UPDATED - Alternative Framing Ideas for Watercolour Paintings

This video has been inspired by the comments from my recent framing tutorial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHy4i3moj8SNaNk Includes mounting a watercolour onto a wood panel an attaching it to a floater frame. Learn more about watercolours: www.patreon.com/karenriceart - includes access to longer tutorials, sketch outlines etc...SUBSCRIBE & CLICK THE NOTIFICATION BELL - SO YOU DON'T MISS MY LATEST VIDEOS...
MY NEW WEBSITE: www.karenriceart.com
Check out my FREE Essential Guide To Watercolour: www.karenriceart.com/general-8
karenricewatercolour
Winter Sheep tutorial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYTJgoyca7qAaLs
Abstract seascape tutorial:kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqK6iYObpqt4bdU
MATERIALS:
(I use affiliate links and may earn a commission.)
AMAZON US: www.amazon.com/shop/karenriceartchannel
AMAZON UK: www.amazon.co.uk/shop/karenriceartchannel
Art Supplies: www.karenriceart.com/art-supplies-links
Kamar Varnish:
(Alternative Dorland Wax or Gamblin Wax)
www.dickblick.com/products/krylon-kamar-varnish/
Cold Wax Medium:
(Alternative - Dorland Wax or Acrylic Varnish - only use after you have spayed with the initial watercolour varnish).
www.dickblick.com/products/dorlands-wax-medium/fromSearch=%2Fsearch%2F%3Fsearchword%3Ddorland%20wax
Wooden panels:
www.dickblick.com/products/blick-premier-wood-panels/
Floater Frame for panels:
www.dickblick.com/categories/framing/frames/float/
Acrylic Gesso/Primer:
(Alternative - White matt emulsion - good quality.)
www.dickblick.com/products/blickrylic-gesso/
Roller:
www.dickblick.com/products/educational-hard-rubber-brayer/
Acrylic paint
www.dickblick.com/products/blickrylic-student-acrylics/?fromSearch=%2Fsearch%2F%3Fsearchword%3Dwhite%20acrylic%20paint
Acrylic varnish:
www.dickblick.com/products/blick-matte-acrylic-varnishes/
Cutting mat & Craft knife set
www.dickblick.com/products/alvin-cutting-mats/
Music:
Frolic - E's Jammy Jams
#watercolorcards #watercolorabstractpainting #watercolourbeginners

[@suekell3802]

I'm so happy for this tutorial! I've started framing this way, and it looks so much better without glass!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad I could help! Thank you so much 😊

[@travellife08]

Lovely painting and very thorough instructions. One thing I would suggest though and believe me I'm no expert on this. The surface of the painting should not stick out so much from the floater frame. Ideally it should be flush with the surface of the floater frame. If you used thinner velcro maybe to prevent that from happening?

[@KarenRiceArt]

I agree, will look into this, thank you 😊

[@Angie-pl3uw]

More, more, more of this! Wonderful info. Thank you, Karen.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@kzbaby2002]

This is amazing. I had no idea you could do this with a watercolor.

[@colorfulwater5070]

Happy framing! ❤️

[@ArtistChic-sc4xy]

As an artist working with watercolor and acrylic paints, I've been searching for a framing solution that maintains quality and consistency across all my artwork, while also adding to its presentation and value. The option of framing watercolor paintings without glass or plexiglass is particularly appealing to me. It's worth noting that not all competitions and galleries recognize or allow this as a viable option yet. Regarding the technique itself, I find it fantastic. I recommend sanding or trimming off a fraction of the back of the wooden panel that your watercolor is glued to. This will ensure it sits flush within the frame, enhancing the presentation and providing a seamless, professional finish. It's a method I would definitely consider incorporating into my own practice. Thank you for sharing this invaluable video!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Fantastic advice. Thank you so much 😊

[@uncomplication]

How large have you “framed” paintings using this method? I’m searching for an economical way to frame some of my larger paintings, that are closer to 24x30 with some wrinkles in the paper… I might experiment with smaller sizes and work my way up… but curious what you’ve run into at bigger paper sizes if you’ve explored it already…

[@KarenRiceArt]

This is the largest one that I have done. Let me know how you get on 🎨

[@jilld8787]

Many thanks for this detailed video! I look forward to giving this a go. 😎🎉❤️❤️❤️

[@marieradi-nahas767]

Thank you Karen for this excellent tutorial and the detailed list of supplies you used in the framing process. Indeed, in the past couple of years I watched the video that Angela Fehr did on the framing process. She has one on how to cut a mat to frame a painting as well. It is nice of you to acknowledge her, however it would be also nice to tag her somehow so that she is aware that you referenced her in your video. You are both fantastic artists and I love your art and tutorials.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much l!

[@kathryng6363]

I think this is a brilliant way to show off a painting. Offcuts could also be used for bookmarks.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Great idea 😀

[@bahar5899]

This is great for watercolor i love it. thank you

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you !

[@shelley2he844]

This is great ❤️👍 I was wondering how to mount the paper onto another surface to sell or display and then this tutorial came along. ❤️ Although my paintings are not at the sell/display quality... Yet. It's good to know for future reference.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks Shelley 😊

[@blindhopeDiana]

I sanded and spray painted the edges with a satin finish paint for wood. Two coats before mounting the painting.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you for sharing 😀

[@Bindismom]

I REALLY, REALLY like this idea! I love getting away from the need for glass and the heavy look of a frame! I will definitely be using this technique. Thank you 👍💖

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@veroklassmann654]

For all abroad from US or Great Britain: I used "Renaissance Micro-crystalline Wax polish". It is easier to get in Germany than Dorlands or other wax mediums. It smells not very good, but this odeur is gone after a few minutes. I work outside with it, because of the smell. And I tried to do the same to a cheap canvas paneel. It worked as well. But you need to put paper or other material underneath the back of the canvas to fill the space. Then put old books or something heavy on it. Same process like you did for 24 hours. It will work for smaller paintings like 20x20 cm.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much for sharing 😊

[@TresCherie]

I was wondering if Renaissance wax would work. Thanks!

