How To Mount a Watercolor on Board and Wax It - Easy Framing Technique

[@sherryleggett1612]

Very interesting still life subjects. Thought provoking. Sure beats a bowl of fruit and a wine glass.

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Thanks!

[@sherrierichard2848]

Great job explaining the why and how’s of each step, and how to avoid mistakes that you have made in the past so we can avoid them!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Thanks for watching!

[@mjrewerts]

I love your radish painting! Very cool 😎. I’m glad you mentioned using the gesso on the cradle board.

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

A few beginner mistakes I made were, using a small hard rubber roller that left marks on my painting, getting the acrylic medium on the front of the painting, and having the acrylic medium start drying, before I placed the painting on it. Also, rubbing to vigorously when applying the wax, and smearing some pencil marks. My solutions are... Got a wider roller made for the purpose, make sure you have enough wet paper towels to wipe up any/all stray glue, and spray mist the acrylic medium, if it is drying to fast. I like your idea of using soft cloth to apply the wax. Thanks for the wonderful video.

[@gailmoniz3243]

Wow!

[@laurainel]

Wow! Such a great video! Love it!

[@Biju2223]

Nicely done. You said let the gesso dry. You meant the gel medium! I always have difficulty with having bobbles at the end: either I do not apply enough medium or at the time did not use a roller to secure the paper well enough to the board! I shall try this again!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

I don’t know why I confuse my words so much! Good luck on your next attempt!

[@kathryndohring5481]

This was a really great video. Clear and easy to understand. Thank you so much!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@miltonvann646]

T.V.: Thank you young lady, this was great. Wonderful process, lovely paintings. Keep up the good work.👍🏾

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Thanks so much 😊

[@brendahoneyman2527]

I use GAC 100 (Golden brand) from Blick Art Supplies as an isolation coat (2 coats). It goes on very easily - very fluid. I read that Gesso is absorbent so unless multiple coats are used, it's not really sealing the wood from chemicals that could seep into the paper or from paper to the wood. The GAC 100 bottle even shows that with two coats it helps protect against Support Induced Discoloration (SID). Hope this helps!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Thanks so much for sharing this! It's good to know.

[@mikenoneofyourbusiness7122]

Thank you, very helpful! Gorgeous paintings too! 😍❤️ You’re definitely both talented and skilled! Sending you good vibes ✨ from your neighbour in Canada 🇨🇦

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Thanks so much for watching!!

[@katanyajason3316]

Wow, that's a beautiful painting!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Thank you!

[@jayneselwa]

Thank you! I've been wanting to learn how to do this, and you have explained it so clearly.

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RickF-dw8cl]

Love the composition!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Thanks!

[@jenfleming9384]

Great demo and great art! I have now started framing my paintings on paper this way. Love it and I hope the public do too. I will subscribe.

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Thanks so much! My paintings framed like this have sold pretty well. I hope yours do too!

[@gingerallen9387]

Awesome.. used your technique and had wonderful results ! Thank you

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Glad it helped!

[@cbarzo1]

thank you for this demo. Clear and thorough.

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MsNoellen]

BEAUTIFUL paintings!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Thank you!

[@CarolynBernardYoungPottery]

Very helpful video - thanks!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lorrainewatry_watercolors]

Nice job Susan. Thanks for sharing your process!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

You are so welcome!

[@ElizabethFluehr]

I've got lots of experience mounting watercolor paper and other art papers on wooden panels. I recommend using a sanding block to support your sandpaper when you smooth off the paper edges, as that way there is less risk of rounding over the top edge with your sanding strokes and abrading the painting. As you say, always use a downward sanding motion. I love the clean look of frameless watercolors, but the gallery that represents me wants the cradles as thin as possible so she has the option of selling framing with the painting.

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Thanks so much for your comments! I agree that a sanding block would be better to use, and I like the idea of thinner cradles to give the buyer an option to frame their painting.

