Cool ALTERNATIVE To Framing Watercolour Paintings

[@Blick_Art]

This is an important topic- artists are under a lot of pressure to offer "museum quality" presentation, but that's not really feasible for the vast majority who typically bear the full cost of framing in each sale. We're all for practical solutions that make it easier for the collector to present, maintain and care for artwork, while still letting the artist afford to eat! Painters do need to be prepared for some alteration of color when coating water media- dark colors deepen, and contrast increases. The technique presented here is irreversible, so it's a permanent decision, but so is painting! We think, due to greater vulnerability and solubility of wax medium, it may be preferable to use a solvent-borne varnish like the ketone-based one shown, or an acrylic solution product like Gamvar or Soluvar. The recommended primer coat for the wood is a great idea to reduce the chance of staining from the panel material, and it provides a good substrate for an acrylic-based adhesive, if you're using acrylic gel. Artists who want a conservation-reversible mounting technique might try a dextrin paste like Yes! glue. Very nice!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much for your comment, very much appreciated and explained. 😀

[@regineberry8850]

Thanks

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@robynrainwater]

I have been doing this for a few years. Sometimes I add a floating frame designed for canvases. I sell more of them this way! People really love this.

[@glowycloey]

Looks so much more modern- and lighter, too!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you for sharing… great idea 😊

[@sharonw2008]

Where do you get your floating frames from? I'm having trouble finding them xx

[@jdschneider5858]

Thank you! That was a more straightforward and easier method of mounting a watercolor than I've seen before -- big help!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much!!

[@theresaRD]

I am so happy I found you and this video! I was looking for an alternative for my watercolor paintings for an upcoming art show. I tried this and it worked beautifully! I even sold one of my pieces! ❤

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you for sharing!

[@davidmolloy126]

A rolling pin does a better job than a small roller as it applies more even pressure. Thanks Karen. Xx

[@KarenRiceArt]

Great idea. Thank you for sharing.

[@jaanda11]

I paint acrylic but in a water colour way on paper and have always paid to have them framed under glass. This is a great way to avoid the cost and potential damage which comes with traditional framing. Fabulous 😊

[@KarenRiceArt]

I totally agree! Thank you Amanda 😊

[@ShellyColours2]

Beautiful. I would paint the wood frame too with some color. Loved this!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you!

[@artwithmycoffee]

This is an excellent tutorial, so helpful and well done! One of the main things that keeps me from going back to watercolor instead of oil paint, is the idea of having to frame everything under glass. This is awesome! I will definitely be keeping this in mind.

[@KarenRiceArt]

So pleased you found this helpful 😊

[@joanreeves3788]

I have learned so much. As a beginner I got some ideas about mixing paint colors.

[@loujones5388]

This has been so helpful, just what I needed to know. Thank you, Karen.

[@parisasun2541]

I also liked your way of explaining. Very confident, nice, inviting, calm , great rhythm and video.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@debbiemartin9005]

This is such a great idea for an inexpensive “frame” for our watercolor paintings!! ❤

[@suel4269]

Once again, you’re reading my mind! I’m not the Sue who suggested this but last night I was watching videos on how to attach to cradle boards. I had watched Angela’s video a few times already and watched again last night.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks Sue! Angela is brilliant!

[@arlenemurphy804]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@deborahreilly279]

I like this! But I think finishing the board sides first would present better. Thanks! You are helpful!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Deborah 😀

[@patriciadupuis9857]

Well,, that opens up so many possibilities...thank you very much!

[@emilymaness]

Thank you! I love this idea. I’ve been wanting to try this for a while. Seeing it done step by step is very helpful.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Emily 😊

[@cherylj.harris4967]

Thank you! Love this for watercolor. I will do this.❤

[@KarenRiceArt]

Have fun!

[@moniquevanderster1867]

Thank you SO much!! I’ve often wondered about possibilities for an alternative and modern way to frame my watercolorpaintings. This method is perfect!!!🎉 thanks Karen, i really enjoy your videos. Love from the Netherlands,😘

[@janelarson7065]

Excellent tutorial! Thank you!

[@parisasun2541]

The best tutorial I have seen ! Very clear, step by step with clear product labels. ( what I did not know was the wax. Amazing! I can’t believe I did not think about it before ! Very helpful because I have started to use canvas bc of framing cost. ( however canvas had become so expensive!) but I love painting in watercolor! This encourages me to go back to this medium! A huge help! And will try first on a smaller board. Thank you so much !

[@KarenRiceArt]

So pleased you found this helpful 😊

[@susanvanschuyver7900]

Excellent directions!

