I tested three types of paper so far (with a fourth still to go):

Papers

• Blick Art Materials cold press watercolor paper (in-house brand)

• Strathmore cold press watercolor paper

• Arches hot press watercolor paper

• Arches cold press watercolor paper (not tested yet)

Masking fluids

• Pebeo drawing gum (liquid and marker)

• Daniel Smith masking fluid

Application tools

• Pebeo marker

• Ruling pen

• Toothpick

• Handle of a brush (my neurospicy brain won’t let me ruin actual brushes)

• Toothbrush

• Rolled paper

One thing I learned the hard way: after rinsing the toothbrush, it needs to be completely dry before using it again. The second time I used it, I didn’t dry it enough, and the residual water made the masking fluid too thin and splattery, so it went everywhere.

I found the Pebeo marker and toothpick the easiest tools to control and manipulate.

Next, I plan to test Winsor & Newton masking fluid across all four papers, starting with Arches cold press, which hasn’t been tested yet. So far, I’m preferring the Pebeo drawing gum paired with either Blick cold press or Arches hot press. The masking gum didn’t lift as cleanly from the Strathmore paper, and I noticed the Daniel Smith masking fluid left a slight yellow stain behind.

I’d also like to try a pen nib once I track some down.