tools or the back of a brusch.

[@debbiegriffiths2562]

Thanks for such a comprehensive comparison test, Michelle. I’ve tried a dip pen and a toothpick. Both were pretty dreadful. I’m quite happy with laundry soap on a small, old brush and I’m scrupulous with washing it out as soon as I’m done. Not aware of any impact of the soap on paint but then I don’t have enough experience to spot the impact. Don’t have an embossing tool but thought (or fun) I would try out a knitting needle as I have plenty of broken ones. Will comment again if I have success!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Oh, let me know how it goes. I suspect the little ball on the end of the embossing tool makes a difference. You can buy them in the nail section of cheap shops.

[@1TimothyFourTen]

I'm really glad I came across your youtube channel and I'm very grateful for your videos and tutorials and tips and tricks, Michele!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Happy to help!

[@momostewart9771]

I've always used my silicone shading tool, but will try my embossing tool next. Thanks for your time spent analysing+testing for us. 🙏

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are most welcome :-)

[@debh3404]

I love that ruling pen. Thank you!

[@susanbuckley1964]

Very interesting experiment Michele. I normally use a masking fluid brush which I find works quite well, but it definitely does not clean easily and like you I find little bits get left behind in the bristles. I shall try an embossing tool for comparison. Thanks for sharing this........... and the new phone worked well !

[@susieunderwood4645]

A very helpful and interesting video, Michele - thank you! I've used a small stick from the garden (sharpened in a pencil sharpener), tooth pick and cheap synthetic brush for masking fluid application. I'll need to try an embossing pen.

[@darlenedybas9706]

Thank you! Learned a lot very nicely done.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Great to hear!

[@ecleARTia]

This is very helpful, thank you! I also enjoyed seeing how your beautiful ring and nails perfectly matched the colors of your test painting. 😊

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you so much!

[@lyndamitton4496]

I’m really appreciating your demonstrations, as I am not consistent with good results with masking fluid! Thanks!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No problem, I have a whole playlist of masking fluid videos which may help you :-)

[@lindarushford1613]

Great video, I use a plastic fruit kabob skewer. Easy to use and cleanup

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Great tip!

[@pjprimadonna]

thanks michele for putting so much effort into this video. very helpful and very entertaining🙏

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@marlenenakai2728]

Thank you and I agree with your final outcome 👍 Minimize the outcome as they say less is more😃

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Absolutely!

[@lisa0j]

That was super helpful! I’ve just bought some masking fluid and thanks to your advice I will use the embossing tools that I use for dot-painting. 😊

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ellerob7292]

I’m a beginner at watercolor & recently started following your channel. I really enjoy your teaching style & personality Michelle! I love cats too! 🐈 Ellen in SC (USA)

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Hi Ellen thanks for following 👋🐱

[@scoiataeli]

Just how useful this video is! 😍 omg, thank you very much for saving my nerves, time and money 🙏 I have an embossing tool at home, I will try it with masking fluid! ❤️

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Hope it works well!

[@anitadavidson1266]

An extremely informative video Michelle, thank you. I am yet to use masking fluid but have both ruling pen and those same SAA brushes (I’m a member). Very grateful for showing some of the perils of those! I own lots of different embossing tools I used in polymer clay modelling, so now I know exactly what to use when I get to this stage. Hope you have a pleasant week. 🖌🎨👩‍🎨

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks, you too!

[@DottieStanley]

I really appreciate the way you did this video. Very to the point about each tool and the examples of each one were very helpful. I got so excited when you started to apply the paints to all of them. I use a rather cheap set of acrylic brushes to apply the blue masking fluid like you used. I spray painted all of the handles a bright yellow, so that I know they are the masking fluid brushes. I keep them separate from all of my other watercolor brushes. I can't imagine how people work with the white masking fluid. Just thinking about that wears me out.

[@melaniebaynes2730]

Thanks Michele, not only informative, but entertaining too - you crack me up at times😂. I was surprised you didn't give an applicator bottle/tip (such as Daniel Smith's) a trial, but you certainly tried a good few methods. I bought such a bottle, but am not that impressed. I just hate masking fluid full stop, and try not to use it if I can help it, but obviously there are occasions when it can't be avoided. As an alternative to the liquid washing up soap, I have seen others suggest using a block of soap, that you slightly damp your brush prior to rubbing onto the block. That would probably stop any possibility of washing up liquid getting onto the paper. Really appreciate you making these videos, thank you. 🙏💖

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I tend to avoid the applicator bottles of fluid, they only work well for a while before blocking up I find!

[@melaniebaynes2730]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber I find it still blobs, and it is an absolute beggar to keep clear! Just hate masking fluid!

[@katemccarthy2463]

Also love your sense of humour.

[@nanschifris8734]

I’m so glad you did this experiment!! I like using my ruling pen and I like using a toothbrush to spatter for a snow or star effect. Other than those, I’ve never liked anything else for the same reasons you found. I have several embossing tools and will try them on my next masking fluid adventure. Thank you so much for sharing this great comparison!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No problem!

[@kellyhalligan1328]

Thanks! i found a large set of nail embossing tools on amazon for $5.99!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Bargain!

[@sherryfurr9115]

Excellent Michele. I bought a ruling pen after seeing what you use and so far it has worked OK. Because the embossing tool is so cheap I may try that. And I love your sense of humor.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks!

[@cindyhills5593]

I love you humor. Thanks for an informative and entertaining video.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Oh thank you!

