How To Frame Watercolor Painting: Pro Tips

Can you frame a watercolor painting yourself? Yes, you can frame a watercolor painting yourself with the right tools and techniques. What is archival framing? Archival framing uses materials that won’t damage your artwork over time, preserving its beauty and integrity for years to come. Who is a framer? A framer is a skilled professional who designs and creates frames for artwork, prints, and other items, ensuring they are displayed beautifully and safely.

Framing a watercolor painting is more than just putting it in a box; it’s about protecting it and presenting it in a way that enhances its delicate beauty. Watercolors are sensitive to light, moisture, and airborne pollutants. Choosing the right framing methods and materials is crucial for longevity. This guide will walk you through the process, offering professional tips to ensure your watercolor artwork is showcased and preserved.

How To Frame Watercolor Painting
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The Essentials of Watercolor Framing

Framing a watercolor involves several key elements, each playing a vital role in the artwork’s preservation and aesthetic appeal. From the initial choice of matting to the selection of framing glass, every decision impacts the final presentation and the artwork’s safety.

Why Proper Framing Matters for Watercolors

Watercolors are notoriously fragile. The pigments are often applied in thin layers, making them susceptible to damage from direct contact with glass, sunlight, and atmospheric changes. Improper framing can lead to:

Fading: UV rays from sunlight can bleach the vibrant colors of a watercolor.
Mold and Mildew: Moisture trapped within the frame can cause mold to grow on the paper and paint.
Acid Migration: Non-archival materials can leach acids into the artwork, causing yellowing and deterioration of the paper.
Sticking: If the watercolor touches the glass, it can stick, causing irreversible damage when separated.

Choosing the Right Framing Materials

Selecting the correct framing supplies is the first step towards a successful and protective frame.

Archival Framing Principles

Archival framing, also known as conservation framing, uses materials that are acid-free and chemically stable. This ensures that your artwork is protected from the environment and the framing materials themselves. Key components include:

Acid-Free Mats: These prevent acid from the mat board from transferring to the artwork.
Acid-Free Backing Board: This provides a supportive and protective backing.
UV-Protective Glass or Acrylic: This filters out harmful UV rays.
pH-Neutral Adhesives: If any adhesives are used, they must be archival quality.

Matting: The Art of Framing a Watercolor

Matting is essential for watercolors. It creates a visual space between the artwork and the frame, preventing direct contact with the glass and enhancing the painting’s visual impact.

Purpose of Matting

Protection: Keeps the artwork from touching the glass, preventing moisture buildup and sticking.
Aesthetics: Draws the viewer’s eye to the artwork and can complement the colors within the painting.
Visual Spacing: Allows the artwork to “breathe” and prevents it from looking cramped within the frame.

Types of Mats

Rag Mats: Made from 100% cotton, these are the most archival and provide the best protection. They are buffered with calcium carbonate to neutralize any acidity.
Alpha-Cellulose Mats: These are high-quality mats made from wood pulp that has been chemically treated to remove lignin and acid. They are a good archival option and more affordable than rag mats.
Regular Mat Board: Avoid this for watercolors. It is often acidic and will yellow and degrade over time, potentially damaging your artwork.

Matting Techniques

Single Mat: The most common choice, a single mat board cut to create a border around the artwork.
Double Mat: Two mat boards of different colors or widths are used together. This adds depth and visual interest, often with a darker mat behind a lighter one.
V-Groove Mat: A decorative groove is cut into the top mat, creating a subtle line that draws attention to the artwork.
Beveled Mat: The standard cut for mat boards, where the edge is cut at an angle, revealing the core of the mat board.

Mounting Your Watercolor

Mounting is the process of attaching the watercolor to its backing. Proper mounting prevents the paper from shifting or buckling.

Mounting Methods

Hinging (Archival Tape): This is the preferred method for valuable or delicate watercolors. Acid-free, reversible archival framing tape (like Japanese paper tape or cotton rag tape) is used to create a hinge at the top edge of the artwork, which is then attached to the backing board. This allows the paper to expand and contract naturally with humidity changes without causing stress.
Dry Mounting (Not Recommended for Watercolors): This involves using heat and adhesive tissue to press the artwork to a backing board. While it creates a flat surface, the heat and adhesive can be detrimental to watercolor paper and pigments, and it’s often irreversible. For watercolors, avoid this method.
Photo Corners: Acid-free photo corners can be used to hold the artwork in place without adhering directly to the image area. The corners are attached to the backing board, and the artwork slides into them.

Framing Glass and Glazing Options

The choice of framing glass or acrylic impacts both the appearance and protection of your watercolor.

