Using Cold Wax Medium to Seal a Finished Watercolor Painting

[@Blick_Art]

Interesting! Looks like the wax was less dramatic in terms of deepening the dark values. If you're going to display works on paper without glass, this seems like a sensible measure to protect the art and make it easier for the collector to keep it clean and dust-free. Nice!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Yes, I was really pleased with the result!

[@candicardenas5408]

Have you ever used wax on watercolor that has been painted on Aquaboard?

[@christinebravomom5711]

I received this very helpful information from Gamblin about my waxy finish problem. It’s likely that the wax was applied a little too thickly. It can be removed with Gamsol without harming the underlying surface. [Gamsol is a petroleum distillate but all the aromatic solvents have been refined out of it, less than .005% remains. Aromatic solvents are the most harmful types of petroleum solvents.] 1. Take a clean lint-free cotton cloth and wet it with Gamsol. This is your dissolving rag. 2. Using circular strokes, dissolve a small area of the wax at a time. 3. Immediately wipe away the dissolved wax with another dry cotton cloth. 4. Unfold and refold the wiping cloth several times during the process to make sure you are using an absorbent part of the cloth. Usually, there is enough of a difference in surface sheen to tell where wax has been removed. If it is difficult to tell, approach the surface systematically in small areas at a time. 5. Repeat until the wax is removed from the desired areas. 6. A final wipe down with a fresh cloth and Gamsol may help to ensure any residual wax is completely removed. In the future, you might not have this situation if you apply the wax more thinly. Below are some application tips. 1. It is easier to apply CWM as a varnish if it is warmed first by placing the closed container in the sun or in a pan of hot tap water. (The goal is to soften the wax without melting it.) Softening the stiff paste allows for it to be spread more easily over a broad area. 2. Warming will accelerate the evaporation rate of Gamsol out of the beeswax, so adequate ventilation should be observed. 3. Pat a small amount of wax onto a soft, lint-free cotton cloth and rub it thinly over the painting using small circular motions. Rubbed-on CWM allowed to dry completely (18-24hrs) will appear matte. For a satin finish, allow the CWM to dry 4-6 hours, then buff gently with a soft, lint-free cotton cloth. I hope these tips and suggestions help. Please let us know if you have further questions. Kind Regards, Mary, Product Expert

[@ChantelleArts]

100% recommend the Dorlands cold wax medium too, it’s really good and can be easier to find in some countries 😊

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thanks for sharing this!!

[@ms.angiesclassroom3189]

Yes, I got it. Tired it out and am definitely going to use it in the future, especially when placing paintings on a board. It gives a more modern look to watercolors while protecting them.

[@brendayarborough1271]

Agree! I was going to comment the same thing. I have also used Dorlands on Yupo and it works GREAT! I dislike sealing Yupo pieces with spray on lacquer, Dorlands sealed so well! I even splashed water on a small piece to see if it would repel well and it passed the test! Dorlands dries quickly too.

[@christinebravomom5711]

Emily, I cross-posted this to your FB page. Hoping I can get your attention here or there. I bought one New York Central Professional Watercolor Panels Arches 140lb Bright White Cold Press 1-5/8" Panel 6x8" and some Gamblin Cold Wax Medium to try them out. The 1-5/8" depth of the 6x8" panel makes it look exactly like a hardcover book, so I decided to go with that idea. I taped some tag board over the watercolor paper to protect it while I painted the sides with acrylic paint to look like a bound book. When it was thoroughly dry, I applied the wax . It's been 8 days. Every source I've looked at says it "dries" in a few days. I expected dry to mean ... like, DRY. It's not. I did some surfing and found one site that mentioned it would feel like a beeswax candle, which actually makes sense since it is beeswax with some solvent that evaporates. My questions are 1) if I didn't do it right, can I fix it? 2) If I did it right, should I get over how it feels, because who feels their paintings? 3) If I did it right and want to display this piece on a wall, will the inevitable dust be difficult to impossible to clean?

[@StudioEstherillustration]

Very interesting, I thought about trying this, but was scared it would smear! Thank you for demonstrating how it works :)

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

My pleasure!

