My *Super Secret* Watercolor Masking Method
Author: Jeni Niquette
Masking fluid is so darn expensive.
And I go through it, in bulk. My process includes dumping masking fluid all over at least 18 ACEO cards at a time, waiting for them to dry, then watercoloring them. I would go through an entire bottle per batch, if I bought the typical 1 or 2ml bottle of masking fluid.
Now admittedly, a more expensive masking fluid is
great for detailed applications. But my style uses a more...
splashy approach. So I use a lot of it! Rather than keep this information to myself, I thought I'd share my secret, inexpensive masking fluid alternative with my fellow artists and crafty creatives. The product I use is...
Elmer's Craft Bond Rubber Cement
I love this glue, and this is not an affiliate marketing post. Rubber cement works great as a makeshift masking fluid. A single 4oz bottle lasts me through at least three full 18-card batches before I need more. There are other rubber cements in the world, but the Elmer's Craft Bond brand is the one I've used with the greatest personal success. You can buy these at Walmart or Amazon, or any craft store.
My process
I lay out a blank ACEO card on a chopped-up plastic bag (the thick Walmart ones are great; I have one I have reused this way over 15 times now)--then drizzle rubber cement all over the card. Then I set the card to the side, on the other half of the walmart bag, to dry while I drizzle glue on the next card.
It takes about 30 minutes for the glue to dry. It will still appear glossy and feel tacky to the touch, but if it's ready, it should not come off on your finger when you tap it.
Now that the glue is dry, I whip out my favorite watercolor paints to create either a blended gradient of colors, or a stained glass effect, painting right over the glue. I do this one card at a time.
I set the cards aside again, and wait until the watercolor paint has fully dried. Note: The glue will STILL be sticky, even after the watercolors have fully dried!
Now for the best part.
When the cards are totally bone-dry, it's time to rub the glue off. I sincerely enjoy rolling it away with my fingers. You'll end up with a nice little pile of glue-snot-globs when you're done, so be ready to make a mess. It's magical seeing the protected areas become revealed beneath the glue. ;)
A few limitations to remember:
- Depending on how long you leave the glue on, the white areas may appear a little yellowish from the glue. To minimize this, start rubbing off the glue as soon as the watercolors are dry.
- Even after you've removed the glue, you'll have to rub down the masked areas with a finger one more time to remove even tinier residue bits from the surface. I usually do this a final time, just before I start drawing on the cards. Sometimes I use an eraser to do the work for me.
- This technique/product won't work with every kind of mixed media--for instance, when coloring with alcohol markers, the masked areas will appear lighter and will not absorb the ink as well as the unmasked areas. So please experiment before you commit!
Please tag me!
I'd love to see what you do with this technique. If you post it on Instagram, please tag me so I can see your work! Thanks!
-Jen
