Mounting and storing watercolor paintings can be tricky, especially when they're not framed yet. I've been painting and selling watercolors for years, and I've learned what works best for me.
In this post, I'll walk you through exactly how I mount and store my original watercolor artworks—safely, affordably, and without needing a professional frame. Let's dive in and keep those paintings protected and looking their best!
Contents
Why I Don't Frame My Watercolors Before Selling
Framing sounds like the obvious choice, right? But in my experience, it's often more of a hassle than a help.
I've found that framing paintings before selling them causes a lot of trouble:
- Shipping becomes risky: glass can break so easily.
- Postage gets expensive: framed pieces are bulkier and heavier.
- Framed art isn't flexible: customers might not like my chosen frame.
Most of the people who buy my art prefer to choose their frames. That way, they can match their home or office style. Only a few ever ask for professionally framed work.
Mounted but Not Framed: My Favorite Way
After lots of trial and error, I've found that mounting the painting, without framing it, is the best approach for me.
This method keeps the artwork looking neat and polished, but still gives the buyer room to choose how they want to frame it later.
It's also ideal if you plan to frame your painting using a simple frame from IKEA or somewhere similar. Let me show you how I keep everything flat, clean, and safe!
Step 1: Flattening the Painting
Before you even think about mounting, you must ensure your painting is flat. A warped or buckled painting just won't look right.
Here's what I always do:
- Use strong masking tape to stick my watercolor paper firmly to a painting board.
- I press it down well before I start painting.
- I always paint on at least 300 gsm paper—anything thinner buckles too much.
Even with all this, sometimes the painting still buckles a little. If that happens, I simply press it under something heavy, like a pile of books or boxes, for a few days. That usually does the trick!
Step 2: Mounting the Watercolor Artwork
Once the painting is flat, it's time to mount it. I love this step—it makes the piece shine!
Why Mounting Makes a Difference
Mounting gives your artwork a professional and finished look. Even when the painting already has those clean white borders from masking tape, adding a mount takes it to the next level.
But here's the problem I've run into: store-bought frames often don't fit my work. For example:
- A4 mounts are too small for many of my paintings.
- A3 mounts are often too big.
It's frustrating when the artwork just doesn't match the mount. That's why I prefer making my custom mounts. It's way more flexible, and it's cheaper than constantly buying ready-made ones.
How I Make My Mounts
This part might sound intimidating, but it's super simple! I use thick watercolor paper (300 gsm or even 600 gsm) to make my mounts. This helps create a small gap between the painting and the glass if I eventually frame it.
That way, the paint doesn't get pressed against the glass—it can still “breathe.”
Here's how I do it:
1. Measure the Outer Size
I want my mounted painting to be 30 by 40 cm. I already have a mount that size, so I use it as a template and cut my paper to match.
2. Measure and Cut the Window
Next, I measure the actual painting. Let's say the painted part is 35 cm long, and my mount is 40 cm long. That leaves 5 cm of space in total. I divide that evenly between the top and bottom—or sometimes, I leave more space at the bottom for balance.
For the width, maybe my painting is 25 cm wide, and the mount is 30 cm. That's another 5 cm to divide between the two sides.
I mark all of this out with a ruler and pencil, then carefully cut out the window using a craft knife.
Please be careful here—always cut slowly with a ruler as a guide. I like all my fingers intact!
3. Attach the Mount to the Painting
Now for the fun part! I:
- Line up the artwork with the mount
- Start by taping down one long edge
- Then, move on to the other sides
It's essential to press the tape down firmly and make sure the painting stays aligned.
Just like that, my watercolor is mounted!
Step 3: How I Store My Mounted Watercolors
If the painting isn't going straight to a buyer, I must store it safely in my studio.
My Best Tips for Long-Term Storage
Here's what works for me:
- Always store paintings flat
- Keep them in the dark to avoid light damage
- Place acid-free paper between each piece to protect the surface
You can use a drawing cabinet if you have one or even a regular drawer that fits the size. I don't use plastic bags for long-term storage—they block airflow, which isn't good for paper or paint.
When I Do Use Plastic Bags
Now, my studio also functions as a classroom. That means people often go through my drawers and touch the paintings. It happens all the time!
So in this case, I use cellophane sleeves. They're not ideal for long-term storage, but they keep curious hands from damaging the artwork. And when the painting is nicely mounted and protected in cellophane, it looks super presentable, too.
I've found this method works perfectly for displaying and storing originals in a shared studio environment.
Final Notes on Fixing Watercolors
I often get asked if I use a fixative on my watercolor paintings. The answer is no—and here's why.
Why I Don't Use Fixatives
Other media, like pastel or charcoal, need a fixative because they're dusty and can fall off the paper. But watercolor is different:
- It stays on the paper
- It doesn't need fixing
- A fixative can change the colors
- It may also damage the paper over time
So, I avoid fixatives completely.
How I Preserve My Paintings Permanently
When I keep a watercolor for myself, I get it professionally framed. But I always make sure of these two things:
- The frame uses glass or UV-protected plexiglass
- It's never displayed in direct sunlight
Glass provides excellent surface protection. Honestly, it does more than any fixative ever could!
Final Thoughts
Mounting and storing watercolor paintings properly keeps them safe, flat, and professional-looking. I find this method simple, affordable, and reliable for selling and preserving my art.
Why not give it a try with your own work? A clean mount and thoughtful storage can make all the difference in how your watercolor pieces are protected and presented.