[@marikareimer4411]

Hello Emily, I was at the edge of my seat when you had a glop of wax ready to apply to your beautiful snow leopard! I had horrible images running through my mind of your paint smearing all over! I realize you said "it's wax, not water" but it threw me for a loop. Thank you for this great video on preserving water colour paintings. Take care, see you soon 🤗

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Hah I had my doubts too! But it really works so well!

[@Shuvah2Him]

I always use Dorlands wax - never used Gamblin before -

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I've heard only good things about that brand! :)

[@craftdipper]

Thanks for demonstrating this product. I had never heard of it. I like that it can be buffed smooth afterwards. Your snow leopard painting is breathtaking ✨😍

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thanks for watching!

[@Saahrish]

Thank you for sharing this. I have always wondered what would be the best way to seal watercolor paintings. Have heard about sealing with cold wax and have seen people use UV protective spray but have always been skeptical. Now that you have shared about these two mediums I will definitely try them because I trust your word and follow it blindly 😊

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

While I don’t recommend following anyone blindly 😂 I do appreciate your watching and commenting! Thanks for following my channel! Glad this was helpful! ❤️🙌

[@marioalejandro7549]

Very helpful. Thank you 😊🙏🏼

[@jennw6809]

I really want to try putting finished paintings on panels myself!!

[@dianalynn6899]

Emily, thank you very much for this important informative video. It was very helpful to me.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I'm so glad!

[@sandyb4693]

This is something I've been curious about trying. It was nice to see that it didn't seem to effect the darkness/lightness of your painting. Thanks for sharing!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Yes, I loved the result!

[@christinebravomom5711]

Excellent information. Thanks!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@elizabethhumphrey9055]

It is easy to apply your watercolor painting to a wooden panel with spray adhesive and then apply the wax, I use an old sock to apply

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I haven’t tried this (yet!)

[@deborahtaylor7902]

what kind of spray adhesive do you get? thanks!

[@kellyro77]

Why have I never thought of using gloves lol? I use it in my sketchbooks to seal anything that likes to transfer, like graphite, gouache, or Neocolor II pastels (watercolor in sketchbooks isn't too bad about transferring like the other mediums I mentioned). But I've always hated getting the wax on my fingers while doing so. I'll have to try gloves next time. Thanks as always for sharing your beautiful work.

[@ssbeets]

I was wondering if I could use this in a sketch book. Thank you and I too will be wearing gloves.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Yep, rubber gloves to the rescue!

[@patriciaperdue5532]

How do you seal pastels with wax? I would have thought it would smear it everywhere.

[@kellyro77]

@@ssbeets If you use acrylics in your sketchbooks at all, too, it's good for keeping your pages from sticking together.

[@kellyro77]

@@patriciaperdue5532 Shoot Patricia, I'm going to edit my comment to say Neocolor II pastels - the water soluble kind. I suppose you could always try it on some chalk or oil pastels, too, to see if it works - of course do a test, not over the top of something finished and precious.

[@artonthecreek]

Cool! Thank you so much I didn’t even know the wax existed!!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Happy to help!

[@dianepaeva5395]

Thank you soooo much for this video! I am french and I have been searching for two years techniques and tips to protect watercolors paintings. Thank you for your help!!!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dianepaeva5395]

@@EmilyOlsonArt ☺ It was!!!😝

[@annabanana1336]

Just bought some today and used this stuff in my watercolor sketchbook! Pretty nice

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Great to hear!

[@MariaDeesy]

This was helpful, thank you! I just started oil painting and the wax came with a set of Gamblin mediums. I’ve never used it before and didn’t know what to do with it. I’m excited to try it on my watercolor paintings. Nice interview with Steve MOW, I’m now subscribed here. 😊

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Aw thank you for checking out my channel! I appreciate your nice comment!

[@PatriciaPageMosaicArtsCrafts]

What a beautiful painting! Thanks for the wonderful tip 👍🏾 ❤

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

My pleasure 😊

[@cindyp.9030]

This is good information to know, if I ever do something worth saving I will try this for sure. Thank you.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@smoulton7250]

Thanks very much for the advice!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

You bet!

[@Off-gridchic]

Wow beautiful

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thank you so much

[@sarahspector5294]

I appreciate your instruction. I haven’t used Krylon in many decades because of its toxicity (for the environment too).

