This was so helpful, thank you! I'm a watercolor artist and I've been desperately looking for a way to varnish my paintings without using those horrible toxic aerosol sprays.
Excellent video. I normally work in gouache and the same principals apply to varnishing. I'm not familiar with the other brand but have been using Dorland's wax successfully, and don't find that it has any odor. The tips you gave for mounting and framing were exactly what I needed. I'll be coming back to this video when I'm at that stage. Thank you very much. :)
Thank you, thank you. I'm self taught and know very little about products, protecting my work or framing. I sincerely appreciate your knowledge and how well you share it. I've learned so much in this short video. I'm off to check out your channel!
I was glad to find this option for framing. I am new at watercoloring but have been framing my work on a stretched canvas with mod podge. Been a good option for me but will try this method as well.
For long, I struggled with my watercolor PAINTINGS growing mould, until I found cold wax medium. LOVE. 100% recommend this vid. I first learnt about cold wax here
kim, amazing idea! As a Watercolor beginner I have a lot of practice pieces that get better and better. n Now I can protect the and mount them for give aways to family and friends. (Glass is very heavy and dangerous for my heart medication which thins my blood). Perfect with my learned Matting ability. Wonderful narration !
thanks for the great useful video on mounting my watercolours without using glass. I've been wanting this knowledge and didn't know where to find it easily.
I'm new to watercolor, and have just started out with a set of Kuretake Gansai Tambi paints. But, I've learned that they may not be the most lightfast. I plan on using these paints while I get my footing with the medium. Are there any spray varnishes that would work for protecting the watercolor pieces from UV light? I've seen Krylon has a UV Archival varnish spray, but am unsure whether that would work with watercolors. What would you recommend? Thanks in advance! :)
I have always been so disappointed with the glare glass framing makes. Even with the costly non-glare glass. This is a wonderful way to showcase a revolving watercolor works.
How do you dust a picture that’s finished this way ? Does the wax and varnish protect it from fading in the sun or finger marks if someone touched it. ❤
Thank you for this!! I'm a beginner painter who started with acrylic on canvas... when I found out you can't really use watercolor on canvas, I panicked lol. Canvases are so much easier to hang.
Hi Kim... you have so resolved my issues on how to preserve “Watercolor “ Art... this was so informative and came at a good time ! Thank you for your tutorials...
Wow, this is very useful information .. thanks for sharing!! Can we use mod podge/other glue instead of the gel medium to glue the watercolor paper on the board? Please let me know... TIA :)
Hi Kim,Thanks for the video,This hopefully will be a game changer for Me,I just set my first small water color up for drying time, I'm going to give it 12 hours just to be sure,I have a couple questions,over the long term How would you rate doing Our watercolors this way ,Customer response,satisfaction etc,I;m also an Airbrush Artist and intend to offer my watercolor as well,I already have some paintings sold and getting good responses on some finished paintings,and I gave them a disclaimer on the waxing and your process opposed to framing and glass prior to the purchase,,I'm waiting on responses from two buyers as we speak,Once again,this process has more pluses that negatives opposed to frames and the ridiculous expenses it incurs,I want and Love to the watercolors hopefully I can get a Niche' doing them this way,Thanks Again.
Thanks so much for this video. I make my own Christmas cards and gift tags every year and "laminate" them in packing tape, which leaves a line or two. I have been looking for a product like Gamelin but had no idea what to look for or where. This year I wanted to make the envelopes, too. I'm going to try this product when I get started.
You just have this happy contagious smile, and beautiful eyes. I came here for the info, which I am grateful for, and am leaving here with a contagious smile too 😊
It really depends on the look you or your clients want. Waxing is easier, economical, and nearly foil-proof. Resin is more expensive and riskier. Always test first. Some resins cause the watercolours to blur a little. Bubbles and trapped hair can ruin your art. Some resins yellow over time; wax stays pure. I would feel more comfortable using resin on prints or reproductions of my watercolours. Resin pieces are a bit more novel in home decor. Which would you choose?
Love the process you gave, but Stevenson's acrylic gloss is no longer available. Do you have another product you can recommend for "adhesing" the painting to the frame surface?