[@michaelklein5242]

Hey there! Wanted to check in with a report on my experience using washing up liquid in conjunction with a brush and masking fluid. I started with a drop or so of Dawn Dish Washing liquid on the brush, which was one that came with a set of Faber-Castell pan watercolors. Poured the Winsor Newton masking fluid in paper cup and dipped the brush in. It went on very smoothly, but I found the soap affected the strength of the masking fluid. It either didn't protect the area, nor would residual fluid come off the paper. I switch to a rather stiff nylon water brush (no water inside) and amazingly that has done a great job and the brush comes out almost unfazed--nothing found visually! One frustrating thing I've discovered is that when rubbing off the masking fluid with one of those specialty pads is that it also removed my needed pencil marks. I will try removing the masking fluid with my finger instead tonight. So, that rubbery little pad acts just like a pencil eraser I guess!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Really interesting, thank you for your feedback!

[@Gingercat662]

Thanks Michele for all the time you put in to thoroughly test all the methods! I bought an inexpensive embossing set to try out for another reason, now I'll test them out with masking fluid too.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Hope it works for you :-)

[@lindafowble3204]

Great comparison! I've tried all but the toothpick and embossing tool (which I will try next). I have one other tool that I love which is a bamboo pen for lines. I also like the color shaper tools for larger areas.

[@jackiemiller1408]

I have been using the silicone rubber tips with fair results, I do blot it on the side of my container after I dip it and that helps avoid excess, I bought a set with 3 sizes which helps. I tried the ruling pen when I first began using masking fluid, and found it very inconsistent in the amount I got onto the paper, either not enough or blobs. I haven't tried my embossing tool but I'm going to on my next project that needs masking. Thanks again for an excellent instructive video.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You're welcome!

[@myrajoyce3494]

Thanks Michele. Very informative and entertaining.

[@cherylchamberlain838]

These are very good tips, Michele. Thank you ❤

[@vonniebash9509]

Michele your tutorial is always so good and informative with chuckles throughout! Thank you for all the work you put into making these for us! I got so disgusted with masking fluid I threw it out. Today I will go get more and the embossing tool! All of my masking fluid attempts have turned out very much like yours with the toothpick! I am excited to give this another try! can’t thank you enough for all the work you have put in to help us wannabe artists! Thank you thank you thank you!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are very welcome Vonnie :-)

[@eagercrafter_9014]

Love this, never used it before, but I have tons of dotting tools.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Hope it works, give it a try!

[@stephanieh930]

Excellent presentation and comparison of our options, thank you! Also gave me a good laugh (even though I am sorry for the glass dip pen experience). I have only used masking fluid a couple of times - used old paintbrush, the "Molotow" masking liquid marker, and haven't tried the silicone 'nail tools' that I bought yet. The Molotow marker is convenient for small spots, hopefully it doesn't dry up before I want to use it again ;)

[@lindaolsen7828]

I have used a cheap synthetic brush rubbed on soap and one of the paint pushers with a rubber tip. I tried toothpicks and twigs. But I dislike using the masking fluid so much because of applicators that I avoid using it as much as possible. I will consider trying the embossor tool, though. Thank you for this experiment!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No problem!

[@raybeaumont7670]

Hi Michele. I use a dip pen - one that is old and flexible - and it is only used for this job. I have others for ink and they never come in contact with masking fluid. For reserving looser areas I use the ultra cheap brushes from "The Works" - coated with ordinary hand soap they will last a few applications and cheap enough to chuck in the bin.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Ah, I hate throwing stuff out though :-) :-)

[@catherinehubbard1167]

Very interesting, thank you! I would not have thought of using an embossing tool for applying masking fluid, but I will definitely try it after seeing your success with it. I’ll have to be careful not to bear down at all because I will want to avoid “bruising” the paper or depressing the lines I make. Question: have you tried diluting the masking fluid to various extents? I am wondering if it would still mask and peel off with, say, 10 or 25% water added in your dish of masking fluid that you have taken from the bottle. The idea would be to try to get smooth application and a finer line because of slightly lower viscosity. Some experimentation would be needed and I wondered if you’d done any.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I have diluted it yes, but I didn't measure the amount. It's always best to test a sample :-)

[@valeriegehling4358]

Really glad I watched your comparisons! Very watch-worthy! ( ‘ cuse my English! ). Thanks. Will probably re-watch later.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sue9435]

I’m going to try the embossing pen now! Another great video, thankyou 😀

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Good luck :-)

[@katemccarthy2463]

Hi Michelle, thank you again for a really great tutorial. I hope you get all the support in reaching your YT goals. Simply for selfish reasons I want to continue watching and learning more.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you so much! I'm not going anywhere :-)

[@debpate9405]

If one does not have these tools for fine lines a bent open paper clip or a nail will work in a pinch. Great info here. Debra L Pate Art

[@pintsizestories196]

This is so helpful. Saves me struggling trying different applicators. I have saved an old ballpoint pen that's out of ink and hope to try it soon. Just not sure because the ball moves but it would be round like the embossing tool. I have used a fairly thin knitting needle and it works not too badly. Very easy to clean.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Worth a try!

[@lynnswango8768]

I was surprised as I usually use the ruling tool. Will try the embossing tool as I have a variety of sizes. Good video!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for watching!

[@marilynbeeby6435]

Great video Michele, I'll definitely be investing in an embossing tool, although I do like my dipping pen for seeded grasses, it seems to work well with a quick flick to get the tapered end. Thanks again Michele and btw, it was worth waiting for 😊

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Aw thanks ☺️

[@debbiepledgeryannakakis6763]

Thanks for the research, made choices easier

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No problem 👍