What is the easiest way to protect and/or clean brushes when using Masking Fluid, particularly when painting outdoors? Colin - caw@ajw.net

hello colin, the best way to protect your brushes is to coat them first by rubbing them over a bar of soap, then use them with your masking fluid, the soap acts as a barrier then when you're finished it washes out easier. hope that helps. paul.

Better still, don't use a brush. Go for colour shaper, or dip-pen for the finer work. The masking just peels off. If you do use brushes, make sure they're the cheaper synthetic ones; it would be a waste to use good brushes and risk ruining them.

I prefer to use a MASQUEPEN which hold a light blue coloured masking fluid, this makes it easier to see the masking fluid on white paper. If I use a brush for larger areas I tend to use an old one but rub hand barrier cream into the bristles first.

I have found that masking fluid can be removed from brushes easily using a product called 'Sticky Stuff Remover' which you can obtain from Lakeland Stores.
Roger

I tend to use a line drawing pen for fine work and a colour shaper for bigger areas.

Ever thought of using masking film?
Carl
www.airartbycarl.co.uk

I have tried masquepens but it is a VERY expensive way of buying masking fluid and the "nib" quickly gets clogged. Colour shapers are fine but you can't get a very precise mark with them. There really is no substitute for using a proper brush with a good point and it needn't be a problem if you are careful.

1. First dip your brush in water and then rub the brush well into a cake of ordinary hand soap (a block - not liquid soap)
2. Work the soap right in to the base of the brush hairs.
3. Then, withough rinsing, use the brush for your masking fluid.
4. As soon as you are finished wash the brush out well.
All the masking fluid will come off with the soap.

I have used this method for years and my masking fluid brushes are still perfect.
Never let the masking fluid dry on the brush.

I personally stick my brush (synthetic)into the top of a bottle of washing up liquid, and coat the fibres . Paint on the fluid then wash it immediately. Never had a problem. Cannot imagine why anyone would leave a brush to dry in such circumstances

Masquepen is good, don't leave it on too long or it can lift the paper a little. Try cocktail stick and cotton buds too for applying it.