Types of Glazing

Standard Glass: The most basic option. It offers some protection but does not have UV filtering or anti-reflective properties.
UV-Protective Glass: Essential for watercolors. It filters out up to 99% of UV rays, preventing fading.
Anti-Reflective Glass: Reduces glare and reflections, allowing for a clearer view of the artwork, especially in brightly lit rooms.
Museum Glass: Combines UV protection with superior anti-reflective properties for the clearest possible view. This is the premium option for valuable artworks.
Acrylic (Plexiglass): Lighter and more shatter-resistant than glass. It’s a good option for larger pieces or if there’s a risk of breakage. However, acrylic can scratch more easily than glass and may attract dust. UV-protective acrylic is also available.

Which Glazing for Your Watercolor?

For watercolors, it’s highly recommended to use UV-protective glass or museum glass. If you are concerned about weight or breakage, UV-protective acrylic is a good alternative. Always ensure your chosen glazing is also anti-reflective for the best viewing experience.

Framing Methods: Ready-Made vs. Custom Framing

When it comes to framing your watercolor, you have two primary routes: ready-made frames and custom framing. Each has its pros and cons.

Ready-Made Frames

Ready-made frames are pre-manufactured frames available in standard sizes. They are often more affordable and readily accessible.

Pros of Ready-Made Frames

Cost-Effective: Generally less expensive than custom framing.
Availability: Easily found in craft stores, home goods stores, and online retailers.
Speed: No waiting time for custom production.

Cons of Ready-Made Frames

Size Limitations: You might need to trim your mat to fit, which can be tricky.
Quality Concerns: Many ready-made frames and mats are not made with archival materials, posing a risk to your watercolor.
Fit Issues: The artwork and mat may not fit perfectly, requiring adjustments that could compromise the artwork.
Limited Style Options: Fewer choices in frame mouldings and finishes.

Tips for Using Ready-Made Frames for Watercolors

Check Materials: Look for frames that explicitly state “acid-free” or “archival” for the mat and backing. If not, you’ll need to purchase separate archival mats and backing.
Measure Carefully: Ensure your watercolor and the mat fit snugly without being too tight.
Consider a New Mat: If the included mat isn’t archival, remove it and replace it with one you’ve purchased separately.
Avoid Direct Contact: Ensure there’s no way for the watercolor to touch the glass, even in a ready-made frame.

Custom Framing

Custom framing involves working with a professional framer to create a unique frame tailored to your artwork.

Pros of Custom Framing

Perfect Fit: The frame, mat, and artwork are precisely measured and cut to fit.
Archival Quality: Professional framers use the best archival framing materials.
Design Expertise: Framers can advise on the best frame mouldings, mat colors, and glazing to complement your artwork.
Specialty Techniques: Options like shadow boxing or intricate matting designs are readily available.
Longevity: Guarantees the best protection for your artwork.

Cons of Custom Framing

Cost: Significantly more expensive than ready-made options.
Time: Can take several weeks from consultation to completion.

When to Choose Custom Framing

For valuable watercolors, cherished pieces, or when you want a truly professional and lasting presentation, custom framing is the best choice. It ensures the highest level of preservation and aesthetic appeal.

Selecting Frame Mouldings

The frame mouldings are the visible border that surrounds your artwork. Their style, color, and width can dramatically alter the overall look and feel of the framed piece.

Factors to Consider

Artwork Style: A traditional watercolor might suit ornate, carved frame mouldings, while a modern piece may look best with a simple, clean-lined frame.
Color Palette: The frame color should complement, not compete with, the colors in your watercolor. Consider neutral tones like wood, white, black, or muted metallics.
Weight of the Artwork: Thicker, heavier artworks might require wider and more robust frame mouldings.
Room Decor: The frame should integrate with the interior design of the space where it will be displayed.

Popular Moulding Materials

Wood: Offers a wide range of styles, from rustic to elegant. Can be stained, painted, or left natural.
Metal: Provides a modern and sleek look, often in finishes like silver, gold, black, or brushed aluminum.
Polystyrene: A more affordable alternative to wood, often mimicking wood grain. Quality can vary.

Choosing the Right Width

Narrow Mouldings: Best for smaller artworks or when you want the focus to be solely on the painting.
Medium Mouldings: A good balance, offering a substantial look without overpowering the art.
Wide Mouldings: Can be striking for larger pieces or to make a bold statement, but use with caution for delicate watercolors so as not to overwhelm them.

Advanced Framing Techniques

Beyond the basics, several techniques can elevate the presentation and protection of your watercolor.

Shadow Boxing

Shadow boxing is a framing technique where the artwork is mounted on a riser within the frame, creating a “shadow box” effect. This gives the artwork a three-dimensional quality and depth.

When to Use Shadow Boxing for Watercolors

Textured Artworks: If your watercolor has any raised textures or impasto elements.
Mixed Media: If your watercolor includes other elements like collage or fabric.
Dimensional Effect: To create visual interest and a gallery-like presentation.

Considerations for Shadow Boxing

Depth of Frame: You’ll need a frame with sufficient depth to accommodate the space between the artwork and the glazing.
Mounting: The artwork is typically mounted onto a backing board that is then raised within the frame.