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

You're right, the smell is so strong. I use it very rarely.

[@ArtistRebeccaLS]

Thank you so much for this video , I’ve been seeing cold wax being used quite a lot suddenly by Watercolorists and gouache artist but I was concerned very much about paint reactivation

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Glad this helped!

[@chantalrochon3566]

Great information❤your video. Thank you!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Most welcome!

[@dannyistheking4399]

There is a cold wax medium for acrylics also called powertex water based cold wax

[@scoobydoozie65]

And.... you mention this why? wouldn't water based reactivate the watercolor paint? 😱

[@a.r.4416]

It is used for different purposes and ruins your finished watercolor work.

[@lynnephelps2370]

Could you combine the two products? I love the look of watercolor on a cradled board, but I'd like UV protection also. Do you think it would be possible to spray, then wax? I love the matte look! Wonderful video!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

You could definitely use both-spray then wax.

[@cryseldaventer8567]

Hi Emily, can you stick / apply an already finished water colour painting to a board? If so, what would the proper adhesive be? I am mainly a printmaker and do watercolour on Fabriano cotton papers. Kind regards , Cryselda Venter- South Africa

[@maria.barati]

Very beautiful😍

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Thank you! 😊

[@elenafleming5855]

Thank you so much for sharing this video! I am just wondering for mixed media art consisting of acrylics and watercolour would you recommend to use the spray vanish first and the cold wax medium after on top of it, or the cold wax first and then the spray vanish? Many thanks.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I’d probably spray first, then wax. :-)

[@elenafleming5855]

@@EmilyOlsonArt thank you))

[@Gigiridgway]

Thank you, thank you, thank you

[@heartyinspirations]

Thank you for the video! I seal paintings with Dorland’s. I use metallics in my paintings and my only concern is that the shimmer looses it brightness. Anyone else with the same issue?

[@lorriannemaley-bell2530]

Yes I found the wax will dull any metallics and now use a spray varnish. I sometimes add a little metallic or splatters to my watercolours and found that the wax did hide that little touch of glimmer. Using wax is fantastic for all my other watercolours but now use an archival spray varnish for anything that has a touch of metallics. Also for my watercolours on canvas I found it too difficult to apply wax and only use the archival sprays.

[@heartyinspirations]

@@lorriannemaley-bell2530 thank you! I will try the spray varnish. Tried talens watercolour varnish today but oh gosh the odour! 😃

[@mariawaye]

@@lorriannemaley-bell2530 Wow, thank you, that sounds amazing! Which spray would you recommend?

[@michelleannette7994]

Hi Emily, does this protect against fading as well? Thanks. Live all your videos❤

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

It will not protect from fading (like museum glass for example), but it will protect from dust and humidity. It's always best to choose lightfast paints if you are concerned about fading.

[@michelleannette7994]

@@EmilyOlsonArt awesome. That's what I was wondering. Thank you!

[@franswey2]

Thank you for sharing this. This is a step I haven’t heard very much about, usually it’s just frame behind glass, if that. I can’t remember anything about using a wax sealer and I’ve been around for 71 years! Would this hold true for Ink painting too? I enjoy your videos very much and also learn something wonderful. Sincerely, Fran

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I haven’t tried it for ink, but yes I imagine it would work just as well!

[@CC-jy3el]

Hi Emily! Thank you, this video was super helpful and informative. Do you feel that the Krylon archival fixative has a pretty significant advantage since it protects from UV rays and improves lightfastness? Or do you not worry too much about that? The Krylon spray does smell awful, it gives me a terrible headache.

[@heatherherrmann1777]

I was so scared when you started putting the wax on your beautiful painting. Lol! I have two watercolors that I want to seal but I'm curious of there is a matte spray finish that will work similarly to the wax? Beautiful work and thank you so much for the video! Super helpful while I try to decide how I'm going to seal my two favorite pieces. 😍

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I don’t know about a matte spray…I’ll have to look into that!

[@watashisagashi8194]

So do you varnish with the spray and then the wax? Which comes first if using both?

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Yes, I would use the spray first, then wax. But I haven't seen the need to use both.

