How to Use Masking Paper

A flat lay of card making supplies including stamped cards, masking paper, scissors, and ink tools set up for a creative papercrafting project.

Masking paper is a game-changer for anyone who loves card making, scrapbooking, or just getting creative with papercrafts. Whether you’re layering stamps, blending inks, or creating intricate backgrounds, a little piece of masking paper can take your designs from “cute” to “wow!” in no time.

Masking paper is essentially your secret weapon—it allows you to protect areas of your project while you work on others, giving your cards more depth, dimension, and that professional, layered look. Plus, it’s super versatile, making it perfect for everything from DIY card backgrounds to complex mixed-media projects.

Using masking paper might sound fancy, but it’s actually beginner-friendly, and once you get the hang of it, your creative options multiply. In this video, we’re walking through three core masking techniques that every papercrafter should know.

Layered Stamping

Layered stamping is all about creating depth with overlapping images—and masking paper makes it a breeze. Here’s how:

1. Stamp your first image on your cardstock (what you want to appear in the foreground, the zebra on the finished card below, or this turtle, for example.

2. Then, stamp the same image onto the masking paper and trim it carefully around the edges of your stamped image, as close as possible.

A stamped turtle image is carefully trimmed from masking paper to prepare for layered stamping on a handmade card.

3. Then, place the cut out masking paper image on top of your stamped image on your card stock – this protects your foreground image while you add background stamping or coloring.

The masking paper is removed to reveal a clean, layered stamped image with visible depth and overlapping details.

4. Stamp your second image on top of the masked area. The first image stays protected while the new one overlaps perfectly.

A second stamped image is layered behind the masked foreground image to create depth and dimension on cardstock.

Additional stamped images are layered using masking paper to build a multi-dimensional card design.

5. Repeat as needed for additional layers.

6. Remove the mask and admire the dimension you’ve created!

A hand places a cut masking paper shape over a stamped image to protect the foreground while adding background details.

A completed stamped animal scene shows multiple overlapping images created using masking paper techniques.

This technique is fantastic for cards with floral arrangements, animal scenes, or any layered focal point. It’s an easy way to achieve that “multi-dimensional” look without fussing with precision cuts or extra cardstock layers.

Color Blocking

Want to create a bold focal point or separate areas for different inks? Color blocking with masking paper is your friend:

1. Cut a piece of masking paper to cover the area you want to protect.

Masking paper is placed over a stamped image on cardstock, preparing the surface for ink blending and color blocking.

Ink is applied to exposed cardstock areas while the stamped image remains protected by masking paper.

2 Apply ink to the exposed area using blending brushes or sponges.

A card making workspace shows ink pads, stamps, and masking paper set up for creating clean color-blocked designs

3. Remove the mask to reveal crisp edges and clean, separated sections of color.

A close-up view shows masking paper being lifted from cardstock after ink blending to expose sharp, defined edges.

Add a stamped sentiment or focal element in the unmasked space for emphasis.

This is perfect for adding gradient ink backgrounds, spotlighting a sentiment, or creating sections for different colors without overlap. It’s one of those card-making tips that feels fancy but is super simple in practice.

Custom Stencils with Masking Paper

Masking paper can even double as a stencil for repeatable shapes or patterns:

Die cut or punch your masking paper into shapes.
Lay the stencil over your cardstock.
Add ink, embossing, or other techniques through the cut-out areas.
Lift the stencil to reveal your custom design.

READ MORE: Decorative Mask Techniques & Ideas

Ready to Try Masking Paper Techniques?

If you’ve been waiting for a reason to add masking paper to your toolkit, now’s the time! From layered stamping to color blocking to custom stencils, the possibilities are endless, and the results are always impressive.

Don’t forget to grab a few coordinating tools to make your projects even easier: blending brushes, dies, and your favorite Stampin’ Up! inks are a must. And for even more tutorials, tips, and kits, check out the Stampin’ Up! YouTube channel.

Once you know how to use masking paper, your card making and papercrafts open up in ways you never imagined. Layer, blend, block, and stencil—your projects will never look the same! If you want some hands-on help with your masking techniques, reach out to our community of Stampin’ Up! demonstrators today!