Holbein Gel, Golden Gel or Tri Art gloss gel. Here is a link to Holbein paintspot.ca/art-supplies/acrylics/acrylic-gels-pastes/holbein-acrylic-gels-300-ml-poly-bag/
Hi... How long does it take for the wax to dry? Does it dry at all? What happens when we touch and handle the waxed surface? Please do clarify. Thanks and regards 🙏🙏
Wax protection starts right away. It will take a few weeks to fully cure. Polishing is done by the palm of Your hand. Touching only improves the surface.
What a great idea. I have a question, though: Would this method be considered „archival quality“? I absolutely love the idea and I do know that encaustic paintings can be conserved for ever. So, do I conclude that the cold wax has the same end-effect? Thanks for answering.
Christine Amstutz The Wax will not yellow. It effectively waterproofs and protects the paper. Dust can be polished away. Wax can be reapplied. I trust this simple process for works sold at markets. Some museum art conservators will argue the wax cannot be removed without damaging the Watercolour surface. Another option is the Acrylic Gel and MSA Varnish method found here at this link paintspot.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Watercolour%20How%20to%20Varnish.pdf
Thank you so much! you are unforgettable person. I really didn't wanted to use the spry, it feels weird for some reason. I have a question: is there other good label you could recommend me for the gel? I can't find Stevenson label anywhere!
I have used this method with great success. I usually stain my boards frame but I liked the idea of painting it. What kind of paint did you use? Watercolor,? acrylic?
I don't want to glue to a board just a regular frame with a mat and no glass. Should I wax the back of the picture as well as the front? Also, will the wax make the matting stick to the painting? Also, I need to ship the painting unframed, what should I cover it with that won't stick to the painting. I was going to protect it between two layers of foam board for shipping.
I am glad you asked. Do not wax the back. Wax will repel any other glue. For transporting or shipping purposes keep the painting unfinished. Fold glassine or museum barrier paper over the watercolour before covering front and back with cardboard. Let the customer decide how to frame.
Framing is a bigger topic than just varnishing and not really our area of expertise. Here is a pretty good video by some friends of ours. ruclips.net/video/PGh10msevVg/видео.html
Hey thank you for these good advices :) I subscribed also I love your paintings. I have a dumb question though and maybe you can help me lol So I just started painting ( water color) and I used many colors, when it dried the contrast of the colors disappeared in a sense, like the painting became more "grey" ofc water makes it more colorful, like a rock in water is more shiny and beautiful than dry rocks. But what cns I do to keep the "shiny colors" in the painting as it dries?
Yes that would be a prudent idea. It will help seal the surface and keep your gel from drying too quickly. but the acrylic gel will also act as a support barrier when dry.
This is great! Often my watercolor paintings are warped when dried. Yours is so flat? How do you achieve that?! And if it does have some bend/warp to it, would this process flatten it out on the board? Thx!
This process is the perfect way to flatten a watercolour. Be extra thorough with the gel coating on both paper and board. You must use the books and weights. WARNING, WARNING! No peeking after you put the weights on. It will look distressingly warbled. Remember things expand when wet and shrink when they dry. Wait 24 hours before removing weights and looking. Trust me I have see some scary lumpy bumps disappear. ALWAYS PRACTICE AND TEST ON ART THAT IS NOT TOO PRECIOUS FIRST. (I am not yelling...just making sure the casual scroller gets the important message too.) :) Good Luck.
This was so helpful, thank you! I'm a watercolor artist and I've been desperately looking for a way to varnish my paintings without using those horrible toxic aerosol sprays.
* Dorland’s Wax OR Gamblin’s Wax to protect the painting surface
* Stevenson Acrylic Gloss Gel with impasto brush to affix
this is excellent advice, well presented. I'm a picture framer and will tell my regular exhibiting watercolourists about this video.
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.
New to watercolor, this video came in divine timing! 💕
Hi Kim,
I have a question regarding gouache paint medium. What is the best fixative for gouache paints? I'm new to the gouache medium.
+Robert Davies You can Wax them too. There are also Spray Varnishes. Our favourite is Golden MSA Varnish. It come in Gloss, Satin or Matte finish.
thanks for responding to my question :)
Amazing ideas for protecting your painting and also the framing. Thanks so much. Blessings and take care. ❤❤❤
Exactly what I was needing to know and so well presented! Thanks a bunch!!
Excellent video. I normally work in gouache and the same principals apply to varnishing. I'm not familiar with the other brand but have been using Dorland's wax successfully, and don't find that it has any odor. The tips you gave for mounting and framing were exactly what I needed. I'll be coming back to this video when I'm at that stage. Thank you very much. :)
Excellent information.. Thank you so much!
