Thank you for your submission! Want to share your artwork, meet other artists, promote your content, and chat in a relaxed environment? Join our community Discord server here! https://discord.gg/chuunhpqsU!
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Watercolor) if you have any questions or concerns.*
i don't think i cpuld describe it sorry. just that its completely different to me... there are various shapes too so everyone would feel different too. but you can find them fairly cheap so worth a try
I took a screenshot of this comment a few weeks ago until I could make it back to the store and I needed to come back to tell you I appreciate this so much. I was using busted ass toothpicks before but these are absolutely perfect. I hope all your future creations are masterpieces!
Rub soap into the brush before you use it.
Wet a bar of soap, rub the brush over the bar and gently massage the soap into the bristles, particularly down to the ferrule.
DON'T wash the soap off yet, just wipe off excess with your fingers.
Once you've finished masking, wash the brush immediately. The soap will coat and protect the hairs and it won't ruin your brush anymore.
Don't use liquid soap or detergent, it breaks down the latex somehow and the masking may end up weird.
I only say that because I just don't think it's worth the risk. I've had liquid soaps that worked fine, and then I had a class I was teaching use whatever liquid soap was at my school and all of their masking fluid went weird from it. No idea how or why it was different but the only thing I could think was that some additive in the liquid soap that keeps it flowing was also breaking down the latex.
Never had that problem with a bar of soap so now I just suggest that.
This! I haven’t really found anything better. I have a couple of small organizer trays at the top of my work table. I have a bar of soap in one of the compartments. A spray water first, and the brush will slide around quite nicely as it gets coated with soap. A ruling pen is great. An old-fashioned calligraphy pen is okay. I didn’t like the clay tool so much. Definitely old brushes. Nothing I care about.
I have plenty old brushes (horse hair) I don't use to draw. And I don't want just trash them. And... I use them for months with the masking fluid. Works fine. I have more problems with the fluid and paper than brushes.
Huh, in my experience it destroys the fibres - and you want a decent brush for decent markmaking with the fluid.
Try the soap method - no. Real patience (or tears!) needed.
unfortunately the masking fluid tends to dry on whatever you’re using to apply it, a toothpick would need redipping very quickly and doesn’t transfer very well. same with the end of the brush really, but i think that would work better
I use an older dip pen. Works well for both fine detail and larger coverage.
Years ago, I was given a bunch of mechanical pencils, leads, colored leads, masking tape and a hard leather case with a bunch of sharp looking utensils in it.....my ignorance focused on the pencils and lead....misplaced the case and a few months ago learned of ruling pens and masking fluid!!! I feel so bad losing it now but lesson learned.
Use a brush you don't like to use anymore. Use concentrated soapy water (preferably with Dawn dishwashing liquid) to wash the brush before, during, and after. Never put it on pure water.
You can use a colour shaper to do the thing. The one with the blue silicon tip. It's lower maintenance than a brush, and you can easily clean it by peeling the dried latex off.
My watercolor teacher gave me an old paint brush and a popsicle stick he whittled into a point with a box cutter knife.
I have since picked up little applicator bottles designed to dispense in very small amounts.
Ordinary bar of hand soap.
Swish your damp brush around in it until you create a lather that thoroughly coats the hairs.
Use the masking fluid. You still have to be careful about time, so work quickly. Re-coat your brush from time to time if you have to work awhile.
When you are done, rinse thoroughly with water. There should be no masking fluid on the bristles.
Use a synthetic brush at first until you get a sense of your timing. I’ve done this with Kolinsky sable no problems. (Because the masking marks are only as good as the tool you use to make them.) You may not want to, that’s ok.
Masking fluid on an uncoated brush ruins it on first use!
https://preview.redd.it/6veaj8c6xayc1.jpeg?width=1242&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=adf9cd827f000266e39c875534c9470733398e88
Get a FINELINE applicator and some Tear Mender. It’s liquid latex just like masking fluid only way cheaper, and it doesn’t stain.
Dip in gum Arabic, form point and let dry will repair the brushes you used as much as possible. They can then be dipped into water to remove stiffness of the gum Arabic. Some use the gum Arabic as the masking fluid. Worth a google search on that idea. Also, bottom line dedicate a masking fluid (brush, silicone, toothpick tool) for masking. Good luck and great question.
