Mounting and Sealing Exposed Watercolors

[@markanderson4447]

When brushing on the gel clearcoat, it is a good idea to make vertical brush strokes to smooth the last strokes out. Most picture lighting comes from above and you won't see shadows on the surface like you do when the clearcoat is applied horizontally.

[@rogerboucher1913]

What if you put one coat vertically and the second one horizontally, would that make it look like canvas?

[@mariedunn3774]

Excellent tip, thanks!

[@kertzb9402]

Which gel are you using? Golden what?

[@c.l.montoya2972]

@@kertzb9402 Golden UV acrylic top coat He lists all his products in the description😊

[@stephenpirie8900]

So, it's been two months since I first watched this excellent "How To" video. During that time, I've been out purchasing/collecting all the tools and supplies I'll need, start to finish, and getting myself psyched to paint my first watercolor. Though I've painted in oils and acrylics, watercolor will be a different challenge. I've spent a lot of hours watching several artists, including The Mind of Watercolor, painting and discussing what they're doing. 👍 I'm confidently ready to start,

[@LaineyBug2020]

Oooh, that transition when the gel medium dried was so satisfying to see!

[@ivanadamiengeorgelimiteded3639]

To prevent support induced discoloration, I have read on Golden's website that 2 coats of gloss medium should be applied to the wood before mounting a watercolor on it.

[@ospreys_view4798]

This video was extraordinarily helpful. It answered all my questions on how to mount watercolor without glass. Thank you so much for all the work you put into these videos.

[@sylviaholtzhausen6439]

I find using a sponge roller gives a nice brushstroke free finish. 😊

[@lindalyles3954]

This is such a clear to understand video. Thanks for taking the time to demonstrate.

[@dubbjb]

Excellent. Art looks so much better when it isn’t behind glass

[@MelanCholy2001]

Yes, I'm new to wc but have done oil years ago (couldn't hack oil medically so gave up except Prismacolor pencil stuff). I sorta want the paintings _not_ behind glass. So I love these methods!

[@carolyn_r]

That's wonderful. I didn't realize watercolors can be mounted.

[@earthheavenisa]

Really appreciate the detailed explanation., especially the cropping and edge trimming 🙏

[@gaylecewpie5012]

Thank you soooo much Steve for showing us how to mount a Watercolor Painting on a Cradle Board, its absolutely gorgeous!!! I love it and hope to do some of these.❤🤗

[@sallywright5503]

Very informative. I have read about how to do this, however, for me their is nothing like seeing it done by someone to clarify the process. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@jennifersim4401]

Thanks so much for the great lesson.. you are a very good communicator.

[@kasencaleb3286]

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[@royceeliseo3695]

@Kasen Caleb Instablaster =)

[@kasencaleb3286]

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[@kasencaleb3286]

@Royce Eliseo it worked and I finally got access to my account again. I am so happy:D Thanks so much, you saved my ass :D

[@francinetjones1814]

Dorlands wax medium on the edges is nice too

[@wulfseig1864]

I've been meaning to watch this video for a bit. So happy ĺ finally did. The painting looks so beautiful in the frame. It really took on a whole other life. Just gorgeous. Saving this video for reference. Thanks, Steve, for another useful video. 🙂

[@theresaavery4670]

Thanks so much!!!! I was curious about the float frame, now I am going to het a couple and go for it. I have sealed watercolor work with Dorlands Wax but haven't used the archival spray as a base coat. I will now. You rock!

[@ArtistWizardry]

Dorlands wax seemed to have removed the glitter effect on an Amethyst Primatek swatch I made. Just something to note and good idea to test before using on a finished piece with special effect kinds of paints.

[@cdorothy444]

The gold watercolor of my kuratake set got diminished but it turned to a soft, more subtle sparkling effect, which is nice.

