A Comprehensive Guide to Framing and Protecting Watercolor Originals and Prints
So, you've collected some artwork!
CONGRATULATIONS!
Welcoming a new piece into your home, whether it be a print or an original,
is so special and incredibly exciting!
Take a moment to soak it all in with satisfaction and JOY.
As you're doing this, you may be thinking, "How do I display this beauty
so others may appreciate it? How can I keep it safe?"
Framing, my friend.
In addition to adding aesthetic value, framing artwork is all about protecting the piece!
It's a balance between honoring the beauty of the painting or print, but keeping things practical, functional, and long-lasting. (Options that don't break the bank aren't half-bad either) ;)
Note: I've entered into a partnership with my favorite framing service, ArtToFrames! They're family-owned, kind, efficient, and I've been purchasing from them for years. It's a joy to provide you with an affiliate link in this post.
The General Idea
Whether considering a print or an original watercolor, there are 3 things to think about:
- UV Protection
Did you know that watercolor and paper fades in sunlight?
- Size and Style of Framing
Matted, Floating, or Neither
- Aesthetic
The Painting's and YOURS
Framing a Print
My reproductions are printed in-house on Epson Premium Matte Paper.
They look and feel like real watercolor paintings, which I am in love with.
Something to note about prints is that they are generally less delicate than the original, both in aesthetics (less pencil markings, strokes, etc) and in material. The chemical properties of printer ink is different than watercolor paint, and printer paper absorbs the ink differently than watercolor paper takes on the pigment. Because of this, prints are generally less likely to fade than original watercolor paintings.
Protection
If hanging your print in direct sunlight, a varnishing spray or UV-blocking glass might be prudent to prevent fading. I'm more than happy to apply a varnish to your print for a small fee, but be advised that it can affect the appearance of the colors, making them darker.
The safest and simplest option in my opinion is UV-blocking glass. There are a number of options in price and quality, and you can even choose between real glass or a plexiglass! This option is my personal favorite because it fits right into the frame and doesn't permanently alter the print.
I recommend ArtToFrames - Custom Sizes, Multiple Price Points, and easy to use. Starts around $20 for 5x7" glass with partial UV-Protection. Grab a $2 frame from the thrift store, and you just framed + protected a print for $22 bucks!
That said, my prints are high-quality and fade-resistant. I haven't had a problem with fading in my brightly-lit apartment, but I'm not actually sure how much direct-sunlight my prints get. Do what you think is best!
Framing
Most of my prints are standard photo sizes, 5x7", 8x10" etc... so finding a frame that fits shouldn't be too much of a hassle. (Feel free to email me at rosalie.ardentdraws@gmail.com to request another size!)
Chose a frame that YOU love. At the end of the day, you're adopting the artwork into your home. It is likely a continuation of your style, and the frame should reflect that.
You have three choices with framing your print: Matted, Floating (Mounted), or Plain.
Matted is the thing where the print fits behind a square cut-out, usually white, which acts like a frame-within-a-frame.
Floating or Mounted is when the piece and the mat are reversed, providing a similar effect, and allowing the observer to see the edges of the piece and the signature.
Plain is when you just stick it in a beautiful, easy frame and call it a day, usually only possible with prints because of the sizing, and definitely beautiful with those trendy, all-glass frames.
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PRO-TIP: Matting or floating your print automatically makes it look 10000 times more legit and artsy! Not only does a mat showcase the piece, but it adds an elegant space between the print and the frame, tricking the observer into thinking they're looking at an original ;)
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👉🏽 Laurie Ann has a fantastic DIY guide for matting + framing artwork, which you should definitely check out.
There's also ArtToFrames' custom framing services. A little pricier than the DIY option, but so easy!
I've discovered that the thrift store is a great place for frames! Just get one larger than your print, buy matting from literally any arts and crafts store, and boom. High-end art.
Framing an Original
Delicate, intricate, beautiful watercolor...Doesn't it just make you SWOON??
Our top priority here is to bask in all the subtle strokes, pencil-lines, and layering without compromising on preservation and authenticity.
The Medium: Watercolor on Paper
Watercolor pigment absorbs into the paper, but it is still very susceptible to discoloration and damage from the sun. Like all paintings, watercolors will fade in the sun, but unlike other mediums, it doesn't have a built-in protective oils to keep it safe.
The gorgeous transparency we love so much about watercolor is unfortunately to blame.
I use professional-quality watercolor paints, which helps a bit, but your original artwork will still need some extra support.
Protection: Glass
With prints, I provided a spray-varnish option. Not so with originals! I learned the hard way that sprays will alter the texture, color, and chemical make-up of a delicate painting permanently. #notworthit
Museum Glass or UV-glass/plexiglass is the way to go here. Art to Frames makes customizing sun protection to your own frame easy and affordable. Custom Sizes, Multiple Price Points, and easy to use. Starts at about $25 for a 8x10" glass with UV-Protection!
Grab a $3 frame from the thrift store, a $4 mat from HobbyLobby, and you just framed + protected your artwork for less than $35. (Compare that to $90 minimum for custom framing!)
Framing
Most of my paintings are kind of random sizes... What can I say? Sometimes the painting just flows out at random, and I'm also not a fan of wasting art supplies! The easiest way to frame an original is to buy a frame that is at least a few inches larger in margin than the original, and then mat it.
Chose a frame that YOU love. At the end of the day, you're adopting the artwork into your home. It is likely a continuation of your style, and the frame should reflect that.
You have two choices with framing your original: Matted or Mounted (Floating)
Matted is the thing where the painting fits behind a square cut-out, usually white, which acts like a frame-within-a-frame. Be aware that this sometimes may cut off parts of the painting if I wasn't able to provide enough of a margin...hehe.
Floating or Mounted is when the piece and the mat are reversed, providing a similar effect, and allowing the observer to see the edges of the piece and the signature.
PRO-TIP: Matting or floating your painting automatically makes it look 10000 times more legit and elegant. The piece will take up more space on your wall which will bring more attention to the beautiful artwork that you invested in. Visually, the mat will also showcase the artwork by providing white space to relax the eye.
👉🏽 Laurie Ann has a fantastic DIY guide for matting + framing artwork which you should definitely check out.
There's also ArtToFrames' custom framing services. A little pricier than the DIY option, but so easy!
I've discovered that the thrift store is a great place for frames! Just get one larger than your print, buy matting from literally any arts and crafts store, and boom. High-end art.
I hope this is helpful in eliminating some of the nerves that come
with embracing a new painting!
Some final thoughts:
- YOU know what you like, and the feeling you get when you view it will guide you to what the artwork needs. Trust in that.
- Let the artwork shine
- Use a mat (or mount). Seriously. #noregrets
- Chose a frame that will delight you
All of the listings for originals have some gentle framing suggestions. Please do not hesitate to reach out via email or social media if you still have lingering questions, or pop them in the comments section to help a neighbor out!
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