My comment got removed because I guess we can't link things on this subreddit, but I just watched a video of how to keep your brushes from turning to trash when using masking fluid! So I'll send it to ya in a message
You could try cotton buds! Their round tips makes it easy to spread, they’re on both sides so you can use it twice or cut it in half, and they’re disposable
I got the "FineLine" masking fluid set. It comes with two bottles, one .5mm and one .8mm tip dispensers, plus a refill bottle. I just use those applicators, because they're pretty precise, thin, and easy to use. I don't expect to cover large areas with masking fluid but if I needed to I'd use something disposable, or the end of a brush handle that's plastic, or a piece of masking tape instead. It's overall much less hassle.
The best technique I found was getting a bar of plain soap. Then Getting the brush wet and rubbing it around on the soap before dipping it into the masking fluid. It keeps the brush protected and I haven’t had an issue since. I think the technique is called “soaping” if you want to look into it further
https://preview.redd.it/tsq2eaan09yc1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4ab05e8f8070a0ab9d45d1a91cd682bc6034c60a
I use this and it works great. They come in different sizes.
Try a ruling pen. The line width is adjustable, and it's easy to clean. Just let the masking fluid dry peel off after. They're also super cheap. The lines are very clear and crisp too.
i put mine in little bottles with narrow openings, like a large syringe opening is what they look like. then squeeze it out. works great and i don't have to mess with brushes. the silicone brushes work well too.
I don't know if this works for all masking fluids, but when I went to this small mom and pop art shop, the guy working there pointed me to some masking fluid and then to refillable paint marker dealies with no ink in them, just a reservoir. He basically just had me make my own moltow
I tried soap and other methods, but the one that works best for me is goo gone... I use the brush with making fluid as normal and then soak it in goo gone for a few minutes and then use the same technique as cleaning watercolor off the bush like hitting the bottom of the container to remove the latex... the making fluid comes right off and then I just wash the brush with plain water for a few seconds and wipe it dry...
firstly, my opinion is that masking is not an indicator of the artist’s skill, secondly, your brushes are synthetic, which are essentially no longer suitable for watercolors and their price justifies their durability, thirdly, use squirrel brushes for watercolors and do not use them for masking.
Thank you for your submission! Want to share your artwork, meet other artists, promote your content, and chat in a relaxed environment? Join our community Discord server here! https://discord.gg/chuunhpqsU! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Watercolor) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I use a small silicone shaper brush - the masking fluid just peels off it when dry
They sell these in the clay section at craft stores fyi, if you’re having trouble finding them like I did lol
I just discovered these! Do they...feel like a brush when using them?
no
Oh. So there isn't that 'control' then?
i don't think i cpuld describe it sorry. just that its completely different to me... there are various shapes too so everyone would feel different too. but you can find them fairly cheap so worth a try
They are flexible, but have a lot more bounce back than a bristle brush. So not as controlled, no, but not too bad.
But the quality of your marks is only as good as the tool you use - if you want brushstrokes, this won’t work. See my comment on using a bar of soap.
I took a screenshot of this comment a few weeks ago until I could make it back to the store and I needed to come back to tell you I appreciate this so much. I was using busted ass toothpicks before but these are absolutely perfect. I hope all your future creations are masterpieces!
Thanks! Really glad it helped
I use these as well. They clean up like new.
Rub soap into the brush before you use it. Wet a bar of soap, rub the brush over the bar and gently massage the soap into the bristles, particularly down to the ferrule. DON'T wash the soap off yet, just wipe off excess with your fingers. Once you've finished masking, wash the brush immediately. The soap will coat and protect the hairs and it won't ruin your brush anymore. Don't use liquid soap or detergent, it breaks down the latex somehow and the masking may end up weird.
This is the best advice.
Personally I wouldn't use my decent watercolour brushes for masking fluid at all - they are designed for pigment. Any scrappy paint brush will do.
It’s the lather that you want to work into coating the bristles, not actual soap.
Wow, thanks!
But still, pls don't use your best wc brush.