[@MelanCholy2001]

*I have that!* The Dorlands! I stupidly used the amethyst on a painting and it was nice, but I needed to glaze over the rocks because of shadow, and ...it doesn't do that! (User error, I know). I'm so glad I looked in the comments. Those rocks are "background" of a painting I worked a long time on (I don't heat dry), and ...let's just say, I'm hitting those purple rocks with the wax! Thank you! 🙏😇 (The primateks are lovely, but I've decided I'm going to use them very judiciously now. It's not the paint's fault.) And I can get wax off that watercolor. The rocks aren't even that big, so YAY!

[@karenannc]

The glitter of some of the Primatek paints seems to disappear under glass as well, I noticed.

[@samanthareimerart4627]

Excellent video. Your tip about using the pre-cut mat for measuring was very cool and thank you for taking the time to explain how to choose the right blade and cutting the edges.

[@jenniefrench1338]

I use the heavy gloss acrylic medium to block the acid from the wood. Plywood works, MDF, specific wall boxes about anything. I use the UV archival matte or satin too then after dry I wax with Dorland's wax with a clean rag so no brush marks. I also varnish the inside decorative pages to the wc books I make. But before that I use Golden heavy gel medium underneath the painting with a sponge brush. The Modge Podge wouldn't be a heavy enough barrier for the acid. But hey art looks great! and doing large split paintings an inch or 2 apart is awesome and very attractive. Nice. This process for me has worked at least a dozen times. Having a brayer helps the painting stick well without rewetting the pigment. Optical paintings are really a thing now.🤗

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks for the input. I’m using acid free gallery cradles so on this one at least sealing the wood isn’t necessary.

[@jentai7536]

Can you explain in more detail about your process for wc books? I am creating one and want to know how you preserve the wc?

[@allanpennington]

@@mindofwatercolor Is the timber in the cradle treated or sealed already if its a 'gallery' one?

[@malaramaart4947]

Hello...do you think this process can be used for a humid climate? I live in Seychelles..

[@jaredtreanor8499]

@@malaramaart4947 You should have no problems with this process in a humid climate, but your dry times will certainly be longer in between coats.

[@stephenpirie8900]

I knew KZbin would have what I was looking for and you had the answer, with an explanation that was easy to follow. Thank you. Now, I'm inspired to paint my very first watercolor.

[@Positive_Pepper]

Thank you so so so much for your detailed video! It’s saving my life right now on a commission I’m doing. You’re the best. It’s videos like these that make me thankful for KZbin 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@Hawise1]

I love this, Steve!! I didn't know anything about the cradles or protection for watercolours outside of using glass!!! This blows me away. I will try this out for sure. BTW your painting is gorgeous as usual. Thank you for doing this video for us!

[@vaughnemett4545]

Just watched this video for the third time, Steve. I'm working on a "mini triptych" of a scene at Lake Powell. Each of the three panels will be mounted on a solid block of wood, (these are very small panels only 4x6) and then those will be mounted in a cradle, something like the one you used here. This project is a study for a full-sheet sized triptych, each with a separate panel.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Oh awesome! Sounds amazing.

[@boubella11]

Thanks, Steve. Ive been mounting some paintings like this for quite some time but I love the tip about using those precut mats to get it centered just right! Thanks!

[@rebeccawong1]

I love that you handled things so methodically, you showed a lot of love towards your work 🥰

[@shirleyclanton2730]

I’m new to watercolor, your paper looks and sounds really thick, I don’t think I have ever seen such thick watercolor paper. Thank you.

[@LanieCr]

I am guessing he is using 300lb paper

[@jillmorris2849]

Thank you from Roswell, GA! I have done this a long time ago and forgot my process. Thank you. I will send you a photo when finished.

[@jcsallen3]

Very informative and excellent, clear directions. Your voice is easy to understand as well!!! Thank you!!!

[@rachelstewart1809]

Great, clear demo . Thank you, Steve. Collage was my process for years prior to exploring watercolor, so I have used every conceivable medium made my Golden and Liquitex. In my experimentation I discovered that Liquitex Pouring Medium works well directly on watercolor. It gives an almost glass like result and requires no brush, so, no brush strokes. Might not be a look for everything, but it's fun. There is no color change, and a fixative isn't necessary. I'd recommend Golden semigloss gel for the best mounting medium as it is not as climate sensitive as modge podge. ✨🖌️✨

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks! Great tips.

