EPISODE 6 - WATERCOLOUR for Beginners - 'Masking and Resist Techniques'

Ellie Jakeman August 13, 2025

WATERCOLOUR for Beginners EPISODE 6

'Masking & Resist Techniques'

We are looking at Masking and Resist watercolour techniques in this episode.

This episode delves into the fascinating world of resist and masking techniques, offering a comprehensive guide to their application in artistic compositions. We'll explore the versatile uses of everyday materials like tea-light and taper wax candles for resist effects, alongside the precision and control offered by masking fluid and masking tape.

Understanding the Purpose: Retaining Light and Luminosity

At their core, masking and resist techniques are invaluable tools for artists aiming to preserve the inherent lightness and brightness of their paper or chosen surface. This preservation is crucial for effectively representing various elements within a composition, including:

Light: From subtle glows to dramatic shafts of sunlight, these techniques allow artists to define and highlight areas where light interacts with their subject.
Reflections: Whether it's the shimmer on water, the gleam on a polished surface, or the sparkle in an eye, resist and masking help capture the elusive nature of reflections.
Luminosity: Beyond simple brightness, luminosity refers to the quality of radiating light, imbuing a sense of glow and vibrancy. By safeguarding the underlying white, artists can achieve a truly luminous effect.

By strategically employing these methods, artists can create dynamic contrasts, draw the viewer's eye to specific focal points, and add a sense of depth and realism to their work. We will explore practical applications, tips for achieving desired effects, and how to integrate these techniques seamlessly into your creative process.

Using wax as a resist technique.

When painting with watercolours, especially on rough or cold-pressed paper, wax can be an excellent tool for adding more texture. The wax settles on the paper's surface, while the paint seeps into its indentations. This method is particularly effective for portraying elements like tree trunks, brick walls, and rock formations.

Using a wax resist technique

You can apply wax directly to white paper for a white resist effect, or apply it over a dried, lightly coloured wash. Painting a darker colour over your wax resist will produce interesting colour transitions and organic textures. While this technique yields great results, remember that the wax remains permanently on the paper, becoming part of your painting. A white candle can be whittled down to create a fine drawing point for this purpose.

Using masking fluid as a resist technique.

Using the masking fluid technique will also provide great results.

A few drops applied strategically can resist watercolour pigment, creating illuminated areas that mimic light reflection in your composition. Ensure the masking fluid is applied to a dry surface and allowed to dry completely before you paint over it with watercolour. You can apply masking fluid with a ruling pen for precision, or use a cocktail stick, cotton bud, or kebab stick for a more organic effect.

Using masking fluid as a resist technique

Top tip don't use your favourite brush to apply masking fluid as this will destroy it, use an old brush dipped in soap, this will protect the bristles and you will be able to wash out the masking fluid when you are finished. Once dry you can peel off the masking fluid and decide if your highlight is too bright or just bright enough. You can always use a wash of paint to alter or dull your highlights.

Using masking tape as a resist technique.

Masking tape, particularly low-tack varieties, offers a surprisingly versatile medium for creative expression, extending beyond its conventional use as a protective barrier. When employed as a "resist," it opens up a world of artistic possibilities, allowing for both organic and precise applications in various art forms.

One of the most engaging ways to utilize low-tack masking tape as a resist is through organic application. This method encourages spontaneity and embraces the inherent qualities of the tape itself.

Torn Strips: Tearing strips of low-tack masking tape rather than cutting them creates soft, feathered edges that introduce an organic, almost watercolour-like effect to the final artwork. These torn edges can mimic natural textures such as clouds, waves, or even geological formations. When paint or ink is applied over the tape and then the tape is removed, the areas previously covered by the torn strips will remain unpainted, creating intriguing negative spaces with soft, irregular boundaries. This technique is particularly effective for creating atmospheric backgrounds or adding subtle textural elements.
Irregular Shapes: Instead of strict strips, artists can tear the tape into more abstract or irregular shapes. These shapes can be layered or overlapped to build complex patterns or to create a sense of depth. The imperfections of the torn edges contribute to a handmade, artisanal aesthetic. This approach lends itself well to mixed media projects, where the texture created by the tape resist can interact with other materials.
Layering and Overlapping: By applying multiple layers of torn tape, artists can create intricate resist patterns. Each layer, when removed, reveals a new unpainted area, allowing for the build-up of complex designs. This method can be used to achieve a sense of movement or to depict abstract forms with varying degrees of transparency or opacity, depending on the chosen medium.

Precise Applications: Achieving Crisp Lines and Defined Shapes

In contrast to the organic approach, low-tack masking tape can also be manipulated with precision to achieve clean lines and sharply defined shapes, making it an invaluable tool for more structured and graphic designs.

Cutting Exact Shapes: Using a craft knife, artists can meticulously cut the low-tack masking tape into exact geometric shapes, intricate stencils, or precise architectural elements. This method allows for a high degree of control over the final design. When applied to the paper, these cut-out shapes act as perfect stencils, ensuring that only the desired areas are left unpainted. This technique is ideal for creating crisp lines, sharp angles, and perfectly replicated patterns.
Creating Straight Lines and Borders: For projects requiring crisp, straight lines or defined borders, low-tack masking tape can be applied with meticulous accuracy. The tape acts as a barrier, preventing paint or ink from bleeding into unwanted areas. This is particularly useful in graphic design, illustration, or when creating grid-based artwork where precision is paramount.
Masking for Gradients and Colour Blocking: Low-tack masking tape is excellent for creating clean divisions when working with gradients or colour blocking. By masking off sections, artists can apply different colours or shades without fear of them bleeding into one another, resulting in sharp transitions and distinct colour fields.

General Application and Considerations:

Regardless of whether an artist opts for an organic or precise approach, the fundamental principle remains the same: the low-tack masking tape is applied directly to the paper in the areas intended to remain unpainted. Once the paint, ink, or other liquid medium has dried, the tape is carefully peeled away, revealing the pristine, uncoloured paper beneath.

Don't press too hard as it may tear your paper when you are removing. If you have high tack masking tape, take some of the tack away by pressing the tape onto your clothes, this will add lint to the tape making it less sticky. You can then paint over the tape, but allow all paint to dry before removal, this will avoid tearing your paper.

Adhesion and Residue: The "low-tack" characteristic of the tape is crucial. It ensures sufficient adhesion to prevent the medium from seeping underneath while also allowing for easy removal without tearing the paper or leaving behind sticky residue. This makes it suitable for use on delicate papers.
Medium Compatibility: Low-tack masking tape works effectively as a resist with a wide range of water-based media, including watercolours, acrylic washes, inks, and even some gouaches. Experimentation with different media is encouraged to discover new effects.
Timing of Removal: It is generally best to remove the masking tape once the applied medium is dry to the touch but before it has fully cured. Removing it too soon can cause the medium to bleed, while waiting too long might make the tape more difficult to remove cleanly.

Low-tack masking tape, while utilitarian in function, serves as a versatile artistic instrument. Its capacity to facilitate both fluid, organic textures and sharp, defined forms renders it an indispensable resource for artists aiming to investigate negative space, regulate media application, and introduce compelling dimensions to their creations. Its apparent simplicity belies its significant capacity for artistic inquiry, encouraging artists to experiment and uncover its diverse applications.

Products and Materials for your watercolour adventure:

Watercolour Sets

Winsor & Newton Cotman Sketchers' Pocket Set - 12 Half Pans + Pocket Brush