Signatures Done with Waxed Paper

[MaryAnne Long]

I saw on Facebook today where someone said that it you sign your name on the watercolor paper by writing on waxed paper first, it will show up as white on a dark background.

Well, of course I had to try it.  Actually, I tried it about 20 times - two came out pretty well. I used Reynold's waxed paper (not a cheap store brand) and good Daniel Smith paint on 140 lb. paper. When I tried using it for things other than the signature, I had no luck at all. Bottom line: Sounds good - doesn't work all that well unless there is a trick to it that I do not know. Only the phthalo blue seemed to work well - other colors did not show the white.

Details

Oh, well, I had fun trying.

aloha

mea

[Val]

You can get the same effect (only better) if you use a white wax crayon or white candle wax. I've used it a couple of times in w/c. Creates a wax resist. 

[MaryAnne Long]

Val,

I can write if very small with the waxed paper.  Wouldn't the crayon and candle make it thick and big?

aloha

mea

[linley.plester]

 :whistle:Dare I suggest a masking fluid pen?

[MaryAnne Long]

Linley,

I shall put that down as my next purchase.  Any particular brand you could recommend?  Thanks.

aloha

mea

[linley.plester]

At present I have a Schminke 50731 Maskierstift, eingefabt which is blue coloured. It's not ideal because it does glob a little. That might depend on how skilfully you use it, of course.(I'm told the Daniel Smith pen is good, but they are hard to get over here even though DS watercolours are easily available, so I can't compare them.) I didn't like the Molotow brand pen when I tried it. There is also a special gadget for dipping in paint or masking fluid to make lines.  I think you can even use it with a ruler. Elizabeth Tyler uses one in https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKRCYEPm7ys. I think they would be available from places that sell professional drafting supplies.

[Val]

.... otherwise known as a dip pen, mapping pen, ruling pen! I use one for drawing with ink. I have also used it for masking fluid, does take some practice to be able to write with it though... haven't quite got that down yet...         

[MaryAnne Long]

Thanks, Linley and Val.  Doing my due diligence as I contemplate my next Amazon order.

aloha

mea

[linley.plester]

Over here a mapping pen is a tiny fiddly little nib pen, non- adjustable, so when you order, Mea, make sure you see a picture and get the adjustable sort eg: https://www.amazon.com/ARTCOE-Ruling-Applying-Masking-Artcoe/dp/B00U8AN5KY

[linley.plester]

Another reference you might find interesting Mea:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dG6sMT9C8eA 
on how to use a ruling pen.

[Cath]

 A left-over from my silk-painting days - this is what I use for my masking fluid which I buy in a larger bottle because it is more economical  -
 
https://www.dharmatrading.com/tools/gutta-applicator-bottles-with-metal-tips.html

The metal tips come in a variety of sizes so may be useful for name-signing, too, I can imagine. Not tried it thus myself, yet.

[linley.plester]

A fantastic idea, Cath! But, both Jacksons in the UK and Daniel Smith in the US produce masking fluid already in Gutta needle point bottles.... which might suit Mea better, since she doesn't like even filling mechanical pencils...... Sorry Mea, couldn't resist! (unintended pun   ) 

[MaryAnne Long]

Hmmphfff!

aloha

mea

[Cath]

Linley- they just do not have the same effect!