Thank you, thank you. I'm self taught and know very little about products, protecting my work or framing. I sincerely appreciate your knowledge and how well you share it. I've learned so much in this short video. I'm off to check out your channel!
Thank you. ❤love how you did this.
I was glad to find this option for framing. I am new at watercoloring but have been framing my work on a stretched canvas with mod podge. Been a good option for me but will try this method as well.
For long, I struggled with my watercolor PAINTINGS growing mould, until I found cold wax medium. LOVE. 100% recommend this vid. I first learnt about cold wax here
Oh thank you! It means so much to us ti heat from you. Yea! the tips we share really do help others!!!!
A very good demonstration thank you. Yes I use a similar method but will try the wax when I can buy it. Love your work.
Exceptional video presentation!
Thank you! What other topics/questions would you like to see us cover?
@@ThePaintSpotEdmonton I cannot find the wax here in Poland. What might be the most common and available product to protect watercolors on paper?
Thank you very much. Will the wax-resin coating suffer in hot weather conditions...? Where I live the summer is long and extreme.
Thanks for sharing the technique!
kim, amazing idea! As a Watercolor beginner I have a lot of practice pieces that get better and better. n
Now I can protect the and mount them for give aways to family and friends. (Glass is very heavy and dangerous for my heart medication which thins my blood). Perfect with my learned Matting ability. Wonderful narration !
Excellent! Thank you!!
so helpful!! thank you for this tutorial KIM
Genial!!! Thank you for sharing these tips!
thanks for the great useful video on mounting my watercolours without using glass. I've been wanting this knowledge and didn't know where to find it easily.
Amazing turtorial! Thank you for your help!
I love this video. Direct and useful helps me a lot thank you.
BRILLIANT! Thankyou so very much! I'm off to buy both and see which I prefer. Your presentation was lovely, informative and fun and to the point.
Good job! Thanks for sharing
Thank you for making this video. It is very helpful.
I'm new to watercolor, and have just started out with a set of Kuretake Gansai Tambi paints. But, I've learned that they may not be the most lightfast. I plan on using these paints while I get my footing with the medium. Are there any spray varnishes that would work for protecting the watercolor pieces from UV light? I've seen Krylon has a UV Archival varnish spray, but am unsure whether that would work with watercolors. What would you recommend? Thanks in advance! :)
Same doubt. Have you found information on this?
This was great! One question is this uv protective?
You explain it very well! Thank you!
Thank you so much! This waa just what I have been looking for!
This may be the most helpful video I've found about protecting and mounting watercolor. Thank you!
hi..this was so helpful! I saw another artist use varnish spray first on the painting before the wax..is the needed?
How long does it take for it to dry? What else could you be used instead of acrylic gel or an acrylic product?
Haven't frame watercolor paintings for worrying on if it be difficult. Thank you for video ! Will give it a try
This is a great option: affordable and easy to do. Perfect for markets....if we ever have markets again. ...
@@ThePaintSpotEdmonton at least the smaller cities should be okay, with having markets 😊
Great video! That part about the weights lol
How do you attach that cradled board to the back of the picture frame? Thank you...
Fascinating! At last, a way to do this without glass! Please tell me where you got the birch boxes... new sub! Just discovered you!! 👏👏💗👏👏👏
We stock them!! paintspot.ca/?s=Birch&post_type=product&dgwt_wcas=1
Thank you for this tutorial... Can you please list the exact products you used in the video description? Thank you!
I’d like to know also , she did a great job
I am really impressed and inspired by this. Thanks so much!!
You are an angel for sharing this.
I have always been so disappointed with the glare glass framing makes. Even with the costly non-glare glass. This is a wonderful way to showcase a revolving watercolor works.
This was very informative. I knew there had to be a way. Thank you so much.
So much great information! Thanks!
Thank you so much! I really never liked having glass, now I don't need to, thanks to your video!
Do you need to prime the wood first?
I read the wax will harden similar to a Beeswax candle. But what about the dust that will stick to it in time if it is not covered with glass ?
One more question, well 2 more. Is there a uv protection from the wax? And. Would it work on colored pencil art done on watercolor paper?
It’s is worth testing. I suspect that the wax may smear the wax crayon. It may be too similar.
