It's a marker type pen that is filled with masking or frisket fluid. It's got a relatively small tip that allows you to mask off smaller areas and it's also fun to write with or create free-hand designs on your projects. (the top container is the refill.)
Prior to using the pen you will need to first shake the fluid thoroughly until the liquid is mixed well. Mine had separated into a white and dark blue - I simply shook it up until it was a baby blue color. This is VERY important...I believe the dark blue is just a coloring agent that will stain your paper if it's not properly mixed in the masking fluid.
You then need to prime the pen by pushing the tip up and down on a piece of scrap paper until the fluid flows freely. I like to keep a piece of scrap on hand to do this every so often if I'm masking a larger area. If you notice the fluid doesn't flow as freely as you'd like, just a few pumps and it's ready to go again.
My first card was made using the masking fluid in a very traditional technique....
Start off by stamping the desired image and let the ink dry completely.
Apply the masking fluid over the areas you want protected. I wanted to color the background with Brusho Colour Crystals so I masked the entire stamped image. Let the masking fluid dry completely. There is a visible color change from baby blue to a darker blue when it's dry.
Apply the background color as desired, let the paper dry! This is very important...if you get in a hurry and try to remove the masking fluid before the paper is dry you will tear the paper. No if and's or buts.
Once dry, use an adhesive square to pick up the masking fluid. You could also rub it off with your finger tip but if you're removing much your finger will get sore.
Finish off the image as desired!
My second card was made using a stencil paired with the masking fluid.
Tape the stencil down over the watercolor paper.
Apply the masking fluid where desired, remove the stencil and let the fluid dry.
You can see I left an area free of the fluid -
this is where I will add my sentiment.
I used a few colors of Color Burst to color the background.
And after it was dry I removed all of the masking fluid.
I've seen a few reviews of this product that states a blue haze was left behind and/or they had trouble removing the fluid from the paper. I did not experience either of these issues. If the masking fluid is properly mixed (by vigorously shaking) you should not have any issue with the blue haze. Also, as long as the masking fluid is completely dry before adding the color medium and the paper is allowed to completely dry before attempting to rub the masking fluid off there shouldn't be an issue with removal.
I used watercolor paper for the examples because I wanted to use the Brusho & Color Burst for these cards. I did try the masking fluid on regular cardstock (Georgia Pacific) and the masking fluid came off just fine.
Tomorrow I'll be back with another fun technique using this masking fluid...
till then friends - ink on!
Supplies:
Molotow Grafx Art Masking Pen
Canson Watercolor Paper
Brusho Colour Crystals
Color Burst Powders
ClubScrap.com - Flower & Sentiment Stamp, Ribbon
Altenew - Thank You Stamp
TCW - Stencil
This is my favorite way to mask when using intricate stencils...
ReplyDeleteI was surprised how much easier this pen is than the way I had been doing it (with a q-tip & masking fluid). It was much quicker because I didn't have to keep picking up more of the fluid each time. I think I'll be using it much more often than I had been for that simple fact alone.
DeleteI've never seen these pens but will be on the lookout for them. Sounds like they're much easier to use than masking fluid and an old brush. Great tips about being sure the fluid is mixed well, be sure the fluid is completely dry before you paint or ink around it, and that you let your colors dry COMPLETELY before removing the mask. Thanks for a great post!!
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