Masking Fluid and Rubber Stamping:
Artists often use masking fluid to mask a portion of their work. The masked portion can then be painted over before the masking fluid is scraped off. This is ideal for preserving plain portions of an image or intricate shapes. Masking fluid can also be used in rubber stamping projects. While using pieces of paper as a mask is a quick and easy way to mask images and build up multiple stamped images in a design, there are times when masking fluid would be useful. It is particularly useful when watercoloring images, for instance when watercoloring a background before painting in the stamped image.
Buying Masking Fluid:
Masking fluid is readily available from artist supply stores and craft stores. It is sold in bottles of various sizes. Masking fluid drys clear which can make it difficult to see on a page, however some brands of masking fluid are sold with a colorant. This makes the masking fluid stand out on the page however there is no staining when the masking fluid is rubbed away.
Using Masking Fluid:
Masking fluid can be brushed onto a piece of paper or applied using a masking fluid pen. For most rubber stamping projects an old paint brush will be fine. When using a paintbrush it is best to wash it out straight away to avoid the paintbrush from gumming up. Masking fluid forms a rubber surface on the paper and can be cleanly rubbed off after use. The masking fluid can be painted onto the stamped image without damaging the stamped lines (although it is always worth testing this before embarking on a big project or using expensive paper).
Masking fluid can also be used to create unusual effects on paper and this can make interesting backgrounds for rubber stamping projects. Paint shapes or random marks onto a piece of paper and color this with watercolors or inks. When it is dry remove the masking fluid and the white pattern can be left as it is or colored with another wash of paint or inks.
Masking fluid works well as a complement to the stamper's normal masking technique of stamping an image onto paper and using this as a mask. The pros and cons of using masking fluids compared with using paper masks include:
Masking fluid can also be used to create unusual effects on paper and this can make interesting backgrounds for rubber stamping projects. Paint shapes or random marks onto a piece of paper and color this with watercolors or inks. When it is dry remove the masking fluid and the white pattern can be left as it is or colored with another wash of paint or inks.
Masking fluid works well as a complement to the stamper's normal masking technique of stamping an image onto paper and using this as a mask. The pros and cons of using masking fluids compared with using paper masks include:
- Pros of using masking fluid - masking fluid can be used for precision work, for instance masking an intricate shape that might be difficult to cut. It is also ideal for using when watercoloring an image as wet watercolor paint may bleed under a paper mask but won't bleed under masking fluid. Special effects can be achieved, for instance using tiny drops of masking fluid to give the impression of rain or snow.
- Drawbacks of using masking fluid - simple masking projects, for instance masking a bold shape, are likely to be quicker to do by using a paper mask. Although masking fluid is good for masking small or intricate parts of a design, very fine detailed masking may require practice and a very thin applicator to achieve successfully.
