The Best Masking Fluids for Watercolor for 2023

No matter how talented we are as artists, our hands can sometimes be a little shaky. Then when the watercolor paper warps, the paint wades to the areas where you don’t want them to be! In case you’re wondering how watercolor artists create beautiful highlights and paint without going over the lines, I’ll let you in on a secret.

Seasoned painters use masking fluid to apply watercolor without contaminating the areas they want to preserve. In this review, I’ll share some top-notch products and explain why I think they’re great. As for the best masking fluid for watercolor, I’ll leave it to you to decide.

Best Masking Fluid for Watercolor Reviews

1. Fineline Applicators 4449 Masking Fluid Pen

Great for mixed-media artists and perfectionists, Fineline offers reliable masking fluid for acrylics, watercolor, ink, and other wet mediums. As the product name suggests, its nozzle is a fine tip that is ideal for target small details.

What makes this masking fluid special is that I can almost draw with it using the applicator. At 0.5mm, I can trace the edges of my sketch and draw intricate patterns on the surface that I want to preserve, which can’t be done with a paintbrush. If I want to fill a larger area, I usually just spread the fluid with the nozzle.

In its liquid form, the masking fluid has the right consistency, making it very easy to apply. Despite its pin-style nozzle, the frisket flows out smoothly. Also, I like that the lid has a pin attached to it as it keeps the nozzle from clogging.

So far, the masking fluid does not clump when it dries. Instead, it produces a nice flat layer of film on the paper that enables me to press a sponge or a stamp and make sure the paint or ink is evenly applied. This helps keep the edges of the area that I preserved sharp.

Even better, the masking fluid is very easy to move even if I leave it on for a couple of days. Usually, I just peel it off with my bare hands or use a gum eraser to remove it. By pulling it off gently, the film comes off without leaving any residue behind.

2. Grafix WM2 White Mask Liquid Frisket

Trusted by many watercolor painters, this artist masking fluid is a true game-changer. With a light application, it seals your paper well enough so you can create various watercolor effects.

Using an applicator or a wet brush, I just slather a thin layer of frisket to an area that I want to cover and wait until it completely dries. Then I would start painting watercolor all around it. As you can see, the process is pretty simple, which is why I like this frisket.

Moreover, this frisket dries pretty quickly and it solidifies into a flat film without any sort of bumps. Thus, it is easy to run through with my brush or stamp some images. Amazingly, I only need a thin layer so a small bottle of frisket can go a long way.

To peel off the layer of the film, I lift the edges with my nail or use an eraser to rub it slightly so I could pick the rest. I love that it does not leave any residue or stains on the paper. As a result, I can produce highlights or create a negative space in my illustration.

Even if I leave the frisket on the paper for a few hours, I can still peel it off. In this way, I don’t have to rush my painting and I can take a break from working if I want to.

3. Pebeo PE033000 Masking Fluid Drawing Gum

Besides its versatility, the Pebeo masking fluid is known for its professional-grade formula that lets painters execute various creative techniques. While this product is popular among watercolor artists, it is also suitable for acrylics as well as dry mediums like crayons and pencils.

Given that it works well with a variety of mediums, I reserve this bottle for a plethora of mixed-media art projects. Aside from paper, this product can be used on canvas boards, glass, and cardboard.

Regardless of the material I use, the bluish liquid masking fluid will not stain your white paper. I like that it has a different color because it is easier for me to spot it when I’m working on white paper. This is especially useful when I’m trying to cover thin lines, which is sometimes very difficult to see if I’m using a white frisket.

For this masking fluid, I use a cheap brush as an applicator so I can slather it on the areas that I want to seal. Thanks to its quick-drying formula, I don’t have to wait long just to get started with painting. More than that, I’m impressed that it can keep the surface free from paint and ink.

Peeling off the masking fluid is a breeze! Normally, I just rub my fingers on the dried masking fluid and it lifts off almost immediately. Alternatively, I can scrub it out with an eraser. Consequently, no paint, pigment, or ink touches the areas that I sealed off with masking fluid.