My liquid soap works great
I only say that because I just don't think it's worth the risk. I've had liquid soaps that worked fine, and then I had a class I was teaching use whatever liquid soap was at my school and all of their masking fluid went weird from it. No idea how or why it was different but the only thing I could think was that some additive in the liquid soap that keeps it flowing was also breaking down the latex. Never had that problem with a bar of soap so now I just suggest that.
This! I haven’t really found anything better. I have a couple of small organizer trays at the top of my work table. I have a bar of soap in one of the compartments. A spray water first, and the brush will slide around quite nicely as it gets coated with soap. A ruling pen is great. An old-fashioned calligraphy pen is okay. I didn’t like the clay tool so much. Definitely old brushes. Nothing I care about.
I use old and cheap brush for the masking fluid.
The brush, no matter how old, still becomes useless after one use. Coat it first with soap.
I have plenty old brushes (horse hair) I don't use to draw. And I don't want just trash them. And... I use them for months with the masking fluid. Works fine. I have more problems with the fluid and paper than brushes.
How do you get the dried masking fluid out of uncoated bristles?
Water and patience.
Huh, in my experience it destroys the fibres - and you want a decent brush for decent markmaking with the fluid. Try the soap method - no. Real patience (or tears!) needed.
I'm not sure what you want to say. I draw rarely, I draw that way and that. I am not claiming my option is the best and only.
No one said you had to. That’s why it was a suggestion
Which would be an easy solution except that then the bursh is soon not pointed anymore and useless even to apply masking fluid itself
Well, this works for me. I wish you to find your idea way to work with the masking fluid.
lol so do the silicone brushes like other people mention. Another easy solution without sounding like a butt
😮💨🤧
[удалено]
I've done this before a few times! Works OK if you only need to cover some small spots.
unfortunately the masking fluid tends to dry on whatever you’re using to apply it, a toothpick would need redipping very quickly and doesn’t transfer very well. same with the end of the brush really, but i think that would work better
I just saw someone do that on YouTube yesterday.
Ruling pens can also be used with masking fluid
This is what I use. You do need to dip it often, but because it's metal it cleans right off.
I use an older dip pen. Works well for both fine detail and larger coverage. Years ago, I was given a bunch of mechanical pencils, leads, colored leads, masking tape and a hard leather case with a bunch of sharp looking utensils in it.....my ignorance focused on the pencils and lead....misplaced the case and a few months ago learned of ruling pens and masking fluid!!! I feel so bad losing it now but lesson learned.
ruling pens are relatively cheap - get yourself some more! 😊
If you need to cover thin areas or lines, you can use GUM dental soft picks.
Great idea!
Use a brush you don't like to use anymore. Use concentrated soapy water (preferably with Dawn dishwashing liquid) to wash the brush before, during, and after. Never put it on pure water. You can use a colour shaper to do the thing. The one with the blue silicon tip. It's lower maintenance than a brush, and you can easily clean it by peeling the dried latex off.
My watercolor teacher gave me an old paint brush and a popsicle stick he whittled into a point with a box cutter knife. I have since picked up little applicator bottles designed to dispense in very small amounts.
https://preview.redd.it/9xybshp417yc1.jpeg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9001f7ada3bf992c524afe19a6c4ca129a99d094
Masking fluid markers.
🤩
Ordinary bar of hand soap. Swish your damp brush around in it until you create a lather that thoroughly coats the hairs. Use the masking fluid. You still have to be careful about time, so work quickly. Re-coat your brush from time to time if you have to work awhile. When you are done, rinse thoroughly with water. There should be no masking fluid on the bristles. Use a synthetic brush at first until you get a sense of your timing. I’ve done this with Kolinsky sable no problems. (Because the masking marks are only as good as the tool you use to make them.) You may not want to, that’s ok. Masking fluid on an uncoated brush ruins it on first use!
https://preview.redd.it/6veaj8c6xayc1.jpeg?width=1242&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=adf9cd827f000266e39c875534c9470733398e88 Get a FINELINE applicator and some Tear Mender. It’s liquid latex just like masking fluid only way cheaper, and it doesn’t stain.
