Masking

You can also just use masking tape (lots of little pieces). I decided to go the tape route because I read Koishii’s coomment on another thread about popping the eyes out and figured that sounded not fun for me. I used a toothpick to make sure the eye was all covered.
If you look at the PYO tutorial or at the first post in this sectioin you can find Nambroth’s comments on masking fluid.

I use masking tape.

I got some fluid, hated it, never using it again.

On most paint jobs I just paint around the eyes. On something where there’s sponging, or something else that might get on the eyes, I use masking tape.

Yeah, I just wet a paint brush and rub off any stray paint.

Plus I’d be afraid to pop them out. Sometimes, the gypsum can break off.

You can pop the eyes out without damaging them? One of the biggest problems my fiance had with my husky/wolf was that the eyes were in opposite of his dogs (it was an odd eyed one).

Here’s what I wrote in the FAQ regarding masking:

Use it thick – When you apply your masking fluid, you want to build up a thick coat of it, almost a millimeter thick if you can. Depending on the viscosity of your masking fluid, this may take several layers. Masking fluids are latex based and you can let the first layer dry, then add more. Avoid putting only a thin layer on, even if you’re in a hurry… as you paint or use clear-coat, this will of course stick to the masked area and if your mask is thin then it will become brittle when you try to peel it off, and is just a real pain to remove correctly. Not to mention if you miss a spot, it’s terrible to realize after you’re all done that you added some matte clear coat to your eye in splotches. Ack!

Only apply it to the surface – What I mean here is that when applying your making fluid to the eyes or horns of your beastie, do not let it run in behind the eye or under the horn. If possible only dab it onto the visible surfaces. If you let the masking fluid run or get it in behind the eye or under the horn, it will make it much harder to remove… and you may end up with ‘eye-skin’. ‘Eye-skin’ is what I call it when you have leftover bits of masking fluid stuck around the edges of the eye… it looks like skin and is just a pain in the butt to remove. Not to mention it looks creepy. If you get this, don’t dispair. Get the finest set of tweezers you can (I have the super thin pointy ones) and a toothpick or sewing needle, and gently and slowly work it free.
It’s best to avoid this situation at all, so try only to apply to the surface.

If you are having problems with your masking fluid being too runny, you can stick it in the fridge for a bit. It’s latex based and will thicken when cooled. DO NOT FREEZE your masking fluid, this can ruin it!
If chilling your masking fluid for a while doesn’t help, try getting a glob on your paintbrush and letting it air dry for a few seconds before applying it. This should help it form a skin faster and not run.

Always use an inexpensive brush for applying masking fluid as it can ruin your good brushes! Always wash your brush afterward with soap and water to get the masking fluid out.

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If you really want to get a masking fluid I recommend “Eye Protect” if you can afford it and will use it more than once. One jar will last you YEARS. It works well as it’s made specifically to use on glass eyes!

http://www.vandykestaxidermy.com/product/01334905/

The key is to (as I said above) NOT get the fluid in behind/around the edges of the eye, or it becomes very hard to remove. I think this is where other people are having problems. Good luck!!