4. DANIEL SMITH 1oz Bottle with 5 Applicator Tips

Made by a well-known brand for its stellar watercolor paints, Daniel Smith has also produced a line of frisket masking fluid. Beyond that, this product also includes 5 plastic applicators!

One of the things that I like with the plastic applicators is that it lets me snip the tip at any part with a pair of scissors. In other words, it gives me the flexibility to have either thin or thick tips. Thus, I can cover larger areas faster using the wider tip and create intricate details with the finer tip.

Moreover, I don’t need a brush! Since the bottle is squeezable, I just press it when I need to release more fluid. Within a few moments, the masking fluid dries into a transparent film with a tinge of caramel color to indicate the surface that I sealed.

When I’m painting over it, I can see exactly the spot that I want to preserve and the parts that I want to color. To be fair, it prevents the area I covered from getting contaminated by the paint. Once I’m done painting, I can simply strip off masking fluid by rubbing it gently with my finger then pull the rest, which is fairly easy.

5. Turner Artists’ Watercolor Masking Fluid

For an easy masking fluid lay down, this jar of Turner Colour Artist’s Watercolour Masking Fluid is the way to go. Proven to be gentle on any watercolor paper, this product is definitely worth your money!

Whenever I use this masking fluid, I prefer spreading it on paper with a brush rather than plastic applicators. Since it comes in a jar, I just choose the size of brush I want to use and dip it into the masking liquid. I find this an advantage since I can spread the frisket faster if I’m working on large papers and want to cover big sections.

In terms of consistency, I like that it is neither runny nor sticky so I find it very easy to control, especially when using a toothy watercolor paper. Plus, the fluid can be transferred to small bottles with thin nozzles if I want to work with details. In any case, the liquid sets on the paper nice and flat with no clumping.

Even more impressive, I can complete my water illustrations faster since the frisket dries very quickly. Despite that, it repels the watercolor paint that I apply over it and keeps the areas I sealed safe against the pigments. Moreover, the edges of the surface I covered with the first appear sharp, which can be hard to achieve when I’m just painting with a brush.

After painting, I just pick the dried masking fluid from my fingernail then lift the rest in one pull. It does not produce flake or crumbles when I grab it. Plus, I’m amazed that it does not leave bits and pieces of the frisket behind, which means I don’t need extra tools to clean up the area.

6. Winsor & Newton 3221761 Colourless Art Masking Fluid

Recognized as one of the reputable brands of art supplies, the Winsor and Newton masking fluid is used by many professional watercolor painters, hobbyists, and art students. Popularity aside, this product’s quality does not disappoint!

As for consistency, this masking fluid is fairly easy to apply and spread across the surface that I want to protect since it is not too watery. Since it effectively keeps the paint off the masked area, I can experiment with a variety of watercolor techniques. Moreover, it dries completely within 10 minutes, which allows me to finish my painting quicker.

Besides boosting my creativity and productivity, I also love this masking fluid because it is mess-free. Apart from leaving no residue behind, it does not stain the watercolor paper. Peeling off the mask reveals a clean surface with very sharp edges.

Like most masking fluid, I can remove it with an eraser or with my hands with just a light rub. Furthermore, it is very easy to wash the substance off my brush so I can use it again for my other projects. Plus, this small bottle lasts pretty long, which means I don’t have to buy a masking fluid in months!

7. Dr. Ph. Martin’s FRSK10OZLVL1 Frisket Mask Liquid

A milder version of the frisket mask, Dr. Ph. Martin’s art masking fluid watercolor is quite popular among painters and illustrators. Aside from watercolor, many artists use this with inks.

One of the important features of this product is that the frisket is contained inside a glass bottle with a dropper, which I love using. I can simply drop the masking fluid on different parts of the paper to produce dots. Alternatively, I can use a brush that I have wet with mild soap to spread across the paper.

Explicitly made for watercolor, you can count on the fact that it works well on both cold-pressed, hot-pressed, and rough watercolor paper. In my experience, the paint does not seep through the masked-off area. Despite working on a rough surface, it is not hard to peel off!

With the help of an eraser, I rub the dried masking fluid off the paper once the paint has dried. Again, the texture of the watercolors does not affect the way I remove the frisket. I find it impressive that it does not get stuck or leave crumbs on the paper.

