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Hi everyone,

Here’s a short video about a tool called a ‘ruling pen.’ I watched a few videos where artists were using them and I thought it might be useful - so I bought one. You may already be aware of these pens but if you aren’t, it might be a tool you could add to your painting supplies.

If you have ever wondered how to make the most out of masking fluid? Discover the secrets in a blog post of mine. Masking fluid, a liquid latex-based substance, is the unsung hero for preserving those brilliant whites in your watercolour paintings.

In the blog post I cover:

Choosing Your Tools: From synthetic brushes to bamboo quills, find out which tool works best for your art.

Application Tips: Learn the gentle art of applying masking fluid – stir, don't shake!

Perfecting Your Technique: Strategies for drying, diluting, and removing masking fluid.

Creative Uses: Explore negative painting and managing edges for stunning effects.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Stay clear of the pitfalls that can spoil your masterpiece.

Plus, find out why I have a love-hate relationship with it and why it's an invaluable ally in your artistic arsenal.

Head over to my full blog post here: https://www.louisedemasi.com/tips/2023/12/22/top-tips-for-using-masking-fluid

Happy painting,

Louise

Files

Ruling Pen 1

Comments

Cynthia Keith

Interesting tool. I have never heard of it before. Thanks for sharing Louise.

Vicki Falsgraf

Sorry, what brand of masking fluid? Thanks for this tutorial!!!

Joyce C

Thanks for the info and demo. Did you get a metal tip with plastic barrel? I see there are many combinations to choose from, some include a rubber frisket remover tool. I have one of those and find it helpful.

Louise De Masi

Hi Vicki, I've used Schmincke, Daniel Smith and Winsor & Newton masking fluid. All worked well.

Louise De Masi

Hi Joyce- no mine came in a little plastic bag- just the pen. It didn't have a brand name on it. It was $13.95 if I remember correctly.

Catherine Dunn

I use a tool intended for making blobs on manicures. If you search dotting tool on Amazon you can get a pack of 4 or 5 in a range of sizes under $10. You can't draw a line but for general highlights and so on I find they work well. Still work well if your fluid has gone a bit claggy, as they do over time, when other methods no longer work.

Nancy Guenther

Thank you, Louise. I have used it with varying success but the tip to tap it first will prove very useful. I never thought to apply watercolor with it. I’m excited to try that. I think it will be useful to paint mullioned windows which give me fits.

Linda

Excellent tool👍🏻, thanks, Louise.

Basia

I am about to paint the boat on water, which uses masking fluid....and as I am not a fan of masking fluid and avoid it, this video comes just in time for me! I am really looking forward to the tutorial....its completely different....and challenging in various ways, Many thanks Louise!

Paula von Bestenbostel

When I bought my square masking fluid removers, they sent ne one Free when buying them, it was asverstised like that, not just a freebie. I just thought I'd mention that, incase some of you on your search can find the same deal on Amazon. I'd never seen them before... haven't used it yet... but will try it out on next masking fluid tutorial.

Michelle McNamara

When I saw the post & video I did a search to see how much they were. You can get some that fit into a compass. A demonstration I watched made great circle designs with metallic paints. Thanks for tip Louise - the pen is going on my painting shopping list.

Elizabeth Ermenyi

What a great idea! I used this tool long time ago when I studied drafting, so I’m familiar with it. I just never thought it can be used with masking fluid. Thank you, Louise!

Lynn Sloan

I have a beautiful photo of a passion flower and I'd been pondering how I might paint the concentric "corona filaments". Just ordered this tool and looking forward to experimenting!

Louise De Masi

It could be useful for things like that. Thanks Nancy.

Louise De Masi

My pleasure Basia. Good luck with the painting- I hope you enjoy it.

Louise De Masi

Yes that would be a great idea for drawing circles. Thanks Michelle.

Tam

Oh my gosh this is BRILLIANT and such good timing! I’ve had a ski lift draft masked down and ready to paint for weeks - but I couldn’t decide how I was going to mask the lift cable, which is such a precise line across the drawing. This will be a wonderful method for exactly this kind of drawing. Thanks so much - just ordered one off Amazon and can finally start this exciting painting! 😊

Theresa

Have you tried this technique to write a signature on your paintings?

Louise De Masi

No I haven't Theresa. I have never even thought of doing that. It would be a good idea to experiment with it and see how it works.

Theresa

Good morning Louise! I'll let you know!

Lise Bowles

Louise, ive tried one of these awhile ago and it was a complete abject failure, for me! Maybe you will get the hang of it and give me some good tips, lol, I stuck it in my drawer and forgot about it, please let me know if you have any luck with it! Thank you Louise, for all your hard work and I’m so sorry for your injuries lately, I hope you are on the mend! ❤️‍🩹 Lise Bowles