[@Queenie-the-genie]

I’ve been doing this for years. It’s a great idea. Economical as well.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Kathleen 😊

[@glowycloey]

I've been wanting an alternative to glass and framing. Thank you, Karen!

[@dandelion1239]

Love love love this! Thank you soooo much! I don’t like frames so this is perfect.

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome! Thank you!!

[@Angie-pl3uw]

Now I’m dying to try it. I too thought of a canvas. Thank you for a super explanation. You look lovely as usual; I’ve missed your scarves as I too have. A collection

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@kitty4tify]

Thank you. This was very informative and the method concise. Although I know the materials I did not know where to start.

[@KarenRiceArt]

So pleased this was helpful 😊

[@loujones5388]

Same here, Cathy. I am so happy to have found this tutorial.

[@adorablerepurposals6745]

Oh! My! Thank you, so much! Love this technique!

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome!

[@rhondahennessy76]

Love love that. Thank you so much.

[@KarenRiceArt]

You are so welcome!

[@nickybomont6074]

As usual, your instructions couldn’t be clearer, thanks Karen!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@kimfenton4676]

I love this idea. Great instructions. Beautiful result.

[@anniede3176]

Brilliant thank you!

[@gigiartstudiowithartistvir3919]

I did this for all of my watercolor paintings that will be shown in an art gallery all next month. I painted all of the cradle boards with gesso first and the sides with enamel paint to make them extra nice.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Good luck and thank you for sharing !

[@hannahcrumley3103]

I love this idea!!! Thank you so much!

[@thatsme7379]

Thanks for introducing showing me a way of giving my paintings a really contemporary feel.

[@suemiller7414]

A number of steps and a great finish.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much 😊

[@c.retana-holguin8318]

Thank you for this exceptional video, Karen! Your instructions are quite clear. What a terrific idea!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@maggiefreeman6513]

Thanks for a great tutorial Karen. This is such a good alternative to framing. Love it!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you 😊

[@rosasadler1084]

Wonderful easy to follow directions for an extremely useful technique. Thank you so much!

[@joannepeyton1654]

Hi Karen: Process is very involved, but results are amazing! Painting takes on a whole new life. The wintery sheep painting is so cute. The other one you did was adorable too. Thank you for sharing. 💜😎🇺🇸

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Joanne, I agree it is a little involved, but with it in the end. 😊

[@cynthiakammann7368]

First of all, I love, love, love the painting. Thank you for the tutorial! I think I have all needed supplies on hand, except the wood! I've loosely followed Angela for years and she, she is an excellent teacher. Thanks again!! ❣️

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Cynthia 😊

[@juliedennis8733]

What a great idea. I've never really liked putting my watercolour under glass.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Julie 😊

[@jennifermidwood5708]

Thank you 😊

[@francinetjones1814]

Karen, love this technique and use it quite often. Here's a tip for you. In order to protect the sides of the panel, tape off with wide blue painter's tape (think my panels are a little deeper) and that way no worry if something goes over the edges. Whala when done - clean edges!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wow! Great suggestion, thank you for sharing 🎨

[@KarenRiceArt]

Wow! Great suggestion, thank you for sharing 🎨

[@louisescaini-jojic8660]

Excellent tutorial.

[@merakitra]

I did not know a watercolour painting could be mounted on a wooden block, now I know, thank you for your detailed tutorial.

[@elizabethhumphrey9055]

I have used this similar technique to attach paintings to backer board and then apply cold wax. I then have a wood frame with a groove inside so I slip the backed painting into the frame. Easy to change out your paintings this way

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much for sharing Elizabeth, I will try this 😊

[@joannberger4812]

I can't wait to try this framing technique for a series of loose watercolors I am preparing for an opening. Instead of white gesso to seal, another alternative I learned from a Golden representative is to seal with 2 or 3 coats of GAC 100. It keeps the lignins in wood from leaching into the artwork and turning it yellow with time. It also looks nice on the sides of the wood panel since it dries transparent. I believe GAC 100 comes in both satin and gloss. Another way to seal after treating with Kamal varnish (and maybe workable fixative?) is using Polycrylic or pourable medium. I recommend doing experiments prior to trying these techniques on final artwork. The final touches on any painting can go south pretty quickly due to temperature/time of year or mixing mediums that aren't compatible.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much for sharing. I really appreciate it. Really helpful.

[@KLeonardM]

This is so lovely. New sub to you and Angela...Thanks so very much.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks for subbing! 😊

[@janefoust2785]

I've used the spray and wax on backed cards and bookmarks. Thanks so much. A great way to preserve such a lovely painting.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Jane 😊

[@0to100Art]

Enjoy watching very nicely done and good luck stay connected 🌹🌹

[@ritaharker8792]

Thank you so much for this tutorial, I love the look and will definitely have a go xx

[@gdstudios-fineartcreations2295]

Wonderful! Thank you!

