Noah Vinter
Alcohol-based markers are a versatile and popular tool for artists, offering bold, vibrant, and permanent colours that dry quickly and are less likely to tear through paper. However, they can be tricky to work with and require proper safety precautions due to their toxic fumes. One technique that can elevate your artwork is masking, which involves preserving certain areas from the ink to create unique effects. In this guide, we will explore the essential safety measures, different masking methods, and the step-by-step process to mask off for alcohol-based markers effectively.
Characteristics and Values of Masking Off for Alcohol-Based Markers
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To preserve or protect areas from ink |
| Materials | Masking fluid, frisket film, contact paper, tracing paper, tracing paper tape, synthetic brush, brush soap, rubbing alcohol, permanent marker, X-Acto blade/scissors |
| Pros | Clean mask, can mask larger areas easily, works well with alcohol inks |
| Cons | Fiddly to work with, adhesive can leave a residue and be difficult to remove, can cause seepage, requires materials that may not be readily available |
| Safety | Wear a full-face respirator mask to protect eyes, nose, respiratory tract, and lungs from toxic alcohol ink fumes and isopropyl alcohol |
| Paper | Heavyweight paper with a smooth surface is best; thinner papers like watercolor paper and lightweight sketch paper are not ideal |
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What You'll Learn
Masking with alcohol ink
Masking is a traditional media technique that can be used to create white space and protect certain areas from alcohol ink. Alcohol ink colours are vibrant and can stain many substrates, so masking is a useful technique to master.
The POSCA pencil technique, demonstrated by Lone Zimino, is a new form of masking. Unlike masking fluid, the pencil does not need to be removed after use. The alcohol ink and POSCA pencil are used together to create a painting. This technique requires more concentration as the result depends on the expansion of the alcohol ink droplet.
To mask off areas, you can use masking fluid, frisket film, or contact paper. If you are masking a specific area, you can use a light table to trace your image onto your frisket using a permanent marker. After cutting your masked area out, use rubbing alcohol to remove the permanent marker. The next challenge is peeling the waxed paper off the adhesive frisket. It is easiest to peel back the most complicated part of the frisket from the backing, trim the backing, and apply it to the illustration.
When working with alcohol ink, it is important to wear a full-face respirator mask to protect your eyes, nose, respiratory tract, and lungs from toxic alcohol ink fumes and isopropyl alcohol.
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Using masking fluid
Masking fluid is a latex product that can be applied to a surface to prevent ink from sticking to it. It is similar to glue in that it can be peeled off when you are finished with it, revealing a clean white space underneath. Masking fluid comes in both bottled and marker forms, with the bottled variety allowing for a wider range of techniques and application tools, while the marker form is more convenient and easier to use.
When using bottled masking fluid, it is important to mix it gently by turning the bottle or stirring the fluid, as shaking the bottle can generate bubbles that may interfere with precision. If the bottled masking fluid does not have a built-in applicator, pour a small amount into a separate container and cap the bottle to prevent it from drying out. Apply the fluid with an old, worn-out brush to the areas that need to be protected and let it dry.
If using a marker, shake and prime it by pressing the tip onto scrap paper until it is saturated with fluid. Draw with the marker just like you would normally, ensuring that the layer of fluid is thick enough to completely cover the paper but thin enough that it doesn't take too long to dry.
After applying the masking fluid, you can proceed with your alcohol-based markers. When you are finished, carefully remove the mask by gently rubbing it with a clean, dry finger or using a rubber cement pickup.
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Masking frisket
To use masking frisket, you will need the following materials:
- Masking frisket (Grafix is a popular brand)
- Light table or light pad
- Permanent marker
- Rubbing alcohol
- X-Acto blade or scissors
- Synthetic brush
- Brush soap
If you are masking a specific area, use a light table to trace your image onto the frisket using a permanent marker. Cut out the masked area and use rubbing alcohol to remove the permanent marker. Otherwise, the marker will reactivate when you use alcohol inks, ruining your colour. The next step is to peel the waxed paper off the adhesive frisket, which can be challenging as the frisket is very flimsy and prone to static cling. It is recommended to peel back the most complicated part of the frisket from the backing, trim the backing, and then apply it to your illustration.
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$11.07 $14.09
Tracing paper and masking liquid
To use this method, start by applying your base material, which can be either tracing paper or masking frisket. Then, apply a layer of masking fluid around the perimeter of the area you want to mask off, but do not cover the entire surface. Make sure to use a synthetic brush when applying the masking fluid, as natural brushes can be harder to clean due to the adhesive nature of the masking fluid.
Due to the folds in the tracing paper that may develop after applying the masking liquid, you may need to apply another layer of masking liquid to better seal the edges. It is important to let the masking liquid dry completely before proceeding with the alcohol markers. This can take some time, so be patient!
Once the masking liquid is dry, you can start colouring with your alcohol markers. Remember to work in a well-ventilated area or wear a respirator mask to protect yourself from the toxic fumes produced by the alcohol markers.
After you are done colouring, carefully remove the mask. If you used tracing paper, simply peel it off. If you used masking frisket, you may need to use an X-Acto blade or scissors to cut out the masked area before peeling it off.
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The Posca pencil technique
The Posca Pencil is a versatile tool that offers various creative possibilities for artists of all skill levels. Its unique composition, a mix of oil and wax, ensures a clean working experience with no excess material. The Posca Pencil is well-suited for detailed work, filling in large areas, and achieving a range of effects. Here are some key techniques and tips for using the Posca Pencil:
Hatching
The Posca Pencil's thin lines and fluid nature make it perfect for hatching, a technique used to translate values and volumes onto a drawing. The regularity of the line is easily maintained, and the nib's sharpness can be adjusted to suit your needs.
Smoothing
When used on a smooth surface, such as fine grain paper, the Posca Pencil creates a flat tint and shading. The colours blend seamlessly, and you can adjust the intensity by pressing harder or softer. A well-sharpened nib will enhance the quality of your shading.
Contrasting
One of the standout features of the Posca Pencil is its ability to stand out on dark backgrounds. The white Posca Pencil, for example, can easily cover black areas, creating a striking contrast. By varying the pressure on the nib, you can achieve a wide range of intensities, from light touches to full saturation.
Mixing
The Posca Pencil plays well with other mediums, such as watercolours, Indian ink, felt tips, gouache, and acrylics. Its permanent finish allows for endless combinations and experimentation. Additionally, the Posca Pencil's unique composition makes it easy to work with, leaving no excess material behind.
Layering
Posca paint is ideal for layering due to its dense and opaque nature. You can apply dark colours over light and vice versa without worrying about smudges, thanks to its fast-drying time. This technique is perfect for creating depth and complexity in your artwork.
Safety Precautions
When using alcohol-based markers or inks, it is important to take safety precautions to protect yourself from toxic fumes. Always wear a full-face respirator mask to safeguard your eyes, nose, respiratory tract, and lungs. Ensure that you work in a well-ventilated area and follow all safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
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Frequently asked questions
Masking is a traditional media technique that can help take your alcohol marker colouring to the next level. It allows you to reserve areas from large-scale effects like airbrush or mists.
Some common tools used for masking include masking fluid, frisket film, contact paper, POSCA pencils, and tracing paper. When masking a specific area, you can trace your image onto your frisket using a permanent marker and then cut out the masked area. It is important to use rubbing alcohol to remove the permanent marker to avoid ruining your colours.
Alcohol ink and alcohol markers can be toxic, so it is important to wear a full-face respirator mask to protect your eyes, nose, respiratory tract, and lungs from toxic fumes. Ensure you work in a well-ventilated area and always follow safety guidelines when using any chemical products.