[@fuzzydragons]

cant afford to frame everything i do, it just goes either in a huge folder or in drawer to stay out of the light that snow leopard looks amazing!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

That’s where most of my paintings go, too! 🤣

[@veystone2580]

Hello there. Thanks for this beautifully and clearly explained video. I know this was focused on watercolors, but just wanted to ask you, in case you know: Could Dorland's Wax Medium go over oil pastels?

[@CaptainFutureman]

Have you ever used both products on the same piece? I like using cold wax, but would like some additional UV protection. Is layering them possible, or will that result in disaster?

[@LaurenElese]

Have you ever tried the cold wax method on gold leaf or metal leaf ? & if yes what were the results? Love your work!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I haven't yet! I'll post a video if I do. :)

[@LaurenElese]

@@EmilyOlsonArt thank you (:

[@cherylmaxwell1876]

Nice video! How did you apply the paper to the board?

[@scoobydoozie65]

She bought it pre-made with the paper mounted. The mfg is mentioned in the video along with a shot of the label on the back. 😉 See the video at :39 seconds.

[@laurenpacknick7391]

Do you happen to know if the wax would transfer an oily mess to plain paper? Specifically, if I painted a watercolor bookmark, would the book pages be ruined if I used it to mark my place?

[@michaellopez9673]

Hi, I'm just new to your channel and I love your topics. My question is will it affect the lightfastness of your painting if you apply this cold wax medium?

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

No, it won’t. Lightfastness is a characteristic of the paint you use. While the wax protects the painting from dirt and moisture it cannot make it “more” lightfast.

[@michaellopez9673]

I see. Thank you so much! 😊

[@susanblack14]

I’ve been watching several videos of yours. When I use so much water, it makes my paper peel… is there a special kind of paper you use that doesn’t do that? Thank you! I’m a beginner!

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

100% cotton paper, 140lb (300gsm) or thicker is the way to go!

[@randeefoster1876]

Your painting is absolutely stunning! Wow, are you selling it or copies?

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Hi Randee. thank you so much! The original artwork is available through my Etsy store, WatercolorLuvDesigns. :)

[@prOGamer-ul5zc]

Other than wax, what do you recommend? What type of varnish?

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I like the Krylon spray varnish for watercolor.

[@ms.angiesclassroom3189]

Emily, where do you get the panels from? I'd love to try giving a few of my pieces a modern look.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

They’re from Jerry’s Artarama! :-)

[@ms.angiesclassroom3189]

@@EmilyOlsonArt will have to see if they ship to Europe..

[@scoobydoozie65]

This video is invaluable. Thank you.💚What do you recommend for sealing watercolor bookmarks? Would the cold wax transfer to book pages under any circumstances?

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Hmm, I haven't tried the wax on bookmarks--it would be worth experimenting to see!

[@kellygowan3683]

Help! I did a layer of wax and added it with my fingers. I tried buffing with a coffee filter. I can see odd glares in the light. Should I add another layer? Should I buff it off then? What type of cloth. How long should it take to dry?

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I would let it dry 3-4 days before adding another layer or buffing. :) Use a soft lint-free cloth.

[@creativesolutions902]

Hi Emily, wondering if the cold wax is somewhat UV protective? I really don’t want to use spray… Maybe they will come out with a wax that is UV.

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

Unfortunately it’s not UV protective. I recommend using paints with the highest lightfast rating. 👍

[@creativesolutions902]

@@EmilyOlsonArt yes that occurred to me after writing that comment! I have spent the last year kind of weeding out my non-light fast pigments… So I should be good! :-) Thanks, I am going to use the wax medium more often😉

[@pattygibbons2594]

I live in a very dry climate. Does the wax ever dry over time to the point of cracking?

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

It shouldn’t. I’ve seen some test studies of the cold wax on paper over 10 years old that showed no sign of cracking.

[@pattygibbons2594]

@EMILY OLSON ART Great! That's good to know! Thanks so much!!! 😊

[@ndlz1]

👍🏻🙏

[@cflederman]

Anyone who's tried this know if the wax stays sticky?

[@elizabethhumphrey9055]

Gorilla glue makes a good one

[@helgaleifsdottir5191]

Very helpful ! Thank you.