How to wax watercolour paintings

[@SimoneWhippArtist]

This is enlightening! I dislike the old fashioned way of presenting watercolours under glass with a mount and then taping all around the back of the frame with brown tape! It actually put me off of doing watercolours. I'm going to try this Liz. Thank you so much for showing how it is done.

[@LizChadertonArt]

I love this way, but I like the traditional too. it’s good to have options 😊

[@earthheavenisa]

This is extremely helpful. But I think i am gonna do the canvas and use the watercolor ground. Really appreciate your work and channel. Looking forward to joining your FB group.

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mjpete27]

Hullo Liz, I don’t believe that I have seen a better application and explanation for the waxing of a watercolor painting! I have used it to protect my paintings even before mounting onto a surface and it allows me to keep options open for the customers to decide how they want to display the artwork! Thank you for sharing this unique application for protecting your watercolor paintings!

[@LizChadertonArt]

thank you! That’s very kind of you. I love the look of this. I usually wax it after sticking it on the board, just in case I cock things up! if I haven’t used a really sharp blade I have chewed an edge. I can touch it up and then wax. You are right, of course you can wax first, but I would still go over the sides of the board and the cut edge of the paper.

[@grannieannie1371]

Honestly I'm so glad I found your channel. I've learnt so much. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. This looks very do able.

[@LizChadertonArt]

it really is and I love the result! Glad you found my channel too.

[@ajellymoon]

Hi Liz, i love this wax as it’s great for dark watercolours. I’ve a tendency to go dark and always found that problem of dulling. This brings it up dark colours beautifully. Always get the giggles when i tell someone I’ve been polishing my watercolours ! Hadn’t thought of the cradle board. Thank you for that

[@LizChadertonArt]

yes, the wax brings a lovely richness to dark colours…

[@deeporter7369]

Great to see this. I've been waxing my watercolours for a few years now and love not having to fuss with glass. Some smaller art galleries will accept these waxed watercolours but not so much the larger galleries.

[@LizChadertonArt]

My galleries are happy to take the as long as they sell 😊!

[@mermaid01]

Thank you for such an informative video. I am not confident to sell my work just yet but you have given me more confidence to move forward with this finishing lesson ❤

[@LizChadertonArt]

Best of luck!

[@joeromo8303]

Thank you for the film and advice. I've just started painting drawing etc..

[@LizChadertonArt]

Best of luck! A little regular practice will have a huge impact

[@ShuSouth]

Hi, thank you for this. I learned something I will use a lot going forward. Much appreciated, as with all your sharing. 😊

[@LizChadertonArt]

You are so welcome!

[@milleraz221]

I am always amazed with the variety of techniques I can learn from your videos. A big thank you

[@LizChadertonArt]

Happy to hear that!

[@BrazenSpirituality]

Thank you for this creative idea!

[@LizChadertonArt]

You are so welcome!

[@danielascarpa9191]

Amazing result !

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thank you!

[@pennyvae]

Love your channel, thank you for sharing

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thanks for watching!

[@helgaleifsdottir5191]

Nice and helpful !

[@LizChadertonArt]

glad it helped!

[@lightwavz]

Liz, you are the 3rd artist I have been through a demo on this process and you are the only one that has given me any confidence at all. And I am a mixed media artist so this is perfect. I really, really don't like experiencing glass instead of the painted work, even under non-reflective glass. I think I will be brave and give this a try. Thank you!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Please be brave. The first time I did it I was so worried and it turned out perfectly. I surprised myself!

[@SAMANTHAPARR-m8h]

Thank you very much for that Liz. Very informative, interesting, and helpful as always.

[@LizChadertonArt]

My pleasure!

[@darleneelizabethanna]

Thanks for Sharing Liz💖

[@LizChadertonArt]

You are so welcome

[@anneatkinson3388]

Thank you for this clear and helpful demonstration. I love the painting too. Am I right in thinking it's a gouache and Indian ink combination? And do you have a video demo of that technique?I had a go years ago, but can't remember the exact process. 👍

[@LizChadertonArt]

Yes, it is! such fun too…..www.lizchadertonstudio.co.uk/turtle-ink-resist

[@skcamerican]

Beautiful!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thank you. Its a lovely process

[@K_kreates]

That’s awesome looks beautiful

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@robrenhar]

Thank you for this idea! I love it❤ looking you up on FB too.

