Mounting and Sealing Exposed Watercolors

[@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,

[@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😊

[@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.

[@lindalyles3954]

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

[@sylviaholtzhausen6439]

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

[@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]

You all prolly dont care at all but does anybody know of a method to get back into an Instagram account? I stupidly forgot my account password. I appreciate any assistance you can offer me.

[@royceeliseo3695]

@Kasen Caleb Instablaster =)

[@kasencaleb3286]

@Royce Eliseo I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and im trying it out atm. I see it takes quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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)?

[@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

[@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. 🙂

[@earthheavenisa]

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

[@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 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@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.

[@jcsallen3]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@rebeccawong1]

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

[@billtunis8120]

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

[@Mitzknowschampagne1234]

Looks awesome so beautifully done

[@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!

[@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 .

[@valeriegehling4358]

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

[@lisap5615]

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

[@dawnabbott3783]

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

[@francinetjones1814]

Dorlands wax medium on the edges is nice too

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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😊👍

[@lizstrangesavage7948]

Enjoyed seeing your process!

[@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!!

[@solarpanelcleaning-t9d]

Love the look of the floating frame with this technique!

[@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.

[@francinetjones1814]

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

[@kaykelsch2027]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@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

[@lindaalflen9025]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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?

[@Horsewoman-pt2ku]

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

[@jdschneider5858]

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

[@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.

[@soniamoore9776]

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

[@4ohgollycats]

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

[@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.

[@rebeccaferrier4666]

Thanks for sharing this. Do you ever have to worry about pre treating the wood cradle, especially if you're not sure of quality to protect WC paper and keep it 'acid free' ? Or does the modge podge do that?

[@mindofwatercolor]

Mod Podge does that to and extent. Most cradles are acid free and archival though.

[@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 🤩.

[@forestdweller2661]

Very nicely done

[@LanieCr]

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

[@jude1515]

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

[@saryanavatishaya2084]

Looks easy. I'm wondering how to make mine so perfect when I'm using blocks of pine wood w/o the cradle. I love the idea of the floating frame. Thank you.

[@rebeccawong1]

Thanks for all your tutorials. Do you ever sell them?

[@zychios0078]

Thank you for this video ❤

[@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.

[@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

[@wendymorris8706]

Very helpful video. Love the painting too.

[@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!😊

[@karenturner-cf7vq]

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

[@jacquelinehill6560]

I have learned so much from you. I love your channel. Are you on MeWe? Thank you!

[@mindofwatercolor]

No sorry. Instagram and Twitter.

[@irisgraeber2684]

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

[@paulinedavis3660]

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

[@karenmartin5615]

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

[@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!

[@zmermaid3]

Steve, wanted to let you know. I was curious about sealing the cradle board. I've been gessoing it prior to mounting my watercolor and then wondered whether that was necessary. So i called Blick and talked to one of their product reps. He said it was crucial to gesso the board because there are chemicals in the wood that can offgass and harm the watercolor over time. Just wanted to pass that info on.

[@felicitycrowe6971]

I think he used an archival cradle. I think that might mean that it doesn’t need sealing, maybe? I’m not sure. Certainly, after reading through the comments, it seems that there are plenty of cradles out there that do need to be sealed, though …

[@ChrisC-ws5od]

Wow! Gorgeous. And that floating frame! 😻

[@ann-marielofberg1159]

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

[@pamsims3436]

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

[@edzejandehaan9265]

Very interesting, also on time, as I after having started working in WC for about a year, paintings are accumulating...At the moment kept loose in drawers, not ideal. I have been reading about Dorland wax as a sealant for watercolor. Supposed to be archival, and making WC painting water fast. Though it sounds attractive, easy to use, cheap, no need for glass, I am a bit apprehensive about it. Varnish/fixative and a finishing medium as you show is probably a better option. Though the application of the medium does look scary! Thanks for your very instructional videos, they are an immense help!

[@deborahking9049]

Dorland’s and other wax mediums are a combination of waxes and Damar varnish or resins. Easy to put on because of the wax, as the wax dries and evaporates it leaves the varnish or resin behind. Buffing between layers removes left over wax and really enhances the painting. It’s less mess and easier to clean up after perfect for small work spaces and better for people who can’t use chemical sprays and liquids.

[@edzejandehaan9265]

@@deborahking9049 Thanks for that information. Sounds like an interesting option (my workspace is indeed rather small). I'll see if I can get a can of it...

[@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?

[@YooperGranny]

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

[@ruthbarker5572]

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

[@sallyskellington2004]

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

[@Dizzy5878]

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

[@donnabirney817]

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

[@ireneflores179]

Thank you so much for sharing this. My question is regarding what type of paper your original watercolor is painted on. It looks real thick. Thank you.

[@Rebemondo]

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

[@maryalgar8779]

Love the final result, although I think the brush strokes would bother me. Wondering if a rotary cutter (your wife may own) would work better than an exacto knife, or perhaps it would not be able to get any closer. Thanks for this video. I didn't know anything about those velcro drop-in frames.

[@sarayumeewang4125]

Happy I found this. Thanks very much.

[@JaneThomas58]

Hello!! Can you help please me - I’m a novice painting watercolor mandalas with mixed media (small beads or laser printed images) over a bit of the paint . My idea is to pre-mount the watercolor paper to 1/4” hardboard from the hardware store. Do I gesso the hardboard first to create a barrier? Then, would I use Mod Podge or a Golden gel mat medium to coat and mount the paper? Then finally, if I don’t want to use glass, would I follow the same UV spray, then Golden product to seal? ? I like the tip about the clips on the mats - I can do that! I found your channel a few weeks ago and really enjoy it. I am giving the painting to my son so I would like it to be very nice. I did attempt to contact an online art supplier and their response was - do whatever you want, it’s your painting 🤦‍♀️. Your work is phenom! Thank you for the amazing catalog of videos you’ve created!

[@mindofwatercolor]

A panel from the hardware store is not totally archival so yes, I would seal it first before mounting. Not sure gesso is the best sealer though. I would probably use a pre-coat of mat medium first or perhaps a product called Kilz. Use the water based version. Let that dry then a layer of gel medium to mount with. All other steps are fine.

[@JaneThomas58]

@@mindofwatercolor Thank you so much!

[@vaughnigami2588]

Thanks! I was wondering how you edit your videos.

[@JoanLeimkuehler]

Excellent explanation.

[@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.

[@chantalnugues-perrin3631]

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

[@aprilstark8887]

Absolutely beautiful finished piece of artwork!

[@ChrisBellArt]

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

[@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!

[@essietangle9931]

Thanks Steve, its always great to see the steps. I need to add some UV spray to my supplies. I remember the painting, I tried a paint along with the video. Hope all is well with your family.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks Essie! Still insanely busy personal life right now but all is good.

[@candysummer7646]

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

[@maryanharrell5642]

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

[@meptune]

This works on canvas as well. I'm also a printmaker and I find this also works with thick printmaking papers like BFK or thin like mulberry. Color woodcuts are striking without the glass, especially large ones. How do galleries and buyers respond to it?