Omar Khalid
Sealing watercolor paintings is essential to protect them from damage and fading. While some artists may choose not to seal their watercolors, it is a worthwhile step to ensure the longevity of the artwork, especially if you plan on storing your work for an extended period. There are various methods to seal watercolor on plastic, such as using a fixative spray, a varnish coating, or an epoxy resin finish. Each method requires a different process and has its own unique advantages, such as UV protection and a glossy sheen. The choice of sealing method depends on personal preference and the desired level of protection and finish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason | To protect against UV rays and liquids |
| When to seal | After the painting has dried completely |
| Sealing methods | Fixative, varnish coating, resin coating, UV-resistant clear coat spray, Krylon GLOSS UV-Resistant Acrylic Coating, ArtResin, spray sealant |
| Number of coats | 2 or more |
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What You'll Learn
Using Krylon GLOSS UV-Resistant Acrylic Coating
Sealing your watercolour paintings is an essential step in ensuring the longevity of your artwork. Colours can fade over time, and sealing your work can help prevent this.
Krylon GLOSS UV-Resistant Acrylic Coating is a popular choice for artists looking to seal their work. This product provides a protective coating that shields surfaces from harmful UV light rays, which can cause colours to fade. It is also moisture-resistant and smudge-proof, so it will protect your work from water damage and smudging.
The Krylon spray is versatile and can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including plastic, paper, wood, metal, and glass. It is a good choice for artists as it will not yellow with age, so your colours will remain vibrant.
To use this product, first ensure your watercolour painting is completely dry. Then, apply 3-4 light coats of the spray, allowing each coat to dry for at least 30 minutes before applying the next. The spray will be dry to the touch in 10-15 minutes and can be handled after 5 hours.
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Sealing with ArtResin
Sealing watercolour paintings on plastic with ArtResin is a great way to protect your artwork and give it a professional finish. ArtResin is an epoxy resin that seals and protects your watercolour, enhancing its colours with a glossy sheen.
Firstly, complete your watercolour painting on paper, allowing it to dry thoroughly. Then, mount your artwork onto a wooden panel using an adhesive such as spray adhesive, a glue stick, or a brush-on adhesive. Smooth the paper with your hands or a brayer to ensure it is evenly mounted and has no air pockets.
Next, seal your artwork with a spray sealant designated safe for watercolours, and allow it to dry completely. This step is especially important if you are using soft or low-quality paper, as it prevents the resin from being absorbed, causing dark, wet spots. Sealing also helps to prevent bubbles, which can form due to trapped air in the paper or wood.
Now, you are ready to apply the ArtResin. Measure the resin and pour it onto the centre of your piece, spreading it out to the edges with a plastic spreader or popsicle stick. You will have about 45 minutes of working time before the resin becomes too thick. Use an artist's torch to pop any remaining bubbles, holding the flame a couple of inches above the surface and moving it from side to side. Cover your artwork and let it sit for 24 hours until it is dry to the touch.
When choosing a sealant, opt for one that dries clear and is labelled UV-resistant or non-yellowing. It is also important to ensure that the sealant is appropriate for your artwork and will work in conjunction with ArtResin's UV light stabilizers. Always follow the directions on the label, and allow the sealant to dry completely before applying the resin to avoid a cloudy cure.
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Using a fixative spray
Sealing your watercolour painting with fixative sprays is a popular method for protection. It is important to choose a workable fixative specifically formulated for watercolours to avoid any unwanted changes in texture or sheen. Before deciding to seal your painting, it is crucial to understand the lightfastness of the paints you have used. Lightfastness refers to how resistant pigments are to fading when exposed to light over time. Watercolour paints are rated for lightfastness, with pigments marked as "excellent", "good", or "poor" in their resistance to light.
When using a fixative spray, ensure your painting is completely dry. Hold the spray can about 10 to 12 inches away from your painting and apply even, light coats. Avoid heavy applications, as they can cause the watercolour paper to warp or make the colours bleed. Allow the first coat to dry fully before applying the second coat. Multiple thin layers are more effective than one heavy coat. Depending on the mediums you work with, up to 5+ layers can be needed to hold everything in place.