[@jackharrison7613]

I tried the Semi-gloss UV topcoat, and found the brush strokes and colour changes (lightened) really diminished the painting. Your post about the pouring medium is intriguing. Have you used it on watercolour painting (ie no other media involved)?

[@viviandibrell849]

I love this method although I have use the wax instead on the final coat. One thing I might add is that if you have a little bit of unevenness after you trim off the paper, you can use a nail file to smooth out the edge of the paper. I really like your float frame and will try that! Thank you!

[@bh69videa]

I think wax gives better results, more natural, more matt. Acrylic is too glossy and "plastic", character of watercolor is loosed.

[@michelletulumello661]

What kind of wax do you use?

[@viviandibrell849]

@@michelletulumello661 Dorlands beeswax.

[@danacherlin1863]

I was wondering if I could use the wax and then use the uv protective spray on top? Is that the wrong order? I just read that the wax can be a bit sticky so I thought if I spray on top of it it'll seal it better?

[@viviandibrell849]

@@danacherlin1863 wax is not really sticky if you buff it well. I would use the uv under the wax.

[@billtunis8120]

Glad to see you are back. Hope your wife is well. Good demo.

[@carolhestand2561]

Thank you, That was very interesting. Did not know you could do that, always believed watercolors had to under glass.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Traditionally yes, that is the case. This has been a more recent trend.

[@nancyfriedman503]

Wonderful to watch your mounting for watercolor, but can this be done with pastels?

[@janetbuckingham8576]

Thank you SO much! I have tried Dorland's a couple of times and am looking forward to trying this out. Plus, bonus, I have everything on hand!

[@francinetjones1814]

Put blue painter tape on edges of cradled panel before you start,; works great clean edges!

[@artwilwarin7483]

I just got an order for a in mail delivery of a pet portrait instead of scanned and I was so lost. Thank you so much for this!

[@dawnabbott3783]

The float frame is so cool! Had not heard of them until seeing this awesome video.

[@annewatman677]

This is wonderful. The one thing that has been giving me pause when it comes to watercolor is framing. Glass frames can be expensive, so I have preferred acrylics when I wanted to create something for display.

[@valeriegehling4358]

Thanks. Hope to mount some of my paintings similarly. Hoping it’ll be more cost effective, as frames are cost. Thanks

[@jdschneider5858]

Thank you! I've seen another method which was very complicated. This method is wonderful!

[@user-qg6fm6gk4y]

Spraying fixatives, laying and polishing with the gel are somethings I am interested and to do so It is available here but your guidance give us productive ways .Thanks from Singapore .

[@s.k.3483]

Steve, I can never thank you enough for sharing your knowledge, ideas, wisdom, talent, inspiration, and sense of humor. You have truly been a guiding light to me and obviously so many others. This was really helpful to me as I am a beginning painter and just now getting to the point where I may want to hang something, so this was super helpful. Do you know if you can frame pastel paintings using the same method?

[@lisap5615]

Love this video about mounting watercolor paintings. I think it turned out beautifully. Thank you for sharing your method.

[@MaryChrapliwy]

Wow, thanks for showing this step-by-step. I'm an oil painter now experimenting with watercolor and gouache and this is great information. Thanks

[@4ohgollycats]

Thank you for the information! Didn’t have a clue before watching!

[@solarpanelcleaning-t9d]

Love the look of the floating frame with this technique!

[@pattycyr8662]

This is very helpful - something I had been wondering about. I appreciate you explaining it so well and getting the camera in close. Great video!

[@paulinedavis3660]

Fantastic. Thank you, great information on this framing tutorial, I adore this painting....

[@soniamoore9776]

I didn’t know how to seal and preserve watercolours, this is fab and I love this framing method. Thank you

[@lindaalflen9025]

Awesome!! I've mounted watercolors on boards before, but putting it in a float frame is brilliant!! Thank you!!

