Masking fluid (also called "drawing gum" or "liquid frisket") allows you to create complex negative spaces with watercolors or gouache. Draw with the masking fluid to define areas you want to keep blank. Allow it to dry, then paint over the masking fluid. The paint won't adhere to the areas you've masked, and when the paint dries, you can simply rub the masking fluid off with your finger, revealing beautifully crisp white space underneath.

This masking fluid, made in Germany by Schmincke, is tinted blue so you can see it more easily when you need to remove it. It's packaged in a 25 mL plastic squeeze bottle with a precision applicator tip. You can draw or write directly with the bottle, offering greater control for detail work.

We recommend testing masking fluid on your surface before use. Some kinds of paper are too soft to use with masking fluid without surface damage. Remove masking fluid promptly after paint dries to minimize the risk of torn paper. Never pull masking fluid off the page; gently rub it off with a clean finger for best results.