How do you dust a picture that’s finished this way ? Does the wax and varnish protect it from fading in the sun or finger marks if someone touched it. ❤
Thank you for a very informative video! Could I use this technique with pastels? Could you tell me where could I purchase both frames?
Thank you
Thank you for this!! I'm a beginner painter who started with acrylic on canvas... when I found out you can't really use watercolor on canvas, I panicked lol. Canvases are so much easier to hang.
Wow thank you this tutorial helps me getting my art work in another level!
Thank you so much for a great demo!!!!!
Excellent advise, presentation and easy to do!!! This is a win-win!! Thank you so much💖
Hi Kim... you have so resolved my issues on how to preserve “Watercolor “ Art... this was so informative and came at a good time ! Thank you for your tutorials...
Wow, this is very useful information .. thanks for sharing!! Can we use mod podge/other glue instead of the gel medium to glue the watercolor paper on the board? Please let me know... TIA :)
Hi Kim,Thanks for the video,This hopefully will be a game changer for Me,I just set my first small water color up for drying time, I'm going to give it 12 hours just to be sure,I have a couple questions,over the long term How would you rate doing Our watercolors this way ,Customer response,satisfaction etc,I;m also an Airbrush Artist and intend to offer my watercolor as well,I already have some paintings sold and getting good responses on some finished paintings,and I gave them a disclaimer on the waxing and your process opposed to framing and glass prior to the purchase,,I'm waiting on responses from two buyers as we speak,Once again,this process has more pluses that negatives opposed to frames and the ridiculous expenses it incurs,I want and Love to the watercolors hopefully I can get a Niche' doing them this way,Thanks Again.
Thanks so much for this video. I make my own Christmas cards and gift tags every year and "laminate" them in packing tape, which leaves a line or two. I have been looking for a product like Gamelin but had no idea what to look for or where. This year I wanted to make the envelopes, too. I'm going to try this product when I get started.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience and inspiring skills. I really enjoyed watching the video. Very informative.
You just have this happy contagious smile, and beautiful eyes. I came here for the info, which I am grateful for, and am leaving here with a contagious smile too 😊
Where did you get the boards?
Awesome. Do u think the wax would work on handkerchief canvas done with water soluble mediums like pen, pencil & acrylic paint?
Thank you! It looks so great and the process is really easy.
Instead of using the gel to glue the work to the panel can you use mod podge or Elmer’s glue-all?
Hi, so helpful. What if the water color paper isn’t flat; will it pop up, or are those waxes strong enough to hold it in place.
Thank you for sharing this!!!
For gluing the paper to the birch, which works better: heavy gel or regular gel medium?
Thy wsss sooo helpful ..thnqqq so much for the video ❤️❤️
Do you have the link to this product in your store? Just want to make sure I order the right product
Gamblin Cold Wax paintspot.ca/art-supplies/oil-paints-sticks/gamblin-oil1606883689/gamblin-cold-wax-medium/
That was soooo helpful thank you
Is this better result than epox resin for watercolor? which is more valuable, pros and cons? thanks
It really depends on the look you or your clients want. Waxing is easier, economical, and nearly foil-proof. Resin is more expensive and riskier. Always test first. Some resins cause the watercolours to blur a little. Bubbles and trapped hair can ruin your art. Some resins yellow over time; wax stays pure. I would feel more comfortable using resin on prints or reproductions of my watercolours. Resin pieces are a bit more novel in home decor. Which would you choose?
Thanks for the tips. I always wondered if there was a way.
So incredibly helpful!!!
Thank you👍
Hi. great video! Can you use gel medium or a simple 'varathane-type' product to coat a painting instead of the pricier waxes? Pros and cons? Thanks!
Wow great idea! Where do I get the board you adhered the painting to?
Love the process you gave, but Stevenson's acrylic gloss is no longer available. Do you have another product you can recommend for "adhesing" the painting to the frame surface?
Holbein Gel, Golden Gel or Tri Art gloss gel. Here is a link to Holbein paintspot.ca/art-supplies/acrylics/acrylic-gels-pastes/holbein-acrylic-gels-300-ml-poly-bag/
Hi... How long does it take for the wax to dry? Does it dry at all? What happens when we touch and handle the waxed surface? Please do clarify. Thanks and regards 🙏🙏
Wax protection starts right away. It will take a few weeks to fully cure. Polishing is done by the palm of Your hand. Touching only improves the surface.
How would you all a wire hangar to the back?
