Whether you’re making watercolor word art for fun, card making, journaling, or designing quote wall art, using resist techniques makes lettering feel less intimidating and way more fun. 

If you’ve ever wanted your watercolor paintings to have that wow, effect — the watercolor resist technique is your new best friend.

This beginner-friendly method lets you create bold shapes, words, and textures using simple tools you probably already have at home. No fancy skills. No perfection required. Just paint, play, and relax.

What Is the Watercolor Resist Technique?

Watercolor resist (short for resistance) is a technique where you use a water-repelling material  (like wax, oil pastel, tape, or glue) to block watercolor paint from sticking to certain areas of your paper.

When you paint over it, the watercolor slides right off, revealing clean lines, shapes, or words underneath. It’s like telling the paint, “You’re welcome everywhere… except here.”

This technique is perfect for:

• Lettering and quotes

• Abstract backgrounds

• Complex illustrations

• Beginner watercolor practice exercises 

Common Watercolor Resist Materials 

1. Crayon, Wax or Oil Pastel Resist

Draw with a white or light-colored crayon or oil pastel. When you paint over it, the wax resists the watercolor and reveals your design.

Best for: words, stars, doodles, simple shapes

2. Glue Resist

Draw with glue and let it dry completely. Once dry, paint right over it for raised, stained-glass-style lines.

Best for: bold outlines, kids’ projects, decorative designs

(Black glue gives an even stronger contrast!)

3. Tape or Sticker Resist 

Place painter’s tape or washi tape on your paper before painting. Once the paint dries, peel off tape to reveal clean white shapes.

Best for: geometric designs and crisp edges

4. Masking Fluid (Liquid Frisket)

Masking fluid acts like liquid tape. You paint it on, let it dry, then paint over it. Once removed, the paper underneath stays perfectly white.

Best for: detailed lettering and precise highlights

5. Rubbing Alcohol 

Drop rubbing alcohol onto wet watercolor and watch the pigment push away, creating dreamy, galaxy-like textures.

Best for: abstract backgrounds and texture lovers

How to Use Crayon to Create Watercolor Resist Word Art

You’ll need:

• White crayon, wax candle, or oil pastel 

• Watercolor paints

• Brush

• 2 water containers

• Watercolor paper 

Steps:

1. Write your word:  Press hard to write using white crayon, wax  or oil pastel. I wrote "Be Happy" using sharpened candle wax. You can also embellish your design with stripes, stars, spirals etc. 

2. Paint around and over your words using colorful watercolor paint. You can paint all in one color or try lots of different colors.

3. Watch the letters appear as the wax repels the paint.

4. Add Texture (optional): Sprinkle salt while wet for a starry effect.  

Helpful Tips For Success

• Tilt your paper to see the wax shine before painting.

• Press hard with your crayon, oil pastel or candle wax to get a good coating of wax on your paper.

• Experiment with different colors for varied effects. 

Final Thoughts

Mixing words with watercolor is about freedom. It’s about slowing down, playing with color, and letting the paint do its thing.

Don't get caught up in perfectionville.