[@gigisaban5802]

Thank you so much!! I can't wait I'm doing it today!!!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Have fun 😊

[@Engelhafen]

looks nice

[@caroltaylor4282]

Thank you so much!! So helpful!

[@jacquiposener7262]

Fantastic,clear instructions. Thank you!

[@alisonlyons4691]

Oh great idea. I have some abstract watercolours needing framing, and this looks like a perfect solution for a contemporary finish. I have custom made MDF panels for painting on with oil/acrylic after they are primed, so going to experiment with your idea. Thank you so much Karen for this very clear tutorial x

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much for sharing. I hope this process helps 😊

[@christinasvensson1995]

Super! Thanks

[@caroleblaney3157]

Good demonstration! I've done a similar process, but just used a couple of coats of Dorlands wax, no varnish. They buffed up beautifully and have held up well. Someone asked if wax finish held up in the southern part of the US. I did some in Wisconsin, then moved to North Carolina. So far, so good. I would think that in modern air conditioning, out of direct sunlight, that they will be fine.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much for sharing that Carole, very helpful practical advice 🎨

[@dandelion1239]

THANK YOU!!! I don’t like frames so this is perfect!!!

[@tynaheadrick-phipps6768]

Great video, love having each step clear.👍

[@yayacuculis7929]

What a great idea! I am going to have to try this.

[@jacintacesp]

Fascinating. I just hang up my paintings on poster hangers but they definitely fade like that...good to see some materials to stop that happening. The framing looks good but the sheep picture is just epic 💚

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much 😊

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much 😊

[@shaustin22]

Very helpful. Thanks for sharing. 😊

[@donnabirney817]

thanks sooo much will try it!!!!!!!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Happy painting 🎨

[@P-Nut-gs4lp]

Thanks for the tutorial! May I ask, how many tutorials can Patron members get per month? Thanks!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you for your question. Patroeon is a monthly subscription membership. I publish at least 4 exclusive tutorials each month. Patrons also have access to over 350 ad free existing tutorials. Just go to www.patreon.com/karenriceart.com for more details 😊

[@junemackenzie4205]

Thank you

[@onlyhoasibuiart448]

Very cool, you look so beautiful, I love the drawings ❤️👍

[@genoekenfloeken]

Thanks a lot very helpful indeed ❤

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad it was helpful!😊

[@alicechampagne7091]

Great explanation! I usually use the varnish over my painting first. I also use parchment paper instead of paper towels, as any glue remnants won’t stick to the parchment.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you for sharing, great suggestion 😊

[@hdonaldson28]

This is brilliant! Thank you so much ❤

[@keariewashburn4680]

Thank you 😊 ❤

[@KarenRiceArt]

You're welcome 😊

[@vincethomrenaissanceman1731]

What do you think about using clear acrylic spray instead of varnish?

[@KarenRiceArt]

I have not tried it on watercolours? Could be worth a try...

[@devnagraham1006]

That's really useful thanks. If I ever finish a piece I'm happy to put on the wall, I will definitely try this! 😂

[@OldVillagePaint]

I think I’d paint the sides as well just for a more finished look. But I love this idea. I used to work in an art gallery in the 70’s and we made these frames for posters and called them versa-frames.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you for sharing 😊

[@deborahbarbaccia6813]

Great information Karen!! Thank you ❤️

[@larkspin]

This is great! I've always wondered if you could do something like this with watercolors. I think the sides should be painted a dark color to not distract from the painting. Also your could do this, then place in a floater frame and the watercolor surface would be protected. Thank you for the tutorial and the supply list!!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so pleased you found this helpful. Thank you also for sharing your suggestions… great idea 😊

[@ameliaameliaworks3678]

Are there also some kind of frames that work with these wood panels?

[@KarenRiceArt]

Yes, they are called floater frames, you can find them on Amazon, Hobby Craft and Jacksons etc...

[@gclepine]

I love this technique and will be trying it on a painting soon. The only thing I would add would be to cover the bare wood on the sides with some paint, perhaps white or a darker color. Thank you for such a great idea for an alternative to framing for a watercolor painting. This will be so much easier and and less expensive for paintings that I do not want to invest the money into by paying a professional framer to do the job.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you Gail, great tip 😊

[@brendatrujillo2666]

Love it!

[@deborahsharp2354]

Gel medium works great to glue down the paper.. I use it quite often to attach pastel paper to foam board and it has never come loose 😁

[@KarenRiceArt]

Good to know - thank you 😊

[@ineseedwards9489]

That’s fantastic - thank you 😊💜 did you subsequently paint the exposed edges of the panel - eg with white acrylic paint or some other suitable colour ?

