✨ Using Masking Fluid and Tape for Sharp Highlights in Watercolour

Preserve the Sparkle. Paint with Precision. Reveal the Magic.

Dear Watercolour Explorer,

Have you ever painted a brilliant scene — glowing sunlight, shimmering reflections, or crisp white edges — only to realize you lost the light along the way?

It’s a common challenge: watercolour doesn’t forgive like oils or acrylics. Once you cover the white of the paper, it’s gone.
But here’s the secret tool of the masters:
🎯 Masking fluid and tape.

These humble helpers allow you to preserve the brightest highlights, create crisp edges, and work with confidence — knowing your whites will remain untouched until the final reveal.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to use masking tools step by step, with examples, tips, and gentle guidance to master this powerful technique.

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💡 Why Use Masking Fluid and Tape?

In watercolour painting:

• White = light

• And light is what gives your painting life and contrast

But since we don’t add white on top like in other mediums, we must protect it from the start.

✨ Benefits of Masking:

• Preserve sparkles on water

• Keep highlights on flowers, clouds, windows, and edges

• Allow freedom to paint loose washes without worrying about details

• Add crisp architectural or geometric lines in urban sketching

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🖋️ What Is Masking Fluid?

Masking fluid (also called frisket) is a rubber-based liquid that you apply to areas you want to keep white. Once dry, it resists paint. When removed, it reveals the untouched paper beneath.

Type Use

Clear masking fluid General purpose, dries transparent
Tinted masking fluid Easy to see where you've applied it
Masking pens / fine tips For tiny highlights and line work

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📏 What About Masking Tape?

Masking tape or painter’s tape allows you to:

• Create clean borders

• Paint around buildings, doors, or edges

• Create sunbeams, rays, or abstract shapes

• Hold paper flat for wet washes

Pro tip: Use low-tack artist’s tape to avoid tearing your paper.

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🖌️ Step-by-Step: How to Use Masking Fluid & Tape

🔹 Step 1: Plan Your Highlights

Look at your reference or mental image and decide where the lightest areas are — the areas you want to preserve as pure white or lightest value.

Sketch your scene lightly with pencil.

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🔹 Step 2: Apply Masking Fluid with Care

Use an old or cheap round brush, or even a nib, to apply the masking fluid:

• Apply gently to the edges of clouds, ripples, building highlights, flower edges, or bright dots in the eyes

• Let it dry completely before painting (usually 15–30 minutes)

• Wash your brush with soapy water immediately — masking fluid can ruin good brushes

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🔹 Step 3: Apply Masking Tape (Optional)

Tape borders or shapes with clean edges. Press it down well to avoid bleeding.

Use this for landscapes, architectural scenes, or clean frame borders.

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🔹 Step 4: Paint Freely!

Now go ahead and paint with complete freedom!

• Use wet-in-wet for skies

• Drop vibrant colour around masked areas

• Work with bold brushstrokes without worrying about losing light

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🔹 Step 5: Let It Dry, Then Remove

Once your painting is fully dry (this is crucial!):

• Gently rub off the masking fluid with your fingers or a masking eraser

• Peel off tape slowly at an angle to avoid tearing

You’ll see the bright white of your paper emerge — glowing against the coloured areas like magic!

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⚠️ Do’s and Don’ts

✅ Test on scrap paper first
✅ Use old brushes for masking fluid
✅ Let masking fluid dry fully before painting
✅ Remove only after entire painting is dry

🚫 Don’t shake the masking bottle — it creates bubbles
🚫 Don’t use hair dryers to speed dry — it hardens the fluid
🚫 Don’t apply fluid over damp paper

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🧠 How I Use Masking in My Paintings

In my heritage watercolour scenes and urban sketches, I often use masking fluid for:

• Highlights on temple domes

• Reflections on water near ghats

• Bright accents on saris and shopfronts

• Edges of windows, doors, and railings

The result? My paintings retain their vibrancy, clarity, and sparkle — without overworking or muddying colours.

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💬 A Personal Note

Many of my students—especially those who are returning to art after 20, 30, or even 40 years—are afraid of making mistakes.

But masking gives you freedom.
It allows you to paint expressively and trust that your key highlights are safe.
It’s not about technicality — it’s about joy, courage, and creating with confidence.

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🌟 Want to Master Step-by-Step Watercolour Techniques?

If you’re excited to try this masking technique and want to go deeper into the world of vibrant, expressive watercolour…

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Let your art glow. Let the highlights shine. You’re never too late to start.

With luminous brushstrokes,
Chidanand M.
Creative Mastery Coach | Heritage Watercolours | Mentor for Late Blooming Artists