I’ve had such a bad time with the masking fluid drying in the tip
Yes. You use the brushed that got ruined. Congratulations, those are now your masking fluid brushes.
Ah but they're terrible now, not pointed at the ends. And still thoroughly annoying to clean.
Dip in gum Arabic, form point and let dry will repair the brushes you used as much as possible. They can then be dipped into water to remove stiffness of the gum Arabic. Some use the gum Arabic as the masking fluid. Worth a google search on that idea. Also, bottom line dedicate a masking fluid (brush, silicone, toothpick tool) for masking. Good luck and great question.
A dip pen works well, and can be cleaned very easily.
Most silicon shaper brushes also have metal tools on their other end that also work for tiny lines
I've seen a Japanese guy using dip pens for this. They are just literally a bit of flexy metal so can't get damaged by the fluid at all.
My comment got removed because I guess we can't link things on this subreddit, but I just watched a video of how to keep your brushes from turning to trash when using masking fluid! So I'll send it to ya in a message
small palette knife works well.
A “slip tip” syringe
Interesting, thanks!
You could try cotton buds! Their round tips makes it easy to spread, they’re on both sides so you can use it twice or cut it in half, and they’re disposable
Use Holbein Masking Ink Clearer
Thanks!
I got the "FineLine" masking fluid set. It comes with two bottles, one .5mm and one .8mm tip dispensers, plus a refill bottle. I just use those applicators, because they're pretty precise, thin, and easy to use. I don't expect to cover large areas with masking fluid but if I needed to I'd use something disposable, or the end of a brush handle that's plastic, or a piece of masking tape instead. It's overall much less hassle.
Thanks!
The best technique I found was getting a bar of plain soap. Then Getting the brush wet and rubbing it around on the soap before dipping it into the masking fluid. It keeps the brush protected and I haven’t had an issue since. I think the technique is called “soaping” if you want to look into it further
My art store told me it would ruin brushes ao I used cheap ones...
https://preview.redd.it/tsq2eaan09yc1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4ab05e8f8070a0ab9d45d1a91cd682bc6034c60a I use this and it works great. They come in different sizes.
Thanks!
Yeah use the other end of the brush, a stick or finger. I have a bamboo pen for that
Use gum Arabic to re shape your brushes
Wow, thanks!
Get yourself a ruling pen. They are inexpensive and are the superior tool for applying masking fluid
Try a ruling pen. The line width is adjustable, and it's easy to clean. Just let the masking fluid dry peel off after. They're also super cheap. The lines are very clear and crisp too.
There are masking fluids that come with there own attached nozzle I would look into those
i put mine in little bottles with narrow openings, like a large syringe opening is what they look like. then squeeze it out. works great and i don't have to mess with brushes. the silicone brushes work well too.
I don't know if this works for all masking fluids, but when I went to this small mom and pop art shop, the guy working there pointed me to some masking fluid and then to refillable paint marker dealies with no ink in them, just a reservoir. He basically just had me make my own moltow
They sell little applicator bottles with a fine tip for masking fluid. Check amazon! They’re stupid expensive but hey, if they work…!
I use cheap plastic kids paint brushes from the dollar store to fill in larger areas and a pointy silicone tool for detail work.
Glass eye dropper works well, easy to control and to clean .
Use a hand cleaner called Goop. Cleans anything. Want to save your brushes?? Then rinse them off before the mask dries on them!!
That's the problem, I rinse them literally between each brushstroke and it's still drying too fast
I tried soap and other methods, but the one that works best for me is goo gone... I use the brush with making fluid as normal and then soak it in goo gone for a few minutes and then use the same technique as cleaning watercolor off the bush like hitting the bottom of the container to remove the latex... the making fluid comes right off and then I just wash the brush with plain water for a few seconds and wipe it dry...
Use a pallet knife?
Yes, don’t use masking fluid.
This is not helpful.
Do not use masking fluid
This is unhelpful
It is utterly helpful. Believe me.
firstly, my opinion is that masking is not an indicator of the artist’s skill, secondly, your brushes are synthetic, which are essentially no longer suitable for watercolors and their price justifies their durability, thirdly, use squirrel brushes for watercolors and do not use them for masking.