8. Fineline Applicators Applicators Bottles

Featuring another product from Fineline, this kit offers a pair of empty bottles that lets you fill in the frisket or the medium of your choice to complete your art project. On top of that, it includes 20 pieces of gauge applicators.

Allowing you to mix-and-match your mediums and tools, these empty bottles and applicators come in handy if you want to work on details. Besides my go-to masking liquid, I pour in acrylics, inks, watercolor paints, dyes, henna, oils, or water-based glues in it. By fine-tip the nozzle, I can target specific areas and apply the medium.

Because the bottle is squeezable, it is easy to release the liquid out of the nozzle. Of course, it will depend on the consistency of the liquid that I have poured into the bottle. However, I like that I can almost draw lines or patterns with it.

Speaking of drawing lines, the nozzle’s tip is at 0.5 millimeters, which means I can get as detailed as possible. Yet I never encountered any clogging issues because the cap has a thin needle attached to it to help me clear the applicator. Besides, I clean the applicator after working to avoid clogging.

9. Schmincke 50731005 Colored Masking Fluid

If you prefer a pen-style dispensing bottle, Schmincke masking fluid is a viable option. As one of the makers of the finest art supplies, this brand’s masking fluid is preferred by many professional artists.

First of all, I love using this masking fluid because it has no headache-inducing smell. In my observation, its thick consistency makes laying down the liquid a whole lot easier. Not to mention, its bluish tint helps me see the areas that I have already masked off right away.

Meanwhile, the applicator tip enables me to create dots or lines but I also have the option to use my brush to spread the masking fluid in larger areas. As long as I soak my brush in soap and water, I can easily wash off the substance from the bristles. Usually, I just wait for about 10 minutes until it dries completely and for masking fluid, it’s pretty fast.

That said, I’m happy to share that the paint does not get through the areas that I have masked off. Furthermore, I find the dried masking fluid very easy to peel off neatly. As with any masking fluid, I just use my fingers to pick the edges then lift them gently.

Design-wise, the bottle allows me to hold it like a pen. All I have to do is grip it with the tip facing down the paper and squeeze it gently so the masking fluid can flow out.

10. Grumbacher 559 Miskit Liquid Frisket

Transparent and white liquid friskets can be difficult to see on paper. Still, the makers of the Grumbacher masking fluid know this problem all too well. Hence, the brand designed their liquid frisket to help artists see the areas they have masked off.

Besides its visibility on paper, I enjoy this liquid frisket because it does not expire very soon. To ensure longevity, the manufacturer recommends storing this upside down but make sure you close the lid tightly. It lasts for months without changing its quality, which saves me money.

When it comes to applicators, I normally just use a cheap brush to spread it across the paper. Sometimes, I transfer it into a small applicator bottle and use the nozzle to target specific areas or create lines. That said, I find this works not just on watercolor paper but also on other materials, like photo papers.

Apart from that, I’m not limited to just using watercolor paints with this liquid frisket as it effectively repels alcohol-based markers and other inks, too. Removing it from paper does not take a lot of effort. Plus, it ensures that the edges of the lines or shapes I masked off are sharp!

11. Masquepen CMP30A Artists’ Masking Fluid

Designed for perfectionists, this Masquepen masking fluid is contained in an applicator bottle to help artists achieve intricate details effortlessly. With a year-long shelf life, you will not buy another liquid frisket for a while.

One of the highlights of this product is the nozzle. Despite its fine-tip, the applicator never gets clogged since the cap has a needle that clears up the pathways. Based on my experience, this feature helps the masking fluid flow out of the nozzle without a hitch.

On the other hand, the masking fluid oozes out of the nozzle with a smooth consistency, which allows me to manipulate it to form the detail. For the record, I can also use a brush that I soaked in water and soap to seal off large surfaces.

When it dries, the masking fluid turns into a gel-like film on the surface of the paper. Thanks to its bluish tint, I don’t have a hard time distinguishing the areas that I have masked off. Because it lays flat on the paper, I can use sponges or stamps to add colors or shapes apart from painting.