It is important to note that fixatives are extremely toxic. Never use them in an enclosed space without proper ventilation and always use a mask for protection against harmful fumes.
Some popular fixative sprays include Krylon workable fixative, Schmincke Watercolour Fixative Spray, and Krylon UV archival spray.
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Varnish coating
Sealing your watercolour paintings is essential to protect them from damage and ensure their longevity. While framing your artwork can help protect it, it can be costly and may not be preferred aesthetically.
Varnishing is a popular method for sealing watercolours on plastic or paper. Varnish functions as a protective film over the artwork, reducing damage caused by humidity, dust, dirt, smoke, ultraviolet radiation, scuffs, and scratches. It is also designed to be removable, allowing the varnish to endure environmental abuses that would otherwise compromise the artwork.
There are several types of varnish coatings available, including:
- Archival Varnish: This varnish comes in an aerosol and can be applied without touching the fragile watercolour. It is recommended to apply no more than six coats, beginning with gloss to retain clarity and finishing with the sheen of your choice (gloss, satin, or matte).
- MSA Varnish: This varnish needs to be thinned for brush application or used with spray equipment.
- Polymer Varnish: This varnish is applied with a brush and typically requires two to three coats.
When applying varnish, it is important to follow these general steps:
- Ensure your artwork is completely dry before beginning.
- Work in a well-ventilated area and rotate the art between layers to ensure even coverage.
- Use gloss varnish for the first coats to retain clarity, and apply the final coat in the sheen of your choice.
- Allow each layer to dry for at least 20 minutes before applying the next coat.
It is important to note that varnishing is a non-reversible process that will permanently change the nature and appearance of your artwork. Testing on a small area first is recommended to ensure you are happy with the results. Additionally, some watercolour organisations do not accept varnished pieces, so check the entry requirements before submitting your work to any shows or exhibitions.
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Sealants to prevent bubbles
Sealing watercolour paintings is essential to protect them from damage and fading over time. Watercolour paintings are delicate and vulnerable to damage from moisture, dust, dirt, and UV light. The sealant creates a barrier that prevents these elements from damaging the painting.
There are several types of sealants that can be used to seal watercolour paintings, including varnish, UV-protective spray, and fixative spray. When choosing a sealant, it is important to select one that is specifically designed for use with watercolour paintings, as using the wrong type of sealant can cause discoloration or damage to the painting.
To prevent bubbles when sealing watercolour on plastic, there are several tips to keep in mind. Firstly, always test the sealant on a small, inconspicuous area of the painting before applying it to the entire surface. This will help you ensure that the sealant is compatible with the plastic and will not cause any adverse reactions. Secondly, use long, smooth strokes when applying the sealant to avoid creating any bubbles or bumps on the surface of the painting. Thirdly, apply the sealant in thin, even coats, as applying it too thickly can cause drips and bubbles. If using a brush-on sealer, use a soft-bristled brush to avoid leaving any brush marks on the surface of the painting. Finally, ensure that the sealant is completely dry between coats to avoid cracking or peeling over time.
In addition to these tips, when working with resin, there are specific techniques you can use to prevent bubbles. After pouring the resin, hold an artist's torch a couple of inches above the resin surface to pop any bubbles, moving the torch continuously from side to side. Once the piece has been torched, inspect the resin for any missed bubbles and use a toothpick to remove them. Cover the piece and let it dry for 24 hours.
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Frequently asked questions
Sealing your watercolour painting is essential to protect it from damage and ensure its longevity. Watercolour pigments are permanent, but colours can change and fade over time due to exposure to sunlight and UV rays. Sealing your artwork will also help you sell it as buyers will be more interested in high-quality pieces.
You can seal a watercolour painting with either a fixative or a varnish coating. You can also use epoxy resin, which will give your artwork a glossy sheen that makes the colours pop. If you are using resin, you should seal your artwork first to prevent bubbles caused by trapped air in the paper.
First, make sure your painting is completely dry. Then, apply two or more coats of your chosen sealant. If you are using resin, measure the required amount using a resin calculator, then mix it with a hardener. Stir thoroughly for 3 minutes, ensuring you scrape the bottom and sides of your mixing container as you go.
