- Float mounting is a popular way to display watercolor paintings without the use of mats or frames.
- To float mount a watercolor painting, you will need acid-free foam board, archival tape, and a ruler.
- Cut the foam board to fit the size of your painting, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Place the painting face down on the foam board and secure it with archival tape along the top edge.
- Flip the painting over and adjust it until it is centered on the foam board.
- Secure the remaining three sides with archival tape, making sure not to stretch or warp the paper.
- You can now display your float-mounted watercolor painting on a shelf or easel without any distracting matting or framing.
Are you tired of traditional framing methods that leave your watercolor paintings looking flat and lifeless? If so, it’s time to try float mounting. This technique creates a stunning, three-dimensional effect that showcases the delicate brushstrokes and subtle nuances of your watercolors.
But where do you begin? Float mounting can be intimidating for beginners, especially if you’re used to the simplicity of traditional framing. However, with a little patience and guidance, anyone can master this technique and create gallery-worthy pieces.
In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about float mounting a watercolor painting. From selecting the right materials to step-by-step instructions, we’ll cover it all. So if you’re ready to take your watercolor art to the next level, keep reading!
How to Float Mount a Watercolor Painting – The Quick Answer:
To float mount a watercolor painting, you’ll need acid-free mat board, adhesive, cutting tools, a ruler or measuring tape, and paintbrushes. Additional recommended materials include archival tape and hinging tissue. Before starting, prepare your painting by cleaning it and flattening it if necessary. High-quality materials are essential to prevent damage over time. These items can be found at most art supply stores or online retailers such as Amazon or Blick Art Materials.
Materials Needed for Float Mounting a Watercolor Painting
Float mounting is a technique of mounting a painting in such a way that it appears to float on the mat board, creating an elegant and professional look. Before starting the process of float mounting your watercolor painting, you need to gather all the necessary materials. Here are some essential materials that you will need for float mounting:
– Acid-free mat board: This is the base material upon which you will be mounting your watercolor painting.
– Adhesive: You will need an acid-free adhesive that is strong enough to attach your painting to the mat board without causing any damage.
– Cutting tools: You will need a cutting tool like a utility knife or sharp scissors to cut the mat board to the desired size.
– Ruler or measuring tape: This will help you measure and cut the mat board accurately.
– Pencil: To mark measurements and make lines on the mat board.
– Paintbrushes: You may need paintbrushes to apply adhesive if not using spray adhesive.
Before purchasing these materials, make sure they are of high quality and suitable for use with watercolors. Using low-quality or unsuitable materials can damage your painting over time.
Additional recommended materials:
– Archival tape: This tape is used to secure paintings onto mats without damaging them.
– Hinging tissue: A type of archival tissue used as hinges between artwork and backing mounts.
Where to buy:
Most art supply stores carry these items. Some popular online retailers include Amazon, Blick Art Materials, Artists Network, and Jerry’s Artarama.
Preparing a Watercolor Painting for Float Mounting
Before floating your watercolor painting onto a mount board, it needs proper preparation. Here’s how:
1. Clean your hands before handling the painting to avoid getting oil or dirt on the surface.
2. Use a soft brush or clean cloth to remove any dust or debris from the painting’s surface.
3. Flatten the painting if it has become warped using a dampened blotter, heavy books, or another flattening method.
4. Place the painting on a clean and flat surface, preferably covered with a soft cloth.
It is essential to ensure that the watercolor painting is completely dry before float mounting. Any moisture trapped between the painting and mat board can cause damage over time.
Measuring and Cutting Mat Board for Float Mounting
The next step in float mounting your watercolor painting is measuring and cutting the mat board to size. Here are some tips:
1. Measure your watercolor painting carefully using a ruler or tape measure before cutting your mat board.
2. Add at least 1/4 inch all around to allow for overhang of the painting and create space between it and the edge of the mat board.
3. Mark measurements on the back of your mat board using a pencil.
4. Cut out your mat board following these markings using a utility knife or scissors.
When cutting your mat board, make sure you use a straight edge to ensure straight cuts along with marked lines.
Attaching a Watercolor Painting to Mat Board Without Damage
After preparing your watercolor painting and cutting your mat board, you are ready to attach it without causing any damage.
Here are some steps:
1. Apply adhesive sparingly onto the back of your prepared watercolor paper, spreading it evenly with a paintbrush if needed.
2. Carefully align your painted paper onto the center of your cut-out mat board, making sure there’s an even border all around by positioning evenly on each side.
3. Press down gently on all areas of the watercolor paper until it adheres well onto the mount board without any bubbles or wrinkles.