[@Horsewoman-pt2ku]

I really liked that painting when you did it. Glad to see it will be displayed.

[@HSkyler]

This is timely. I was just wondering how to mount watercolor paintings and your video shows up! I would prime and paint the cradled boards first, and then tape the painted sides until the mounting process is finished. I've prepared cradled boards in this fashion for encaustic paintings. Thank you!!

[@lizstrangesavage7948]

Enjoyed seeing your process!

[@mskhartwatercolourwithmisu8598]

That is a great way to mount the watercolor works. It's beautiful and so professional. I had a hard time taking care of glass frames when I go to the shows because each show experiences leaves scratch makes on the frames. This will help a lot. I paint watercolor on rice paper too. It will be challenging but I am going to try it with rice paper works too. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@LanieCr]

Thank you for a perfect demo. I am going to try this.

[@Mitzknowschampagne1234]

Looks awesome so beautifully done

[@karenturner-cf7vq]

It's a nice picture. And I have learnt how to seal a watercolour. Thankyou

[@ann-marielofberg1159]

Thanks for this tutorial, now I know one way to frame and also how to seal them

[@nafowler]

Thanks good stuff

[@kaykelsch2027]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@brodouglasop]

I remember watching you paint this vignette. It has come full circle. Thank you, Steve.

[@kmorgan6890]

Wonderful video, thank you...I did a similar one in the past few days on a 1.5 inch deep cradle....used the wax as a finish.... Love that they can also sit on a shelf, dresser, etc as we run out of wall space.

[@ruthbarker5572]

Thank you Steve for this teaching. I love the effect and will try this !! I really enjoy your lessons !!

[@YooperGranny]

Thank you Steve. Amazing amount of information and wonderful demonstration!

[@felicitycrowe6971]

That looks fantastic! I had a thought about avoiding the final brushstrokes - if you used something like a spatula or one of those “brushes” with a piece of flat silicone instead of the hairs that you can now buy, you can probably minimise the appearance of the brush strokes. Just a thought. Thank you so much for another informative video - I love your channel!😊

[@awenda598]

This is great. You could probably paint the sides with acrylic to match the picture, no? Thanks for the lesson. I always wonder how people mount the pictures or ship them but most never show how they do any of it. Thanks 🤩.

[@wendymorris8706]

Very helpful video. Love the painting too.

[@carolratcliff]

Just a tip: I use masking tape to protect the wood edges of the cradle board. ☺️ thanks for the product tips.

[@pennycandyys]

Remember anything made out of wood pulp has lignin and is therefore acidic. Masking should not be in contact with a watercolour (photo, or what have you) over time, or it will burn it.

[@pennycandyys]

*There are archival tapes available, at least in the framing industry.

[@carolratcliff]

Yes. I just meant to cover it temporarily while attaching the watercolor to the board. Then that masking tape is removed.

[@pennycandyys]

@@carolratcliff 👍 I expected so, but wasn't sure :)

[@Babyjohn8170]

Thank you😊👍

[@elizabethbergan9989]

Thank you Steve for this demonstration which answered the questions about how to use the product. I'm also interested in the sleeve protection for storage.

[@garzapinups]

I’m super happy to have come across your video! I paint in watercolors and I always wondered if there was a way to protect them like oils or acrylics. Thank you!

[@ChrisC-ws5od]

Wow! Gorgeous. And that floating frame! 😻

[@danag812]

Thank you for this informative video. I'm thinking that if someone wants to paint the edges of the cradle it might be good to make that your first step. I.e. do it BEFORE you mount the watercolour. Imagine if you go through the whole process and then flub it up by getting paint from the edge painting portion on it! :( I think if you paint the panel FIRST (maybe all over with white or black gesso or whatever acrylic paint you want) it will be easier and your work will be safer :)

[@jennw6809]

I agree, and also I think it's good to prime the board with gesso because there's a danger of the wood eventually staining the paper without a barrier.