[@KarenRiceArt]

Yes I did, thank you 😀

[@tradingpostfarms]

I really like that. I know I should paint in standard sizes but I just don't. I paint on everything, including scraps and often times it's those loose free paintings on the back of a failed painting, or half a failed painting that are my favorite work. So I'm guessing cheap wood panels in odd sizes will be more affordable than full frames in an odd size worthy of an of original piece.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Hi Elli, thank you for sharing… Sounds like you could make this work… 😊

[@Moonbeam5761]

Thanks!

[@karenfinneganart2480]

I have used this but have stained the wood before mounting the painting and have cut the painting an inch smaller than the wood frame so that the painting has a beautiful wood framing around it. Just another suggestion I thought you might like. I do have photos but they can't be uploaded here

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you for sharing 😀

[@juliapowell1026]

Where do I get the wood from please 🙏. Looks fantastic 😊

[@KarenRiceArt]

Amazon, Jackson’s, art discount, Hobby craft. Most art shops sell these now 😊

[@pauline3379]

That's brilliant Karen, thank you 😊

[@beverlypeterson1416]

Thank you for this; I think I'll try it. I also watched Angela's video (have followed her for years) and she sprayed her painting with the Kamar varnish first which seems like a good idea to protect the painting ahead of the trimming and gluing. I suppose you could do one or two light sprays at the start, then add another before waxing? Would be interested to hear if anyone has tried that. I haven't used Kamar before but a friend told me I should use it to seal a watercolor I did on Yupo. OK, time to get busy! Thanks again, and I want to paint the sheep, too!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you for sharing Beverley ☺️

[@lindaking9222]

Very informative..thanks

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks Linda 😊

[@lindaking9222]

Ps…Angela Fehr lives in Western Canada..like myself

[@normanmerrill1241]

Helpful…many thanks…

[@KarenRiceArt]

Glad it was helpful 😊

[@catherineadkins2774]

I like to make cards and bookmarks. Could I stay then with varnish like you used to protect them. Or what should I use? I don’t like plastic sleeves. Great video! ❤

[@KarenRiceArt]

You could varnish first with the spray varnish and use acrylic varnish afterwards 😊

[@Angie-pl3uw]

I use Dorland's Wax on bookmarks. They look extra nice.

[@gennydavidsonsmith85]

Thank you Karen. I’ve been looking for a more contemporary way to present my watercolours and this really hits the spot, but I think I’m not alone in worrying about the edges. Please could you do a tutorial that covers that. (Pun unintended.) Thank you.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thanks Genny. The edges should be fine as long as you follow the steps. I have done a few of these and they are hanging in my wall. The edges look good.

[@gennydavidsonsmith85]

@@KarenRiceArt Thank you.

[@sungoddiss]

Do you finish the edges of the wooden panel?

[@KarenRiceArt]

You could paint them with acrylics 😊

[@annevickers3307]

That was lovely! Thank you. Did you gesso the sides of the frame?

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank k you! I didn’t, but will next time 😊

[@christinebravomom5711]

Do NOT skip the white base coat! I painted a bare wood miniature bookshelf years ago, giving it just one coat of white. It looked fine and I was feeling lazy, so I didn't bother with the recommended extra coats. Big Mistake. After just a few years, the white had yellowed. I had similar experience with the long-term damage wood can do with the edges of a lithograph I was given. Over time, the edges of the paper darkened. I realized the inside edge of the frame had never been sealed, so the acid in the wood was leaching into the paper.

[@KarenRiceArt]

Thank you so much for sharing. So helpful to us all and I totally agree 😊

[@christyprice6942]

Thank you for sharing. Did you seal your watercolor painting first? I live in a warm humid environment. Do you think this would last and the paper would remain attached? Thanks

[@KarenRiceArt]

Yes I used varnish about 1.30 mins into the video.

[@jillmcginn6965]

You said the picture doesn't need framing, but the sides of the panel are partially covered by gesso, even though you sanded them. How could this be ready for hanging when the panel sides have no finish or covering?

[@KarenRiceArt]

Hi Jill, you could paint the sides with some acrylic paint. I think a few viewers have suggested this great idea in the comments.

[@luizacordova7926]

Hermoso❤

[@tammyradnai9886]

Thankyou for this information, it is very helpful. I am curious what the best way to dust a painting like this is since there isn’t any glass covering it. Would you use a damp cloth, or would that remove the wax? Thanks for your help!

[@KarenRiceArt]

Great question. Definitely a damp cloth 😊