[@LizChadertonArt]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@saftah0305]

Thank you Liz for sharing this. Regarding the waxing of the bookmarks; do you wax both sides? I’m guessing yes? Also, should I be waxing all of my art pieces of watercolor if they are not in frames under glass?

[@LizChadertonArt]

yes, both sides. if not under glass, watercolours need protection of some sort. you can get specialist varnish, uv varnish or waxing….

[@lauraholland5315]

Beautiful

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thank you

[@lizbrennan_art]

Thanks Liz for such a good tutorial! I wonder if you could tell me how long the wax takes to dry before you can buff it? An hour? 24 hours? Just needing to plan ahead! Thanks Liz

[@LizChadertonArt]

I would say a thin first coat, 10 hours. a thin second, less. Depends on how warm or humid it is and how thin your wax is…. I tend to leave overnight to stop me fiddling with it.

[@lizbrennan_art]

@@LizChadertonArt great 👍🏻 thanks very much Liz. 😊

[@AnneODea-h3x]

What is the correct name for the craft board frame? Do I have to make it myself or can they be bought ?

[@LizChadertonArt]

‘cradle board’ is the correct name in the UK. But you might find it as a painting panel or even wooden canvas. I buy mine. Jackson’s Art does them, but you can find small sizes on Amazon and Seawite does a limited range. I don’t have the woodworking skills to make them

[@susan1965sc]

Love this but my worry is , once the painting is done and waxed would the wax melt if the room got hot in the summer. Thank you. Ps love your book.

[@LizChadertonArt]

once it has cured fully, it is hard and clear. it doesn’t pick up dust and I have had no issue with melting in a hot car in summer. A heat gun would be different of course….

[@susan1965sc]

@@LizChadertonArt thank you for your response. That's great to know.

[@tracylamarca575]

I had heard of Dorland's, but never saw anyone demonstrate it - what a great product! And you, as usual, have given a very informative and easy to follow tutorial about it - thanks! I have a question - I frequently mount photos and embellishments on canvases that I wrap with fabric and have done the same with just a couple of simple watercolors. If I wanted to do what you did here instead of fabric wrapping, could I mount a watercolor directly onto a canvas instead of a wood panel? I buy the ones that are stretched on a wood frame, so they are fairly taut. Although as I am asking, I just realized that it leaves the problem of the edges - you get such a good look with the painted edges on the wood. Hmmm - what do you think?

[@LizChadertonArt]

hiya, I’ve tried mounting on canvas and not found it so successful, but other artists do it. The sides can be painted with acrylic to tone or contrast. but tge slight bounce of the canvas makes wrinkles and air bubbles more likely. a small vey taught canvas is easier. Anything over 30 cm /12 ins I found hard.

[@tracylamarca575]

@@LizChadertonArt Thank you, Liz! That all makes sense. I don't have any acrylics and don't want to add any other kinds of paint to my growing "collection" right now, so if I want to try this out, I think I will go for the wood! I did find some smaller ones than Meeden offers in several online shops, so it's an option. Thanks again!

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@tracylamarca575 look forward to see what you do!

[@AprilJeanG]

I have learned so much from you, Liz. Thank you! I have a couple of questions. Can I use the Dorland’s Wax directly on watercolor I’ve done on watercolor canvas? Watercolor lifts and smears badly on watercolor canvas and I don’t want that to happen to my painting if I apply the wax directly. I have a UV spray I’d like to use on the painting as well so wondering if that should be applied first to seal prior to waxing? And does the wax provide any UV protection? I appreciate your help.

[@LizChadertonArt]

If you want UV protection the wax does not provide any, so you should spray first and wax last. But you can apply wax straight on watercolour. Watercolour is water soluble and as there is no water in the wax it will not dissolve and move. On the otherhand if you had used oil pastels or some coloured pencils, they will smear because they are wax soluble. Hope that makes sense!