Aside from paper, I know artists have used this masking fluid to paint on porcelain, glass, polymer clay, and many more! Furthermore, I’m not limited to using paints since this can also block off inks.

12. Holbein W466 Masking Fluid

Most of us are already familiar with the Holbein masking fluid pen but it is also available in a jar. Whether you use a brush or your favorite applicator bottle, it lets you create highlights and details however you like.

Specifically made for watercolor, I love how this masking fluid does not rip the paper. I can create different shades of a color neatly by applying it on both blank and painted sides. As a result, I can make my paintings look more three-dimensional.

Another reason that I like this product is that the masking fluid takes only a few minutes to dry. Plus, a thin layer of the substance can effectively keep out the paint so one small jar can go a long way. Best of all, it does not leave any stain even on the painted areas.

When I tested this masking fluid, it never produced any bubbles. With a smooth consistency, I can slather the frisket evenly on textured watercolor papers. To remove it, I just use my fingers to rub the dried masking fluid gently until it starts to peel off.

You need to dip your brush with soapy water before dipping it into the jar of masking fluid. Washing it off the brush is not that hard either.

What to Look for When Buying Masking Fluid for Watercolor

By now, you know that masking fluids and liquid friskets are the key ingredients you need to produce beautiful watercolor details and highlights. If this is your first time buying the best masking fluid for watercolor, you need to look for certain features that work well with the medium.

Consistency

When looking for masking fluid, be sure the product has a good consistency. The liquid should not be too watery or too thick. Otherwise, it will be difficult for you to manipulate the masking fluid. Ideally, the masking fluid should flow out of the nozzle smoothly if you are using bottle applicators.

Compatibility with mediums

Whether you are working strictly with watercolor or dabbling into mixed media art projects, there is a masking fluid and liquid frisket specifically for your need. Check the product description to see if the formula of the liquid is appropriate for the medium that you are using. Some brands concoct masking fluids specifically for watercolors, while other products also work well with acrylics, oils, and inks!

Tinted, Transparent, and White

Using a tinted masking fluid helps you see sealed-off areas on paper clearly, which benefits you in making minute details. Just make sure that the product you buy does not leave stains. On the other hand, white and transparent masking fluids are stain-free but can be difficult to see.

Format

As an artist, I know you want to have full control over the mediums and tools you use. The good news is that most masking fluids are sold in bottle applicators that have fine tips to help you create precise details. On the flip side, you can cover large parts of the paper if you use a brush. In this case, buying a jar of masking fluid is a good option.

What Can I Use for Masking Fluid

Masking fluids are mainly used to preserve the white areas or lightly painted surfaces of paper or other types of material like glass and porcelain. In the context of watercolor painting, masking fluids help painters produce highlights, details, negative spaces, or even add textures.

Can I Make My Own Masking Fluid/ How

Yes! All you need is an airtight container, water, latex fabric cement, watercolor paint, spoon, and brush.

Start by pouring equal amounts of water and fabric cement into the container. To add some ‘tint’, dip your brush into a watercolor paint then into the container. Repeat until you are satisfied with the color.

Mix the water, fabric cement, and paint together gently with a spoon. Remember not to shake the container to prevent forming bubbles.

What is Masking Fluid Used for in Watercolor Painting

Since watercolor involves layering, artists take advantage of the whiteness of the paper to produce highlights. Instead of being extra careful when painting around the section you do not want to touch, the masking fluid blocks off this area for you.

Is Frisket the Same as Masking Fluid

Yes, masking fluids are sometimes called liquid friskets. They are both latex-based mediums with the same function: to protect an area on the paper’s surface against paints.

Conclusion

Adding some depth to your paintings can be challenging as it is. With a masking fluid, however, you can seal off the portions of a paper against watercolor. You can start painting without worrying about your hands being slightly shaky!

For this review, I vouched for the products that I have personally tested to guide you in your quest to find the best masking fluid for watercolor. However, you are free to explore other options that you can find where you live!

Robert S. Brown

I am a former art teacher, so it is evident to me the importance of art in educating the new generation. We also want to help parents who plan to teach their children and desire the best tools and tips for them.