4. Allow the adhesive to dry completely before proceeding to frame your float-mounted watercolor painting.
It is essential to use acid-free and archival quality adhesive for float mounting a watercolor painting, as acidic adhesives can cause damage over time.
Choosing the Right Adhesive for Float Mounting a Watercolor Painting
Choosing the right adhesive is crucial when float mounting a watercolor painting. Here are some factors to consider when selecting an adhesive:
– The adhesive should be acid-free and pH neutral.
– It should be non-toxic, safe, and easy to handle.
– It should provide strong adhesion without causing any damage to the surface of your watercolor painting.
– You may also want to consider using spray adhesive if you’re uncomfortable with applying liquid adhesive by hand.
Some popular types of adhesives suitable for float mounting include PVA glue, acrylic medium, or spray adhesive like 3M Super 77 or Krylon Easy-Tack Repositionable Adhesive.
Properly Positioning a Watercolor Painting on Mat Board
Proper positioning of your watercolor painting on the mat board is crucial for achieving a professional look. Here are some tips:
1. Center your painted paper onto the mat board’s center so that there’s an even border all around.
2. Use a ruler or measuring tape to ensure that all sides have equal margins.
3. Make sure that there is no air trapped between the painted surface of your paper and the mount board by pressing it down gently but firmly.
4. Check carefully for any bubbles or wrinkles and smooth them out with gentle pressure using fingertips or a flat tool.
It’s important not to apply too much pressure while smoothing out bubbles or wrinkles as this can damage the surface of your painting.
Tips for Achieving a Professional-Looking Float Mount for a Watercolor Painting
Here are some tips for achieving a professional-looking float mount for your watercolor painting:
1. Use high-quality materials that are acid-free and archival quality to ensure the longevity of your artwork.
2. Make sure the mat board is cut precisely and evenly with straight edges.
3. Use an archival tape or hinging tissue to secure your painting onto the mat board without causing any damage.
4. Choose an appropriate color and texture of mat board that complements your watercolor painting and enhances its visual appeal.
5. Experiment with different arrangements before finalizing the positioning of your painted paper on the mat board.
Remember that float mounting is a delicate process, so take your time, be patient, and don’t rush it.
Risks and Drawbacks of Float Mounting a Watercolor Painting and How to Avoid Them
While float mounting can be an excellent way to showcase your watercolor painting, there are some risks involved that you should be aware of:
1. If not done correctly, float mounting can cause damage to your artwork over time due to acidic adhesives or improper positioning.
2. Over time, dust or debris can accumulate between the painted surface of your paper and the mount board if not properly sealed.
3. Float mounted paintings may require more maintenance than traditional mounts as they are more exposed.
To avoid these risks, make sure you use high-quality materials that are acid-free and archival quality, choose an appropriate adhesive suitable for watercolors, position your painting carefully on the mount board without trapping air bubbles or wrinkles, seal it well using archival tape or hinging tissue, clean it regularly with a soft brush or cloth to remove any dust or debris trapped between surfaces and store it in a dry place away from direct sunlight or moisture.
If you’re unsure about any aspect of float mounting, seek advice from a professional framer who has experience in handling watercolors.
In conclusion, floating mounting a watercolor painting is a simple and effective way to display your artwork. With the right materials and techniques, you can create a beautiful finished product that showcases your artistic talent.
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Float Mount a Watercolor Painting
How do you secure art in a floating frame?
This method for framing a canvas is reminiscent of traditional picture framing with matting. Simply flip the canvas face down, place the floater frame face down on top, and center it on the canvas.
How do you attach a painting to a floating frame?
For spacers, we suggest using small pieces of matte or foam board. In our example, we utilized one eighth inch foam board and one sixteenth inch mat board to properly center and paint the item.
How do you mount watercolor without glass?
To prepare a painting for mounting, dampen the back of the painting with water using a sponge. Next, use a two-inch flat brush to quickly apply a thin coat of Golden Soft Gel Matte acrylic medium to the panel’s surface. It’s important to do this within 30 seconds to ensure the adhesive stays evenly wet.
How does a picture stay in a floating frame?
The canvas is attached and secured to the wooden frame using clips on the backside. This process is fast and simple. Floating frames are designed specifically for stretched canvas art.
How do you attach a picture to a floating frame?
At 0:038:02, I extend the mark to the inside edge and double-check my measurements to avoid having to repeat the process. The wood frames are made of hardwood, specifically Maple.
How do I keep my art from sliding in my frame?
When using our hanging kits, be sure to attach the wall bumpers provided to each back corner of the picture frame. These bumpers not only prevent the frame from banging against the wall but also keep it from sliding out of place.
