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.
This was so... helpful!!! as a watercolour/mixedmedia artist my framing options where limited to always matting and glass. Thank you for your mounting ideas! It takes a very traditional medium into a new age. It also looks AMAZING!!!
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.
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. :)
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 !
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
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.
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'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! :)
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...
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 😊
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 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. ❤
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/
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
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. ua-cam.com/video/PGh10msevVg/v-deo.html
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?
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.
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!
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.
Very instructional, thanks! I've read that it dries only to the hardness of a beeswax candle, which is enough to seal the watercolor, but should still be protected from scratching or scuffing. It's funny, but the can that I have doesn't list the alkyd resin, only wax and OMS, even though product descriptions mention the alkyd resin. Oh well... I guess it's in there!
Great video Kim. I'm going to wax up some paintings this weekend. 😁 I noticed that you said that this medium was also good for encaustics. I work in encaustics and because both Dorland and Gamblin wax pastes have mineral spirits (petroleum distillate) in them they should never be used with a heat source of any kind. They are highly flammable.
+Sharon Elizabeth You are correct but you can paint on top of an encaustic with the cold waxed if you wish. Note: Gambling Wax is much less volatile than Dorland's.
Great information that would not be found at a workshop...it's 'after' the painting is finished, what to do. Glad I found you but I wanted to know one question - do you 'buff' the wax off the painting once it's dried?
Brenda Jensen Yes 2-3 days after application you can buff the wax with a soft cloth, but not so hard as to remove it. Buffing is like polishing. It will bring clarity and create a satin finish.
It is buffed as part of the application process to rub it into the surface. A day or two later you will want to buff it again using a soft cloth or even the palm of your hand. This will shine the wax coating to a semi-gloss, satin finish that will enhance your original watercolour. Wax can be buff and even reapplied several years later.
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.
Thank you for the video 🙏 I have one question for you I watched another video and even though they use the cold wax medium on top they recommended using a UV archival spray over the watercolour painting to give it that extra UV protection if you are not using glass.... is this necessary I find the sprays daunting on watercolour paintings can I avoid this step and still have some UV protection with just the cold wax ?... thank you in advance🙏
@@ThePaintSpotEdmonton thanks ..but are you saying the wax also protects against UV ? Also I use good quality paints Daniel Smith or W & N though not all pigments are lightfast
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 :)
Not really. Wax can easily wipe off the polymer because it doesn’t have enough tooth. Organic wax vs inorganic plastic makes the bond between the two incompatible for humidity and temperature expansion and contraction.
Nancy Zywicki Hi Nancy It depends on which white glue. Some are too wet and will cause paper to wrinkle too much; others dry brittle and may crack; and some yellow with age. I prefer acrylic gels because they are thicker and bond better; paper wrinkles less. Gels are archival, non-cracking and non-yellowing. Some white glues like Archival pH Neutral PVA gels may work. Coat both the wood and the paper. Make sure you get the glue right to the edges.
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
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.
New to watercolor, this video came in divine timing! 💕
this is excellent advice, well presented. I'm a picture framer and will tell my regular exhibiting watercolourists about this video.
This was so... helpful!!! as a watercolour/mixedmedia artist my framing options where limited to always matting and glass. Thank you for your mounting ideas! It takes a very traditional medium into a new age. It also looks AMAZING!!!
+Nathan Dixon I am so glad you see new potential for your art. Do you have a good supplier for Birch Panels in your area?
I'm lucky! I have a few!!!
Nathan Dixon ii
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!!
Dear Kim...that was an awesome piece of advice and I just wanted to say that you have a radiant personality!!
+EnolaElorie Oh thank you! More is coming!
This was great- wonderful presentation. One question does this prevent uv rays?
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.
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. ❤love how you did this.
Genial!!! Thank you for sharing these tips!
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.
Excellent! Thank you!!
Thanks for sharing the technique!
Excellent information.. Thank you so much!
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! I’m on my way to Blicks!
I love this video. Direct and useful helps me a lot thank you.
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 !
Thank you for making this video. It is very helpful.
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!!!!
Good job! Thanks for sharing
so helpful!! thank you for this tutorial KIM
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.
You are an angel for sharing this.
Thank you so much! This waa just what I have been looking for!
Thank you very much. Will the wax-resin coating suffer in hot weather conditions...? Where I live the summer is long and extreme.
You explain it very well! Thank you!
Amazing turtorial! Thank you for your help!
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.
This may be the most helpful video I've found about protecting and mounting watercolor. Thank you!
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!
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 😊
This was very informative. I knew there had to be a way. Thank you so much.
I am really impressed and inspired by this. Thanks so much!!
So much great information! Thanks!
