How-To: Mounting Watercolor on Wood Panel (2024 UPDATE)

[@saraistevens9521]

I love your philosophy on over thinking archival quality.

[@rapp63]

😊 Awesome, I used modge podge to attach and seal my painting on a wood panel

[@elizabethgarat8493]

Nice video, Angela. Like a couple of other viewers I have had success eliminating the spray layer. Dorland’s wax has never smeared my watercolors which never ceases to surprise me. As long as the wood is sealed well, the wax alone works for me. That being said, everyone must feel comfortable trusting their process of choice. I also use Dorland’s to seal my oil paintings instead of varnish. I like the soft satin finish it provides.

[@enlightenme_nz]

I love this idea and I’m keen to give it a try. The idea of removing any barriers between the painting and the viewer appeals. I also like to add texture like embroidery or dried flowers to some of my art so it will be interesting to see how that goes with this method.

[@angelfehr]

Yes, I think you have lots of options for adding further layers, although I would do that before you add the wax medium since it's hard to make things adhere to wax.

[@Ann-ey1tw]

Thanks for letting us know of your improvements to this way of framing. I’ve done several in the old way and I do love framing this way. I’m glad for more information and also the reminder. I have a few paintings that I put off doing this, because it is time consuming. But I need to get back to it! Thanks!

[@angelfehr]

It's more convenient for me than framing under glass, but either way I tend to procrastinate!

[@juliecremer3545]

I've been using this method for some time now after seeing you first video Angela! Over time I have bypassed the step of sealing with the varnish spray with no adverse results - not yet anyway. Thank you for the update - all the best.

[@jessicasingleton7675]

Same! So far, so good 🤞🏼

[@angelfehr]

That's interesting to know! I feel strongly about sealing just to add that additional barrier against acids from the wood.

[@ErinEnoArt]

Thank you @juliecremer3545 as I was thinking that you shouldn’t need varnish if you are using wax. I want to try this but would forego the varnish as well. It may reduce the risk of yellowing over the years

[@barbaragood-small5729]

So glad I found your video a few years ago! Love this treatment . Thank you for the uodate!

[@margaretmatthews5681]

Great tutorial and definitely worth a try 😊

[@fiddler1252]

Great update! I'm going to finally try this way of framing after having all the supplies for a few years. Thanks for inspiring me once again, Angela. 💖🙏💖

[@angelfehr]

That sounds like me - I usually have the supplies for a LONG time before I actually get around to trying a new process.

[@EveLyn-jm4zq]

I have wax medium and varnish but don't have heavy gel medium. Could I use modgepodge, gesso, or diluted white glue instead?

[@K.ART_vlog]

so nice 😍

[@SustainableLyn]

Thanks for this! I'm new to painting and didn’t know how to approach this. ❤

[@NatalieBeddoes]

I’m new to this method. Where do you get your wood blocks? Can you link that here? My husband is also a carpenter so o laughed at the painting walls comment. As I’m getting ready to paint our kitchen ceiling and it is not the same as a canvas or a piece of art. I’m not good at it either 😂😂. Thanks for this video it will be fun to try!

[@NatalieBeddoes]

also, I couldn’t comment on your video about an email list so I’m putting it here. I’m a new artist looking to getting into marketing my art. I don’t know where to start. I need a website, what direction should I go? Etsy? Or just paying for a website like wix, square space. Etc? Thanks for any guidance!

[@GrandmaMuggy]

Thanks for the update. Great information!

[@deborahtaylor7902]

Great video Angela...can u tell me where u purchase your wood panels? thanks!

[@jodihigginsjh]

Thank you for the update. I love the idea of this process but haven't tried it yet. I have some commissions coming up for some watercolor paintings for 2 children's rooms and I think I will be using this process for that. I really don't care for watercolor paintings behind glass... I bought Golden Gas 100 to prep the wood - I saw that suggestion online and wondered if anyone has tried using that. Angela love your videos!

[@angelfehr]

I have GAC 100 but haven't been able to find a use for it (I was thinking it was an adhesive) so maybe I will try this too!

[@Rozzybeads7]

Great video! Thanks. Is there a difference when using cold press, rough or hot press paper as far as texture after you put the wax on it? Do you seal the backside of the panel? I love the idea of this so you don't have to use glass to protect your watercolour painting. Very modern look!

[@SarahLawrence-pt9yj]

Thanks for the update! I have framed quite a few smaller paintings following your process and they have turned out well. I wonder if you ever mount any of yours in a floating frame. I ask because that was a suggestion given to me by another artist.

[@angelfehr]

I have done just one floating frame - it's a more complex technique because you don't want the painting to touch the glass, and so if I'm getting this method done, I would ask a professional framer.

[@maryjrodriguez1210]

In Byzantine iconography we use a substance called mixtion to adhere the gold leaf to the gessoed board. To protec the gold leaf we use Goma laca. I wonder whether these products could be used for mounting on board. O haven't tried this technique yet. My other query is whether the wax protective layer would oxidise over time and become brownish.

[@angelfehr]

That sounds like another fascinating process! My experience has been that oxidizing shouldn't be an issue, however I would recommend checking out the Dorland's website and seeing what they say about the longevity of their wax used as a finish. To my memory they stand by the product's long-term preservation ability.

[@shirleyhoracek4288]

Wonderful process! How do you attach a wire for hanging? Do you drill mounts into the back side edges or put eye screws inside the back side edges which would keep the panel more flush to the wall? Thank you.

[@angelfehr]

Usually I use the eye screws and wire, like you've mentioned.

[@marymurphy2844]

I love the idea of this process. One question I have is about the paper itself. Are you using a heavier weight paper (e.g. 300 v 140) to minimize wrinkling/curling and ensure a very flat surface before applying it to the board? Or does the paper just flatten out as you affix it to the panel? In other words, do you have a pre-process to flatten the paper (iron, books) or just use heavier paper?

[@angelfehr]

Great question! I use 140 lb paper. Thicker paper (300 lb) is trickier to get evenly adhered. I usually spend quite a lot of time applying pressure and really rubbing it down with a squeegee or brayer, especially if the painting is quite large. I haven't had to pre-smooth the paper before I apply it to the panel, it's usually enough to massage it down as I adhere it. And then I try to apply even pressure during the drying process - using books, plywood (with a barrier layer of paper or plastic between) so that no sections pop up during the drying process.

[@bonniepetersart]

Thanks for sharing. Do you think soft gel would work as an adhesive?

[@angelfehr]

You know, I'm not sure! I haven't used soft gel so I'm not sure how "soft" it actually is.

[@juliekraut7218]

Can you use a glue instead of gel medium to adhere the painting to the board?

[@angelfehr]

I don't see why not although I would be careful in choosing the glue so I don't choose one that could break down the paper over time. Some glues get brittle as well so that would be something to consider.

[@robertspilker9445]

When do you use the gel

[@dq3974]

I’m able to buy panels that are pre-primed - any issues with these?

[@trudelmj]

This method of waxing the pigments comes from the Chinese. They waxed their frescoes on the Great Wall of China and these are well preserved.

[@angelfehr]

Oh I love that it has a long history like that! Thank you for sharing this.

[@DrJones-nh4my]

Let me tell you that you should not interfere with your husband’s painting work. That is his domain and he’s protecting it. He does not doubt your skills. He’s asking you to respect his area of expertise. It has nothing to do with you being an artist or your abilities. He’s 100% correct. By the way, I’m a woman and would not do that to my husband. Just a word of advice to understand your husband better.