[@connielester1641]

Great tutorial and the painting is stunning ❣️

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@amyb82941]

💜💜💜 great video! Thank you

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@dezzydezi]

This was super helpful thanks

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@nitahaas390]

Wow! This is lovely but takes a lot of time. Drying time especially.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Yes I agree 😅

[@moyke3]

Would this work well with soft pastel paintings? Thank you for this fantastic demo.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Not sure sorry

[@jamesbrizendine962]

Hey Karen i enjoyed your video on this I’m wondering where could you get the frames at

[@KarenRiceArt]

There are lots of places, just Google floater frames. Amazon, Jacksons, Hobby craft are a Number of places.

[@patriciadixon4260]

Love that! Gosh you’ve been sooo busy! Just one question, why do you go to so much trouble with the sides when is goes into a floater frame? Just wondering! 😊

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you. I painted the sides so that you could present the panel without framing.

[@msjones8873]

Brilliant video! Thankyou!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you 😀

[@merakitra]

Great tutorial, just a suggestion. I would turn the painting over after you apply it to the wooden frame, then place the weights on the back of the painting, even some weights inside the frame, because it is hallowed in the middle, the weights may make it saggy.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you, great suggestion 😊

[@janerimer6475]

Super vid, Karen. I’ve been spending a lot on frames. This is a nice option. And I had no idea about varnish. Have you found the varnish changes the look of the watercolor? Like deeper colour? I might have missed that…?

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you. I did feel the varnish accentuated the painting 😊

[@jamesbrizendine962]

Hey Karen i was wondering where could I get the boards for the paintings i was wondering if Walmart would have them

[@KarenRiceArt]

Hi James, Dick Blick sells them: www.dickblick.com/products/blick-studio-wood-panels/

[@unamcgurry6875]

Fantastic! Really helpful info too. Thank you. 💕💜

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome!

[@michellespohrer6395]

I love this idea, Karen. Cradled panels are a bit pricey. Could you use a canvas panel instead?

[@KarenRiceArt]

I have not tried a canvas panel, could be a more economical option?

[@EC-lq3qw]

Am late to the party here! Great video Karen, thank you for your very clear demo. I'm going to try this with a couple of my small paintings, but will paint the sides of one of them black, just to see what it looks like - I think it might enhance the 'floating' effect. Can't wait to try this.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Great idea! I hope you enjoy this one.

[@EC-lq3qw]

Hi Karen, yes, I tried it and I love it - got to try different colours next. Thanks for the idea, a new rabbit hole to go down, lol. Have a great day 😊

[@geraldinenagle1756]

Fabulous

[@Seanguitarmelodies...]

Thanks you to this video for I can get an idea for my painting also...👍🎸

[@KarenRiceArt]

Really pleased you found it helpful!

[@fuzzydragons]

ooh i need to do this next year when entering the local gallery show, would be a lot cheaper than framing something 😀

[@KarenRiceArt]

So pleased you found this helpful 😊

[@patlizgailer681]

Fabulous to see this. Why do you varnish 2 coats on the wstercolour and then wax it? Wouldn’t the wax be enough?

[@KarenRiceArt]

The instructions for the varnish says to do two coats or more. And the wax was an added precaution to make sure that it was fully waterproof.

[@marytesta3003]

Very interesting. I had no idea you could use a wax on a watercolor. I don't see myself doing this but is absolutely lovely. I would definitely miss measure!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Mary 😊

[@louisepettersson3138]

Love your paintings. Have one question- do you always warnish your paintings before you frame them?

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much Louise. I only varnish the paintings that aren’t glazed.

[@anne-fleurkoolstra3399]

Love this, thank you! I was wondering if the cold wax stays sticky and attracts dust and filth?

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you...the wax is not sticky after you buff it with a paper towel.

[@anne-fleurkoolstra3399]

@@KarenRiceArt oké, Good to know! Thank you so much for replying! Love your work and your style. Your tutorials are great!

[@joycesavage2629]

Is gasso good for the primer?

[@KarenRiceArt]

Gesso - perfect 👍🏻

[@carolbicknell9603]

When placing the cradled board inside the frame with the Velcro be sure as you place it down that all sides of the painting are equidistant from the edge of the opening of the frame. It can be tricky. I speak from experience. 😊

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much for sharing Carol 😀

[@carolbicknell9603]

@@KarenRiceArt You’re very welcome!! ❤️

[@yvonnekehoe3938]

Hi! Where do i buy the wooden panels? Thanks

[@KarenRiceArt]

Details about the materials are used in this video can be found in the description below. Click more

[@angmacleod]

I think I counted 5 days of drying time!😳 but the painting looks great!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@chloemaxwell2628]

Looks great, but I don't have the patience to take 2 weeks to frame a painting LOL!

[@marytesta3003]

I'm with you! And that trimming would spell disaster for me !

[@KarenRiceArt]

I know what you mean… the upside is that each of the stages are very quick and easy 😊

[@marjo-riittareinikainen9740]

Very complicate with lots of extra materials needing! Not my cup of tea!