[@barbaraross3660]

What is the best watercolor paper to use ? I used to paint porcelain so I like a smooth surface. Thanks

[@ElizabethFluehr]

@@barbaraross3660 Arches hot press watercolor paper is smooth.

[@lavenderinbloomflowerfarm1420]

Just the info I was looking for! Thanks so much!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Glad I could help!

[@CynthiaLMBrown]

Thank you for sharing this! I’m looking forward to trying your technique!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Thanks so much!

[@arlenemurphy804]

Thank you Susan

[@Janet_scribbles]

Really good instructions and painting!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Thank you very much!

[@sandyball7954]

Thank you. That was an excellent tutorial! So glad I found your channel and I am now subscribed. Your work is stunning

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Thank you so much!

[@alisonhendry2928]

Is there any change to the colours as in light fastness with the wax? Does the wax change colour over time making the whites turn yellow that you know of? Glad KZbin found your channel for me . Love you art style.

[@SusanMonroeArt]

I don't think the wax changes colors over time, and I've read that it does help protect your painting from light damage over time. Thanks for watching!

[@danielascarpa9191]

It’s an Amazing video. Thank you for sharing. I have a question: Why did you use gel matte instead of pva glue?

[@SusanMonroeArt]

That's just the way I was taught. PVA glue might be a good alternative!

[@olimpiagambacorta5176]

Thank you so much for your informative video. This is just what I was looking for, as I love the look of mounting watercolors on a board. You made it look so simple, I hope that I have luck with this project. I just subscribed to your channel.

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Thank you so much! I hope it works as well for you as it has for me!

[@mckennacreative6133]

Hi. I’m new to watercolor and love this framing method. I never heard of waxing over the painting and love that it brings out the colors. Can you wax a watercolor painting and still frame it traditionally with a matte and glass frame? Thank you!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

I haven't done it myself, but I don't see why it wouldn't work!

[@c.retana-holguin8318]

Amazing paintings! And clear instruction...Could you also spray a varnish over the paintings and then wax?

[@SusanMonroeArt]

I haven't tried that yet, but it seems like it would work.

[@annarnold5576]

Can't believe the watercolor didn't smear with wax being applied right on top of it without being seaked first! Maybe it's the brand of wax you used Beautiful work!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

It’s definitely the brand of wax that makes the difference. Thanks for watching!

[@brendahoneyman2527]

It's because it's wax and there is no water. Water is what will activate watercolor paints. I don't know of other brands, though, so I use Dorland's too! A little goes a long way. Be sure to read the label - very harmful or fatal if swallowed, which I'm sure applies to many products that are not food!

[@IslandGirl755]

Thank you for sharing this video with very easy to follow instructions. I have mounted a painting on wood a couple of times, but just wanted to watch other artists approach for new tips, and you gave me a few. You are a talented artist, the last painting you waxed is amazing the detail is stunning. I loved all three painting. Thanks again

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Glad it helped!

[@cheralsquyresArt]

What kind of WC paper. Hot or Cold press. Can you use rough? I have Jackson wax. Is that ok or should I buy Dorlands? Thank you

[@SusanMonroeArt]

I used cold press paper. I'm not familiar with Jackson wax, so I don't know if it could be used for this. Dorlands is what I've always used. Thanks for your questions!

[@gtinsa]

So did you use any varnish on your watercolor painting before or after you mounted and waxed it? I absolutely love this mounting and can't wait to try it! Thank you for a great video!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

I'm so glad you liked it! No, I didn't use any varnish before waxing it, but I don't think it would hurt. Good luck trying out this technique!

[@grandma.p]

Is it okay to use Dorland's wax on acrylic Ben Moore paint? I have some old cigar boxes. I put my watercolor paintings on the lids and sealed them with Dorland's wax. I painted the boxes with Ben Moore acrylic paint and sealed them with Dorland's wax. A month later, they still have a waxy feel to them. Anything I can do so it will feel more dry to the touch?

[@SusanMonroeArt]

I’m not sure what the problem could be. Maybe the wax is on too thick?