Floating Mounts

A floating mount positions the artwork on a backing board that is slightly larger than the artwork itself, with the edges of the backing board visible behind the artwork. This creates a contemporary look, with the watercolor appearing to float within the frame.

Benefits of Floating Mounts

Modern Aesthetic: Offers a clean, minimalist look.
Full Visibility: No matting obstructs the edges of the paper.
Paper Texture Showcase: Allows the texture and deckled edges of watercolor paper to be fully appreciated.

How to Create a Floating Mount

Archival Mounting: Use archival methods like hinging or acid-free photo corners to attach the artwork to a backing board.
Frame Choice: Typically paired with deeper frames or shadow boxes to allow clearance around the floating artwork.

Putting It All Together: The Framing Process

Here’s a step-by-step guide to framing your watercolor, whether you’re doing it yourself or working with a professional.

DIY Framing Steps

Gather Your Framing Supplies: Ensure you have your chosen artwork, archival mat board, backing board, framing glass or acrylic, a suitable ready-made frame or custom framing materials, and archival mounting tape.
Prepare the Mat: If using a ready-made frame, you may need to cut your own archival mat to fit. Use a mat cutter for clean, precise edges. If you’re using a custom framer, they will handle this.
Mount the Artwork: Using archival hinging tape, attach the top edge of your watercolor to the mat. Alternatively, use archival photo corners.
Assemble the Frame: Clean the framing glass thoroughly. Place the glazing in the frame, followed by the mat with the artwork attached, and then the backing board.
Secure the Backing: Use framing points or tape to secure the backing board to the frame, ensuring everything is held tightly in place.
Add Hanging Hardware: Attach appropriate hanging hardware to the back of the frame.

Working with a Custom Framer

Consultation: Bring your watercolor to a professional framer. Discuss your aesthetic preferences, budget, and any specific concerns about the artwork.
Material Selection: The framer will guide you through choices of frame mouldings, mat styles and colors, and framing glass. They will ensure all materials are archival.
Design Approval: You’ll typically see a mock-up or discuss the proposed design before the framing begins.
Production: The framer will expertly cut, assemble, and finish the frame.
Collection: Pick up your beautifully framed watercolor!

Caring for Your Framed Watercolor

Once your watercolor is framed, proper care will ensure its longevity.

Display Recommendations

Avoid Direct Sunlight: Even with UV-protective glazing, prolonged direct sunlight can still cause fading.
Stable Environment: Display in a location with consistent temperature and humidity. Avoid bathrooms, kitchens, or rooms with significant temperature fluctuations.
Proper Hanging: Ensure the frame is securely hung on the wall to prevent accidental falls.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Frame Cleaning: Dust the frame mouldings gently with a soft, dry cloth.
Glazing Cleaning: If cleaning the framing glass or acrylic is necessary, use a specialized glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth. Avoid spraying cleaner directly onto the glass, as it can seep behind the mat. For museum glass, follow the manufacturer’s specific cleaning instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I frame a watercolor painting without a mat?

A: While it’s possible, it’s generally not recommended for watercolors. A mat provides crucial space between the artwork and the glass, preventing moisture damage and potential sticking. If you choose to forgo a mat, consider using spacers to create a gap.

Q2: How do I know if my framing materials are archival?

A: Look for labels or certifications that indicate “acid-free,” “lignin-free,” or “conservation quality.” Reputable art supply stores and custom framers will stock and use archival materials. For mats, 100% cotton rag is the highest standard.

Q3: What is the difference between glass and acrylic for framing?

A: Glass is more scratch-resistant but heavier and more prone to shattering. Acrylic is lighter, shatter-resistant, and available in UV-protective and anti-reflective options, but it scratches more easily. For valuable or delicate watercolors, museum glass (which is glass) or high-quality UV-protective acrylic are excellent choices.

Q4: Can I re-frame a watercolor that is already framed?

A: Yes, you can re-frame an existing watercolor. It’s a good opportunity to upgrade to archival materials if the current frame is not suitable, or if you want to update the style. Be very careful when disassembling the old frame to avoid damaging the artwork.

Q5: How much does it cost to frame a watercolor?

A: Costs vary widely. Ready-made frames can range from $20 to $100+, while custom framing can start at $150-$200 and go up to several hundred dollars or more, depending on the size, frame mouldings, matting complexity, and type of glazing.

Framing your watercolor painting is an investment in its preservation and presentation. By understanding the principles of archival framing, choosing the right framing supplies, and considering techniques like matting and the selection of appropriate framing glass and frame mouldings, you can ensure your artwork remains vibrant and beautiful for generations to come. Whether you opt for ready-made frames with careful modifications or invest in custom framing, prioritizing the longevity and safety of your watercolor will always be the most rewarding choice.