Learn how to create a glue pen resist onto any watercolor wash! A quick and easy mixed media technique that has so many fun options! A must-try.
The glue pen I use the most is this MONO Glue pen by Tombow.
This post contains affiliate links and when you purchase an item via these links, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
What is a glue pen?
A Glue pen is basically a pen with liquid glue inside instead of ink. You write with the pen and glue comes out instead of colored ink. No squeezing is required and you can apply the smallest amount of glue precisely!
I use my Glue Pen to make resist patterns while watercoloring! This is such an easy technique that wows!
ALSO READ: More inspiration in from my rainbow art series
glue pen resist step by step
The Glue pen is great to use in watercolor techniques, as you can draw with the glue and then paint over it with watercolors to reveal the hidden pattern behind.
Step by step tutorial showing you how to create a glue pen resist for your rainbow watercolor wash!
Total Time: 15 minutes
1. Draw your design with the glue pen
On a blank sheet of watercolor paper, doodle or draw your resist design using the glue pen. This glue pen has a clear glue for ink and the design you draw won’t be easily visible unless you tilt your paper to the light. Let this glue design dry for a few minutes, it shouldn’t take longer than 5 minutes. 
2. Paint with your watercolors
Paint with your watercolors on top of the dried glue design. Add any kind of watercolor wash on top. You don’t have to make it a rainbow, but the rainbow is super fun to paint 🙂 
3. Let the watercoloring dry to reveal the resist
Let the watercoloring dry to reveal the resist
supplies used:
- Watercolor pens or watercolor cakes: I’m using the Tombow Dual Brush Pens here, not from any particular set, color numbers photographed above (click on each image to enlarge)
- Paintbrush: I’m using this medium Round 6 size paintbrush
- Watercolor paper: I’ve used this Canson Watercolor pad and this one in the video you see.
- Glue Pen: Tombow Mono Glue Pen
Glue pen resist VIDEO tutorial:
MORE ideas to use your glue pen:
1. Create stars in a Watercolor Galaxy
Use your Glue Pen to draw stars, shimmer and diamond shapes into your galaxy paintings!
2. Doodle with the pen and watercolor over it
You can draw any pattern/ doodle onto a piece of paper and then paint over it with your watercolors!
3. Use it with a Stencil
Trace your stencil pattern with the glue pen to create a repetitive pattern!
4. Draw Stars into your lettering
Watch the Lettering with stars Video
Create a glue pen resist design under your lettering! Watch the video for this here.
What can I glue using the Glue pen?
The glue pen is perfect to use when you need to glue teenie tiny small things- think sequins, enamel dots or small bits of paper. The glue is a clear liquid and dries invisible.
Thank you for pinning this tutorial!
conclusion + tip
Tilt your paper to the light to see the glue on paper. It is not easily visible- and you might even think your pen is not working at all- but the glue does come onto the paper. You just have to see it in the right light.
I enjoy creating watercolor resist patterns and this glue pen does not disappoint!