[@danag812]

@@jennw6809 good idea also

[@Dizzy5878]

I’m new to your channel and am looking forward to watching more of them.

[@genevievegate2207]

merci beaucoup très intéressant je ne savais comment faire et grâce à vous je vais pouvoir me lancer encore un très grand merci

[@forestdweller2661]

Very nicely done

[@maryanharrell5642]

Thanks, Steve! This was a great help. I have two projects that I needed this information for, right now! Always, timely. Thanks.

[@Rebemondo]

Thanks for the demo. I've never mounted my watercolors but I'm willing to try your method. Love the finished piece!

[@glutenfreeappletree]

I've used the hake brush and the brush strokes are virtually invisible. (Hake brush is a wash brush on a long, flat, wood handle. Useful for laying in smooth, even washes of paint (or water), hake brushes are also a popular choice for applying gesso, paste, varnish, or pottery glazes. Artists also use hake brushes for wetting surfaces and for absorbing excess water or paints. Hake brushes are generally made from high-quality GOAT hair, but may also be made from SHEEP hair.)

[@jackharrison7613]

Sheep hair?

[@jennw6809]

I love hake brushes! I didn't know they could be made from sheep hair at times. I also have a 1" flat squirrel brush which is extremely soft and fluffy and would be good to apply a varnish. I got it from Rosemary & Co.

[@jackharrison7613]

@@jennw6809 agree. I've had a Hake brush for years, and rarely used it. It does a nice smooth stroke, as GFAT writes, for the top coat.

[@sallyskellington2004]

Looks very good. Im going to give that a try. I usually go with glass.

[@gicir19]

it looks really good. I like it without the glass.in front. Just wondering if the painting was just paper? It looked pretty rigid before mounting. Thank you for the info.

[@pamsims3436]

Thank you for that demonstration. I like the floating frame. I have never seen those sold anywhere. Great video, Steve.

[@JoanLeimkuehler]

Excellent explanation.

[@sarayumeewang4125]

Happy I found this. Thanks very much.

[@karenmartin5615]

Great information as Im starting on Wc on canvas but this oil another alternative. I live in Dunsborough W.A.

[@stampinturtles]

I love this video! So easy to follow. Lots of info! I like the floating frame too. Really nice. I have an art show tomorrow but might do a few just to show to customers. Then add a fee to do it.

[@irisgraeber2684]

Thanks, this was very helpful. I love how your painting turned out.

[@ageroaccounts8673]

Thanks so much for sharing your great talent!

[@Houdini343]

Great Video and good to hear from you. Hope everyone is well and doing good.

[@donnaremeika9507]

Thanks so much for such valuable information....have many watercolour pieces I have painted over the years and have framed many but now I can do some of your technique...great..Donna Remeika.

[@cccsssish]

Perfect explanation and demonstration. Thank you!

[@donnabirney817]

thanks soooo much for this demo. I will try it !!!!

[@daruleos]

All of this seems pretty intimidating for me so thank you so much for breaking it down! The cutting of the paper i find specially daunting but you did it with such ease and calm!

[@jude1515]

Beautiful painting and great tutorial! I was looking for something to put my watercolors on.

[@ChrisBellArt]

Love this vid... I loved your spontaneous watercolor class too...

[@sundaysunshine2925]

Thank you ! What a neat process

[@andrasolivier7185]

Very nice idea! I like it a lot. The texture ads to the painting a nice and original (uniqe) feeling. I have a bit problem with the gloss finish because of light highlited on it blocking the original paint in some angles of viewing. And maybe the top seems a little bit "cut off" but the frame solves that somehow. Anyway, great idea and thanks a lot for sharing!

[@chantalnugues-perrin3631]

That looks fantastic !!! Your watercolor is set at it’s best 👍💕💕

[@candysummer7646]

Awesomeness I loved the look an will definitely give it a go

[@susanritchie9456]

Thank you so much for sharing your talent!

[@chedoodles]

I love it

[@kayerobertson5307]

Very good information! Thank you!

[@nancypeplau9747]

I really appreciate you posting this video. Thank you!