[Aquanet] Masking fluid

[Mary Doane]

Hello all !

I use masking fluid quite frequently.  The best suggestion I can give  
you is to try out a bit on a scrap of paper before diving in to your  
project.  If the fluid dries properly, and you can pick it up after it  
has dried, then it is OK.  I suggest doing this before each use just  
to make sure it's still all right.  The ammonia tends to evaporate  
over time, and when this happens, the gummy part will sink into the  
paper, and you'll never be able to get it out.  This will also happen  
if you leave masking fluid on the paper over a long period of time.   
Especially never use masking fluid when working plein air in the  
sun !  It will bake right into the paper, and it's game over.  This  
was learnt from experience...

It's also not a good idea to shake masking fluid too much.  Gently  
shaking is OK (like for nail polish ?), to mix it up a bit if it has  
been sitting for awhile.  But too much shaking will make the rubber  
ball up and separate from the ammonia.  This also incorporates air,  
and the little bubbles will burst and create tiny areas that are not  
masked.

Rambling again, but back to the beginning - try it out on a scrap  
beforehand !

Mary
www.marydoane.ca