Does that wax also protect the colors from fading?Thanks!
This video is amazing thank you so much
What a great idea. I have a question, though: Would this method be considered „archival quality“? I absolutely love the idea and I do know that encaustic paintings can be conserved for ever. So, do I conclude that the cold wax has the same end-effect? Thanks for answering.
Christine Amstutz The Wax will not yellow. It effectively waterproofs and protects the paper. Dust can be polished away. Wax can be reapplied. I trust this simple process for works sold at markets. Some museum art conservators will argue the wax cannot be removed without damaging the Watercolour surface. Another option is the Acrylic Gel and MSA Varnish method found here at this link paintspot.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Watercolour%20How%20to%20Varnish.pdf
The Paint Spot Thank you so much for your answer with links. It is very helpful and clarifies what crossed my mind! Have a wonderful day.
Gamblin cold wax can be used as a matte varnish for oil paintings, so I assume it's pretty archival.
Thank you so much! you are unforgettable person. I really didn't wanted to use the spry, it feels weird for some reason. I have a question: is there other good label you could recommend me for the gel? I can't find Stevenson label anywhere!
Stevenson is a Canadian brand. They have retired and no longer make paint. Holbein Gel or Golden Soft Gel are excellent choices too.
Do I have to vanish the painting before waxing? Or can skip the vanishing process?
LOVED THIS!!! THANK YOU!!
Is the cold wax also appropriate for graphite/charcoal artworks?thanks!
No, sorry. The rubbing-on of the wax would smear the dry drawing materials.
@@ThePaintSpotEdmonton thank you so much! i appreciate your response 😊
Would contact glue work as well as the gel?
I have used this method with great success. I usually stain my boards frame but I liked the idea of painting it. What kind of paint did you use? Watercolor,? acrylic?
Antonio Mazzola Watercolors o
I don't want to glue to a board just a regular frame with a mat and no glass. Should I wax the back of the picture as well as the front? Also, will the wax make the matting stick to the painting? Also, I need to ship the painting unframed, what should I cover it with that won't stick to the painting. I was going to protect it between two layers of foam board for shipping.
I am glad you asked. Do not wax the back. Wax will repel any other glue. For transporting or shipping purposes keep the painting unfinished. Fold glassine or museum barrier paper over the watercolour before covering front and back with cardboard. Let the customer decide how to frame.
I’m very interested in this framing option. And I’m very unfamiliar with framing. Can you explain what you used in this tutorial? Thank you!
Framing is a bigger topic than just varnishing and not really our area of expertise. Here is a pretty good video by some friends of ours. ruclips.net/video/PGh10msevVg/видео.html
Super helpful...thank you!
Awesome!!!
Hey thank you for these good advices :) I subscribed also I love your paintings. I have a dumb question though and maybe you can help me lol
So I just started painting ( water color) and I used many colors, when it dried the contrast of the colors disappeared in a sense, like the painting became more "grey" ofc water makes it more colorful, like a rock in water is more shiny and beautiful than dry rocks. But what cns I do to keep the "shiny colors" in the painting as it dries?
Watercolour always dry lighter. Contrast in value is the key.
Thankyou very helpful
Do you prep the panel with GAC100 first?
Yes that would be a prudent idea. It will help seal the surface and keep your gel from drying too quickly. but the acrylic gel will also act as a support barrier when dry.
This is absolutely awesome! Thank you thank you for sharing 👀I’m your new subscriber 🤗
Can this be used with photographs on matte paper as well?
thanks this is fantastic!
Is this process archival? Would it work with charcoal if it was lightly sprayed with archival matt varnish first? Thanks so . much
It is archival but you cannot put it on charcoal. It would smudge.
This is great! Often my watercolor paintings are warped when dried. Yours is so flat? How do you achieve that?! And if it does have some bend/warp to it, would this process flatten it out on the board? Thx!
This process is the perfect way to flatten a watercolour. Be extra thorough with the gel coating on both paper and board. You must use the books and weights. WARNING, WARNING! No peeking after you put the weights on. It will look distressingly warbled. Remember things expand when wet and shrink when they dry. Wait 24 hours before removing weights and looking. Trust me I have see some scary lumpy bumps disappear. ALWAYS PRACTICE AND TEST ON ART THAT IS NOT TOO PRECIOUS FIRST. (I am not yelling...just making sure the casual scroller gets the important message too.) :) Good Luck.