Schmincke Aqua Masking Fluids

Comments about Schmincke Aqua Masking Fluids:

This product worked really well, comes out of the bottle as an opaque blue liquid through a thin nozzle that lets you apply it straight from the bottle with out the constant use of a brush. It dries a little slow, but comes off the paper well with out ruining the surface. Initially I was skeptical after reading some reviews, but wanted to try this as I'd tried several other products. I highly recommend this. It is slightly expensive, but a little goes a long way and it si so much better than the other products.

Comments about Schmincke Aqua Masking Fluids:

Looking for a finer tip on your masking fluid? This is it.
This product takes extra time to dry, compared to other masking products. Began to add paint and made a mess. After that hard lesson,working great.

Comments about Schmincke Aqua Masking Fluids:

This is the first masking fluid I have used and it does a great job. It hasn't torn my Strathmore 400 paper and I like the fact that it is blue. When I put a bit on my palette to apply with a brush it does dry and thicken faster than I would like though. I'll probably try something cheaper next time, like a Pebeo to see how it compares.

Comments about Schmincke Aqua Masking Fluids:

I was going to get a bottle with fine tip and a large bottle of masking fluid to do the same job. But honestly, this bottle's tip and just the right "squeeze" to control the flow of the mask makes it so much better to just cough up the extra buck or two and get an already perfected product.

I use the blue. Goes on and comes off great .. just heed the bottle's warning and don't let it sit on the paper more than 2 days. Many a time I've ignored that warning (with many masking liquids) and several times had to throw out the whole painting. Also, REALLY just let it dry .. don't heat gun it, blow dry it.. that ruins the mask's hump and liquids will jump the lines. If you are using hot press or vellum style paper, you might even want two layers if you pour on the liquid like I do.

Comments about Schmincke Aqua Masking Fluids:

I use this for watercolors. The fine point enables you to get in tight places and it is easily removed. The blue color is a plus so you can tell where it has been applied.

Comments about Schmincke Aqua Masking Fluids:

Since this bottle flows freely, there's no need for a brush or applicator. With a little practice and finess, even the tiniest whites can be saved with no mess or waste.

Comments about Schmincke Aqua Masking Fluids:

This masking not only stained the paper in some places, but it also allowed a watercolor wash to penetrate it. After applying the mask, and letting it dry completely, I applied a wash. The paint left little spots on the masked area. I tried to remove them, but it had already seeped onto the paper. It's as though there were tiny air bubbles in the masking agent that opened up and allowed the paint through. (I couldn't see any bubbles, nor had I shaken the fluid.). The masking fluid was very thick out of the bottle. I diluted it with water, and had the same problems with the thinned masking fluid as with it directly out of the bottle.

Comments about Schmincke Aqua Masking Fluids:

My sensitivities to strong scents are one of the reasons I began using watercolours in the first place. This masking fluid is easy to apply, has absolutely no scent, and after drying it rubs away incredibly easy with the brush of a finger. To me, those qualities make it worth the extra few dollars.

Bottom line: My previous experiences with masking fluid/friskets were disastrous. Schmincke's is a joy to use.

Comments about Schmincke Aqua Masking Fluids:

This is a little more expensive than some of the other masking fluids but I like it because the bottle has a nice tip that makes it perfect for masking small and tight areas, areas requiring fine detail, lettering, etc. The fluid flows easily but not too quickly. It doesn't clog the tip, it dries quickly and evenly. It is easy to remove as it peels up seamlessly in large pieces when pulled up, not tiny balls and flakes like others, and it has never stained the paper. It also has never come off when I've painted over it even after several washes of watercolor or goauche have been applied.