[@AprilJeanG]

Yes and thank you so much for responding quickly! 😊

[@earthheavenisa]

Prior to being privy to this great information. I had painted three 10x16 watercolors in watercolor paper. Looking for craddle boards to mount them, I realize there is nothing premade for that size. Would I have to make my own craddle board? Any suggestions?

[@LizChadertonArt]

You could get board cut to size and then use a frame perhaps? or can the paintings be trimmed or use a larger cradle board and leave a border? Paint the border and edges to compliment the painting?

[@earthheavenisa]

@@LizChadertonArt I love the latter idea. Do you have any videos on that or perhaps images I can go to? Would love to see an example.

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@earthheavenisa I’m sorry I don’t have any images

[@ncr525pcrp4]

Can I wax just the paper without the board? My instant says yes, but....

[@LizChadertonArt]

yes, your instinct is right. Some people wax before mounting, or simply to seal it. If you are making book marks or postcards, it’s an option…

[@VioletVerginis]

Thank you so much for this video 😄 I would like to use this wax varnish on a mixed media artwork that has been done on canvas (mostly watercolour). Is the wax varnish flexible at all? I will need to roll up my canvas once it’s finished and I would like to know if this would be possible? Thanks again!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Yes you can! Dorlands is a mix of beeswax and damar resin, so it forms a flexible layer. Always roll with the art outside, and flatten out asap but I am sure you knew that!

[@VioletVerginis]

That’s great news! Thank you so much for your reply and advice 😄

[@LizChadertonArt]

Hope it goes well@@VioletVerginis

[@sandyshinno4050]

Is your portrait book out yet. Love your videos.

[@LizChadertonArt]

not yet! September was the latest date I got from the publisher 😊

[@rachelsmith7462]

Hi Liz, I have been tempted by waxing paintings for a long time but am always concerned about odour as I react very badly to petroleum/VOC odours. Really helpfully you mention in the video that Dorlands doesn't have odour and can be used indoors. Does that also apply to any of the other waxes like Gamblin or Annie Sloan? If anyone else has any experience of using any of these waxes, any additional replies/comments would be interesting. Thanks a lot.

[@LizChadertonArt]

Dorlands is bee's wax and Damar resin, so no petroleum products. Annie Sloan doesn't have a VOC odour, but they do not say what's in it. I haven't used Gamlin for a while, but if my memory is correct it was smellier.

[@rachelsmith7462]

@@LizChadertonArt thank you so much for replying Liz, that's really very helpful.

[@autumnrain1892]

Liz, you are amazing and I appreciate everything you put out. This concerns me though, dorland's has OMS in it; orderless mineral spirits. Super toxic stuff though less toxic than turps. Have you ever had any issues with that? I worry about new artists being unaware that they are sticking their hands in paint thinner. 😬

[@LizChadertonArt]

I have never had issues and I believe OMS are not absorbed through the skin, but I have asked the manufacturers after I saw your question. So when/if they reply I will update. I believe it is safe to use with fingers, but apply with a cloth if concerned. My studio is well ventilated.

[@LizChadertonArt]

This is the reply I got from Jacquard, manufacturer of Dorlands - they wouldn’t recommend slathering your body 😆 I think there is something to trying to expose yourself to solvents as little as possible. However, they are not all equal in terms of danger. On the danger scale, odorless mineral spirits are almost as low as you can go. They are very heavy molecules, which means that they are not bioavialable, and unlike some solvents like acetone which can go right through your skin and into your bloodstream, Odorless mineral spirits take a lot of contact over a long period of time to even penetrate your skin. It is mostly dangerous in a spray where it can be inhaled or go through the eyes. Even then, it generally won't cause systemic effects. So, the biggest worry is dose, which in Dorland's is quite small. Then you have exposure. Through your finger tips is not much. I wouldn't recommend slathering your body in it. From using your fingers with the wax, you are less exposed than cleaning the paintbrush you applied the wax with if you use mineral spirits to clean it. The biggest realistic danger is you get more sensitive over many exposures and it causes dermatitis and you get red or itchy skin. If you notice that, of course you should wear gloves. Overall, the risk is very low, but not 0. Most likely a little redness is your worst case scenario. Wearing gloves or just applying with a microfiber cloth seems like good practice, but I mineral spirits has been one of the safest solvents for a long time now. There is a reason it is the big replacement for turpentine.