[@grandma.p]

@@SusanMonroeArt Thank you. Good advice for next time.

[@princessannoir3323]

I have just mounted a painting for my grandson. About to trim and wax. I hope it works well. Thank you for your video.

[@suemon123]

Please let me know how it turns out!

[@rachelvasquez2871]

My question is...can this be applied dry pastels also? or only watercolors?

[@SusanMonroeArt]

I would not recommend using it on pastels. A fixative spray would work better.

[@STLwildlifeArt]

What does this process do to the White of the Paper? Is it still white or does it gray the white slightly?

[@SusanMonroeArt]

The white of my paper has stayed white, even years later, so I don't think it has any effect.

[@pllorens1]

Any ideas about how to put a matting around the watercolor

[@SusanMonroeArt]

I only know how to add a matting if the painting is in a traditional frame. I don't think you could do it with this method.

[@cathylathrop8104]

Is gel matte the same as modeling paste? Great tutorial. Thank you!

[@SusanMonroeArt]

I don't think it is, but I'm not sure.

[@pattylapihuska2346]

When you say "all boards" how literal are you? My husband gave me some partical wood boards. As long as they are sealed with gesso and sanded is that kind of board ok to use? How about pressed board, as the type made into peg board? Thanks for a reply.

[@SusanMonroeArt]

I'm really not sure how well a particle wood or pressed wood board would do. I always have used a solid wood board. All I can suggest is to give it a try! If it were to cause any problems, I think it would be when the gesso is applied and the board is damp, so before you attach your watercolor. If it doesn't look like the board is holding up well, you can just throw it out and try with a different type of board. Sorry I can't be of more help!

[@pattylapihuska2346]

@@SusanMonroeArt thank you for replying. I will give it a try and watch how the gesso responds. I appreciate hearing from you.

[@rta3738]

Patty, the peg board would be Masonite which has been used for decades for oil painting after applying gesso so that will work fine. You can probably see a KZbin posting on this. Don’t use particle board,use MDF-there is a difference. You will need to varnish and/or paint the edges real well. Just a little moisture will swell the wood. Hope this helps.

[@pattylapihuska2346]

@@rta3738 thank you for your reply and advice. I hadn't thought about the wood needing to be sealed. That make a lot of sense for preservation.

[@grandma.p]

How long does the gel matte last?

[@SusanMonroeArt]

It’s been working for years for me.

[@suzanneosio7596]

Where do you get the wood/frame?

[@SusanMonroeArt]

I bought it at my local art store. It’s called a cradled board.

[@leahpotts3896]

Hi, love this demo. One question how do you attach the hanger on the back? Thank you

[@SusanMonroeArt]

I just put eye screws on either side of the board and attached hanging wire between them. It's very easy!

[@joshuabrunetti2001]

I laughed when Prof. Monroe turned over the board and it was a totally different painting

[@SusanMonroeArt]

😂😂😂I did this video a while ago, so I don’t even remember switching paintings in the middle! What was I thinking? Thanks for pointing it out. I got a good laugh! 😂😂😂

[@joshuabrunetti2001]

@@SusanMonroeArt What makes it even funnier is that the paintings are very similar-if one were superstitious one might think the Gesso turned pencils into radishes, landscape into portrait... Watercolor witchcraft!

[@MsNoellen]

is that watercolor paper 300#?

[@SusanMonroeArt]

No, it was 140.

[@utube1928]

Understand it is irreversible Certainly not an archival way to frame Chances are none of us will make art that someone in 50 years will care about it but this does permanently impact the art.

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Thanks for the information!

[@galen8291]

I don’t varnish or sand my cradled boards, just spray glue and attach watercolor paper…..I thought you were painting right on the wood.

[@SusanMonroeArt]

Aren’t you afraid the acid from the wood will ruin your paper over time?

[@dq3974]

Watching you run your hand over the painting with a ring on your finger makes me cringe like I’m about to see a car accident.

[@SusanMonroeArt]

No paintings were harmed in the making of this video! 😂