Q: Aren’t Watercolors fragile? How long will they last?
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Verso of a work on paper, with
damage as a result of poorframing. |
The quality of the pigment itself is what determines a watercolor’s permanence. Properly cared for, watercolors made with permanent colors on good quality paper are as permanent as any other medium. However, pigments that change when exposed to light will be especially noticeable in watercolor paintings, because the washes are so thin. Since light is a major catalyst, watercolors should be kept out of direct light and protected by a sheet of filtered glass or acrylic. They should also be mounted in acid-free mat board to keep the paper from discoloring over time.
For example, when John James Audubon’s hand-colored engravings have been kept in their original books, they remain as true and vibrant as when they were painted, first because they are protected from light and second because the quality of the paper that surrounds the prints is very high. When the books are broken up, however, they may be exposed to light and acidic framing materials. Color deterioration can vary from mild to a severe, rendering some virtually worthless. Writes Christa M. Gaehde, formerly on the conservation staff of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston: "Many fine prints have survived in pristine condition for centuries, but many more have been damaged and lost through neglect and ill treatment."
Watercolors take special care, but their appeal lies in the spontaneity and subtle coloring not found in oils. Today’s modern methods of framing, particularly the development of special glazing that can block 98 percent of ultraviolet light, have provided collectors with the tools necessary to enjoy these fresh works indefinitely.
Q: How can I protect my watercolor from fading?
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| Museum glass make up |
Direct sunlight should not come in contact with any work of art, including oils. Unprotected watercolors are particularly fragile – even a few weeks in direct sunlight or in a very bright room with reflected light can fade the impermanent pigments and embrittle the paper. The paper may also become bleached or yellowed.
Clear glass does provide some protection to your work on paper, but it still allows 53% of harmful ultraviolet rays to filter through. Newly developed ultraviolet filtering glass now has a thin coating that blocks more than 97% of ultraviolet light and protects your artwork from becoming brittle and faded. A line of ultraviolet acrylic glazing has also been used successfully for years and can block up to 99% of harmful rays. While it is less likely to shatter than glass, the surface is quite susceptible to scratches and glare can be a problem.
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Conservation glass (left)
Museum glass (right) |
Conservation glasses are also available with a lightly etched surface that acts to diffuse light and minimizes unwanted glare. The downside of reflection control glass is that it displays a slightly greenish tint and can cause a subtle softening of the image.
A new type of glass called museum glass has been developed that filters out 98% of ultraviolet light. In addition, this new glass dramatically cuts down on glare with extremely thin layers of a special coating that diffuse the incoming light rays. Because these rays are not deflected, it actually allows more light to illuminate your artwork than what is transmitted by standard glass. This can make the image appear brighter and more vibrant. While it is expensive, the cost seems well worth it to preserve a watercolor selling in the thousands and displaying the work at its best.
FAQs
You can use varnish to apply a moisture-resistant coating to your watercolors and paper in order to protect them for a long period. If you don't want an irreversible coating on your painting, consider framing your artwork using archival framing techniques.
How to make watercolor not fade? ›
You can protect a watercolour painting from fading by making sure the painting is not exposed to environmental hazards such as heat, humidity, sunlight, and smoke. Instead, the best practice is to hang watercolour paintings in a dry, cool room with a consistent temperature.
What can I spray on watercolor to protect it? ›
We recommend, using the Archival Varnish whenever possible as it comes in an aerosol and allows the varnish to be applied without touching the fragile watercolor.
How do you make watercolors last longer? ›
Keep your watercolour paint in a cool, dry place and make sure the lids are tightly closed to prevent evaporation and keep the paint from drying out. If you have paint pans, ensure they're in a palette with a closed lid to stop them drying and cracking.
Can a faded watercolor be restored? ›
Watercolour paintings can be restored in most cases by our experienced conservator. Watercolours can find themselves altered in a variety of ways, from discolouring over time and moisture causing brown spots (known as 'foxing'), to staining and water damage.
Can I use hairspray to seal watercolor? ›
A: No, hairspray is not an appropriate sealant for watercolor paintings. It can cause discoloration and damage to the painting over time.
What is the best varnish for watercolor? ›
Step 1: Seal the painting with gloss varnish. Spray at least 6 coats of Golden Archival Gloss Varnish on your finished painting. Gloss preserves the greatest color clarity in the final result and is recommended for all early layers when varnishing.
Can you use mod podge to seal watercolor? ›
Can you use Mod Podge to seal watercolor? Yes, you can. You'll want to wait for the watercolor to dry for several hours before applying Mod Podge on top.
What is the best sealer for watercolor paintings? ›
Gloss Spray Varnish (I recommend Golden Archival Spray Varnish with UVLS. Krylon Archival Varnish is a suitable alternative) Golden Gloss Acrylic Gel Medium (Liquitex is a good alternative. Other brands can have a runnier consistency and lead to an uneven finish)
Should I use cold wax to seal watercolors? ›
Whenever possible, we now wax our watercolors with Gamblin Cold Wax Medium. We first heard of this from renowned watercolorist Sarah Yeoman. At first, you may be reluctant to apply anything, much less wax, to the surface of a watercolor. Once you try it on a practice painting, you will be a convert.
Mod Podge. Applying coats of mod podge is a good idea for a sealer once the watercolor artwork is fully dry.
What is the lifespan of watercolor paint? ›
Most manufacturers say the shelf life of watercolor tubes is 5 years. Some artists have said they've used tube watercolors that are up to 25 years old. Although it varies, watercolor paint tubes will likely stay moist for at least 5-10 years. Some say that cheaper watercolors dry out faster.
How do you maintain watercolor? ›
Watercolor is sensitive to heat and moisture, and they can dry out or spoil if exposed to the air for a longe period of time. Never store your paints in direct sunlight or in a damp location, choose a place that's cool and dry, such as a closet or cabinet, this will protect them and help to, extend their lifespan.
How to keep painting from fading? ›
The Strong UV exposure caused by direct sunlight leads to fading and yellowing of your paintings. It is advisable to place a specialized glass called a UV filtering acrylic plexiglass for framed original art. A less costly way to protect your paintings from dust would be to cover your art with curtains.
How to make watercolor painting glossy? ›
Gum arabic is manufactured into watercolor paint as a binder, but you can also buy it separately. It's a solution or paste that can be added to mixing water or directly into the paint to make it glossier and more transparent.