[@autumnrain1892]

@@LizChadertonArt you are the absolute best! Thank you for that! We are huge fans of yours and I so appreciate you reaching out to the manufacturer. ❤️ Can't wait to get your new book. 🥰

[@autumnrain1892]

@@LizChadertonArt and I promise not to slather my body in it in hopes of it keeping me looking younger longer 🤔🤣.

[@LizChadertonArt]

Me neither! I thought it was a ver un-corporate reply, which I appreciated 😊@@autumnrain1892

[@catherinejane4346]

Hiya! Can you use this on a canvas water painting?!

[@LizChadertonArt]

yes, I do all the time. Here are some more tips for canvas/watercolour kzbin.info/www/bejne/rn2kfpxvorOZZ7c

[@californiadreaming567]

Roland’s Bee Wax - thanks

[@LizChadertonArt]

it’s Dorlands Cold Wax Medium. it’s a wax paste which derives hard and clear and won’t yellow.

[@doreenstrachan1119]

Would you use this to seal a postcard you've painted so you can send it?

[@LizChadertonArt]

Dorlands is lovely for sealing postcards

[@doreenstrachan1119]

@@LizChadertonArt thanks

[@julieo8017]

Would it be weather proof for hanging in an outdoor placement?

[@LizChadertonArt]

No sorry. I think you would need something really heavy duty to cope with outdoors. I’m thinking acrylic paint and a varnish they use on murals.

[@julieo8017]

@@LizChadertonArt thank you much!!

[@stampinturtles]

I’ve tried waxing different watercolors and I must have done it wrong (or used the wrong wax) because it ended up with a white film on the painting. Especially in the indentations of the paper.

[@LizChadertonArt]

oh no! what wax did you use? It is white as it goes on, but it’s a very thin layer and dries clear.

[@kathleenthompson1569]

Where can I purchase the boards in UK

[@LizChadertonArt]

if you look in the description it gives you a link to Meeden which is where I got this

[@HeidiAicher]

Will any glue do ?

[@LizChadertonArt]

you are looking for an archival glue, so acid free so it doesn’t impact your paper. I have used pva/ Mod Podge / white glue in the past. All worked well. Just check for the acid free on the packaging

[@artbykcappadona5166]

So why would you put wax over varnish isn’t varnish enough to seal the painting?

[@deeporter7369]

I never put varnish on mine...just the dorlands wax. But some artists recommend the varnish if you are a bit wary or worried about the watercolour pigment lifting a bit. If I had a big piece that was a commission I would probably varnish first ....just to be safe.

[@LizChadertonArt]

Two or three varnish layers would be enough to seal and if you like the look, then that is great. The wax deepens the colours slightly and gives a beautiful sheen. so I think it’s quite transformative.

[@LizChadertonArt]

The reason I used the varnish is to add uv protection. Given there is no water in the wax it will not smear the watercolour. You are right, you can go straight in with wax and omit the varnish, but the wax has no uv protection.

[@KatMa664]

Well, Liz, what I am wondering is why do you need wax if you’re going to use varnish? Now are used wax all by itself one time and I felt like it kind of decreased my sharpness in my painting and darkened it. Now it was a Portrait, so that was more important than if I just had done a landscape. So I would like to use the varnish next time I think that would help. But do you need wax if you’re going to use varnish? What is the benefit of the wax over the varnish?

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@KatMa664 Two or three varnish layers would be enough to seal and if you like the look, then that is great. The wax deepens the colours slightly and gives a beautiful sheen. The varnish is used to add uv protection as the wax has none.

[@mjrewerts]

Wow this would be a lot cheaper than Aquaboard and I could use this for my hand-colored linoleum prints.

[@LizChadertonArt]

Aquaboard is SO expensive!

[@isabeedemski3635]

I wax oils and watercolors. Tempera oils down the colors and mutes tbem. Watercolora stay bright.

[@LizChadertonArt]

I’ve never tried with oils

[@andreatorraca8755]

🤩🥰

[@LizChadertonArt]

😊

[@HidekoMalis]

😅

[@LizChadertonArt]

🥰

[@HidekoMalis]

O

[@LizChadertonArt]

😊