Frisket Film

Can anyone tell me how long I can keep frisket film on paper? Will it 'stick' permanently to the sheet of paper, if it has to be on there for a week or so? I've only worked with it a couple of times, but I have always removed it immediately. But this time it's taking longer for me to do the background.

[Enzie Shahmiri]

Melissa,

If I remember this correctly from my airbrushing days, I would leave it on for 2 days on cold press illustration board.

I had to go to my reference books and look this up; it seems they recommend not to leave it on the artwork too long (more than 24 hours) because the adhesive may become tackier over time. Apparenly room temperature plays a big part in affecting the tackiness and can make the frisket difficult or impossible to remove.

The type of paper you use will also make a difference. My recommendation is to make a sample on a piece of scratch paper and let it sit over 24 hrs, that should give you a good indication how long you can leave it on. Good luck and please share the results.

[Jeremiah White]

I've known artists who leave the frisket on after the painting was finished. It may be harder to remove if you leave it on too long though.

[Will Enns]

Melissa,

You didn't mention your medium, so I will address watercolor because that is what I have used in conjunction with frisket film.

I never had a problem removing the film, except when I replaced a piece after spraying before the airbrushed watercolor was totally dry.

I have used both hot press and cold press, usually #140.

I have left frisket film on raw paper, as well as airbrushed areas for more than a week with nary a problem.

Sometimes, I *have* had trouble getting the frisket to stay stuck to the painted surface after painting. I found the drying watercolor overspray would shrink, causing the edges of the frisket to curl up after several days.