A vehicle masking material and method of use. The masking material in one embodiment includes polyvinyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, glycerine or triethylene glycol, a surfactant, and water. The maski ng material is applied to a surface which is to be pro- tected from paint overspray or other mechanical process, allowed to dry, and paint is applied. After drying of the paint, the mask- ing material is removed by peeling or water washing.