Great video! That part about the weights lol
hi..this was so helpful! I saw another artist use varnish spray first on the painting before the wax..is the needed?
Thank you so much for a great demo!!!!!
Thank you so much! I really never liked having glass, now I don't need to, thanks to your video!
Wow thank you this tutorial helps me getting my art work in another level!
Thy wsss sooo helpful ..thnqqq so much for the video ❤️❤️
This was great! One question is this uv protective?
So incredibly helpful!!!
That was soooo helpful thank you
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?
Thank you for sharing this!!!
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...
Thank you! It looks so great and the process is really easy.
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 long does it take for it to dry? What else could you be used instead of acrylic gel or an acrylic product?
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 😊
Do you need to prime the wood first?
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
Super helpful...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
I so much like this. THANKS
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.
LOVED THIS!!! THANK YOU!!
How do you attach that cradled board to the back of the picture frame? 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 😊
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 ?
thanks this is fantastic!
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. ❤
This video is amazing thank you so much
Thank you and I will check out your website.
Very helpful thanks for sharing :)
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/
Thank you! you are awesome!
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/
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.
Thanks for the tips. I always wondered if there was a way.
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. ua-cam.com/video/PGh10msevVg/v-deo.html
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?
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.
Instead of using the gel to glue the work to the panel can you use mod podge or Elmer’s glue-all?
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
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 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 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.
Very instructional, thanks! I've read that it dries only to the hardness of a beeswax candle, which is enough to seal the watercolor, but should still be protected from scratching or scuffing. It's funny, but the can that I have doesn't list the alkyd resin, only wax and OMS, even though product descriptions mention the alkyd resin. Oh well... I guess it's in there!
Great video Kim. I'm going to wax up some paintings this weekend. 😁 I noticed that you said that this medium was also good for encaustics. I work in encaustics and because both Dorland and Gamblin wax pastes have mineral spirits (petroleum distillate) in them they should never be used with a heat source of any kind. They are highly flammable.
+Sharon Elizabeth You are correct but you can paint on top of an encaustic with the cold waxed if you wish. Note: Gambling Wax is much less volatile than Dorland's.
Awesome. Do u think the wax would work on handkerchief canvas done with water soluble mediums like pen, pencil & acrylic paint?
Awesome!!!
Great information that would not be found at a workshop...it's 'after' the painting is finished, what to do. Glad I found you but I wanted to know one question - do you 'buff' the wax off the painting once it's dried?
Brenda Jensen Yes 2-3 days after application you can buff the wax with a soft cloth, but not so hard as to remove it. Buffing is like polishing. It will bring clarity and create a satin finish.
It is buffed as part of the application process to rub it into the surface. A day or two later you will want to buff it again using a soft cloth or even the palm of your hand. This will shine the wax coating to a semi-gloss, satin finish that will enhance your original watercolour. Wax can be buff and even reapplied several years later.
Where did you get the boards?
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 :)
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.
Thank you for the video 🙏 I have one question for you I watched another video and even though they use the cold wax medium on top they recommended using a UV archival spray over the watercolour painting to give it that extra UV protection if you are not using glass.... is this necessary I find the sprays daunting on watercolour paintings can I avoid this step and still have some UV protection with just the cold wax ?... thank you in advance🙏
MSA Varnish is excellent too. But then then wax would be an unnecessary duplication. I suggest either/or.
@@ThePaintSpotEdmonton thanks ..but are you saying the wax also protects against UV ? Also I use good quality paints Daniel Smith or W & N though not all pigments are lightfast
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 :)
Can use that wax for acrylic
Not really. Wax can easily wipe off the polymer because it doesn’t have enough tooth. Organic wax vs inorganic plastic makes the bond between the two incompatible for humidity and temperature expansion and contraction.
Love this!
For gluing the paper to the birch, which works better: heavy gel or regular gel medium?
I was wondering if you could use white glue instead of the gel medium to attach the watercolor to wood?
Nancy Zywicki
Hi Nancy
It depends on which white glue. Some are too wet and will cause paper to wrinkle too much; others dry brittle and may crack; and some yellow with age.
I prefer acrylic gels because they are thicker and bond better; paper wrinkles less. Gels are archival, non-cracking and non-yellowing.
Some white glues like Archival pH Neutral PVA gels may work. Coat both the wood and the paper. Make sure you get the glue right to the edges.
@@ThePaintSpotEdmonton Thank you so much. Your video was very helpful.
I loved this video! Thanks so much for making it, it was so informative. :)
Thanks. Any reason you don’t apply wax after the painting is glued to cradle?
bonnie garson I like to avoid wrecking a painting before I glue it down
This is absolutely awesome! Thank you thank you for sharing 👀I’m your new subscriber 🤗