How to Make Watercolor Paint Permanent

Watercolor painting is a beloved art form that has been around for centuries. The use of water and pigment creates beautiful, ethereal effects that capture the imagination of artists and art enthusiasts alike. However, one common frustration among watercolor painters is the lack of permanence in their work. Over time, watercolor paint can fade or even disappear completely, leaving behind a mere shadow of its former self.

If you’ve experienced this pain point as a watercolor artist, fear not! In this article, we’ll explore some tips and tricks for making your watercolor paint more permanent. From choosing the right paper to using fixatives, we’ll cover everything you need to know to ensure your artwork stands the test of time. So whether you’re a seasoned painter or just starting out, read on to discover how to make your watercolors last a lifetime.

Understanding Watercolor Paint: Why It’s Not Permanent

Watercolor paint is a popular medium among artists because of its unique characteristics. However, one major downside is that it is not permanent. This means that over time, the colors can fade or change, leading to a loss of vibrancy and detail in the painting.

The reason for this lack of permanence lies in the way watercolor paint works. Unlike other paints that use binders to hold pigments together, watercolor relies on the water-soluble nature of its pigments. When water is added to the paint, it dissolves the pigments and distributes them evenly across the paper.

This also means that when the water evaporates, some of the pigments may lift off or become more concentrated in certain areas. Additionally, exposure to light and air can cause chemical reactions that change the color of some pigments or cause them to break down over time.

The Science Behind Watercolor Permanence

The science behind why watercolor paint isn’t permanent lies in how it’s made up. The pigment particles are suspended in a binder solution which allows them to be distributed evenly throughout the paper when mixed with water.

However, as a result of this suspension, these particles are left exposed on top of the surface which makes them easily susceptible to fading and discoloration by reacting with other substances they come into contact with such as moisture and light.

Factors That Affect Watercolor Paint Permanence

Several factors can affect how long your watercolor paintings will last:

• Light exposure: prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause colors to fade significantly over time.
• Humidity: if your painting is exposed to high levels of humidity or moisture over time it could lead to mold growth.
• Air pollution: pollutants like smoke or chemicals can also damage the surface of your painting and cause colors to fade more quickly.
• Quality of materials: using high-quality watercolor paints, paper, and brushes can help preserve your paintings’ vibrancy for longer.

Making Watercolor Paint More Permanent: Common Techniques

While it’s impossible to make watercolor paint completely permanent, there are several techniques you can use to increase its longevity:

Using High-Quality Materials

One of the most effective ways to improve the permanence of your watercolor paintings is by using high-quality materials. This includes using artist-grade paints that have a higher concentration of pigment, which means they are less likely to fade over time.

You should also use acid-free paper, which is designed to resist discoloration and deterioration over time. Additionally, investing in high-quality brushes will ensure that you can apply paint smoothly without damaging the surface of your paper.

Changing Your Painting Style

Another way to increase the permanence of your watercolor paintings is by changing your painting style. For example, instead of using heavy washes that may lift off or become more concentrated over time, you could try using lighter layers that will dry more evenly.

Additionally, painting with thicker layers or adding a medium like gum arabic or ox gall can help bind pigment particles together more effectively and prevent them from lifting off or fading over time.

Using Fixatives to Preserve Your Watercolor Paintings

Fixatives are chemicals that are applied directly onto a finished painting in order to protect it from environmental factors like light, humidity or air pollution. They work by binding pigments together more tightly and creating a protective layer on top of the surface.

There are two main types of fixatives: spray fixatives and brush-on fixatives. Spray fixatives are easier to apply but may not be as effective for larger paintings or those with heavier layers of paint. Brush-on fixatives, on the other hand, allow you to apply a thicker layer of protective coating but require more time and effort.

How to Apply Fixatives

When applying fixatives, it’s important to follow some basic steps:

1. Make sure your painting is completely dry before applying any fixative.
2. Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling harmful fumes.
3. Hold the can or brush about 12 inches away from the surface and spray or brush on an even coat.
4. Allow the fixative to dry completely before handling your painting again.

Choosing the Right Fixative

There are several types of fixatives available, including those specifically designed for watercolor paintings. When choosing a fixative, make sure it’s compatible with your medium and follow any instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Additionally, consider whether you want a matte or glossy finish. Matte finishes will help preserve the natural texture of your watercolor paper while glossy finishes will add shine and depth to your colors.

The Benefits of Using Varnish or Sealant on Your Watercolor Paintings

Varnish and sealants are similar to fixatives in that they help protect your paintings from environmental factors like light and humidity. However, they also offer some additional benefits:

Added Protection Against Moisture

One major advantage of using varnish or sealant is that they provide an extra layer of protection against moisture. This can be especially helpful if you live in a humid environment where mold growth is a concern.

Increase Depth and Vibrancy

Another benefit of using varnish or sealant is that they can enhance the vibrancy and depth of your colors. They work by filling in any gaps or inconsistencies in the surface of your paper, which can make your colors appear more even and vibrant.

Types of Varnish and Sealants

There are several types of varnish and sealants available, including acrylic-based products that are easy to apply and dry quickly. However, some artists prefer traditional varnishes made from natural materials like damar resin or mastic gum, which can offer a more authentic look and feel.

When choosing a varnish or sealant, consider the type of finish you want as well as any potential compatibility issues with your medium.

Heat and Watercolor Paint: How to Make It Permanent

While watercolor paint will never be completely permanent, exposing it to heat can help bind pigments together more tightly and prevent them from lifting off over time.

Baking Your Painting

One way to use heat to make watercolor paint more permanent is by baking your painting in an oven. Here’s how:

• Preheat your oven to 150-200 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Cover the surface of your painting with wax paper or parchment paper.
• Bake for 10-15 minutes.
• Allow the painting to cool completely before handling it again.

Using a Hot Iron

Another way to use heat is by using a hot iron. Here’s how:

• Cover the surface of your painting with wax paper or parchment paper.
• Iron over the surface for 5-10 seconds at a time using low heat.
• Allow the painting to cool completely before handling it again.

It’s important to note that while these methods can help make watercolor paint more permanent, they may also change the appearance of your painting. Additionally, using too much heat can cause your paper to warp or curl.

Incorporating Other Mediums into Your Watercolor Paintings for Longevity

One way to make watercolor paintings more permanent is by incorporating other mediums into your work. This can help create a stronger bond between the pigment particles and the surface of your paper.

For example, mixing watercolor with gouache or acrylic paint can create a stronger layer of pigment that is less likely to lift off over time. You could also try adding a layer of wax or oil pastel on top of your painting to help seal in the colors and protect them from environmental factors.

Gouache

Gouache is a type of watercolor paint that contains an opaque binder, which makes it more resistant to fading and discoloration over time. By mixing gouache with traditional watercolor paint, you can create a hybrid medium that offers the best of both worlds.

Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint is another medium that can be mixed with watercolor to create a more permanent painting. Acrylic is known for its durability and resistance to fading, making it an ideal choice for artists who want their paintings to last.

Wax or Oil Pastels

Adding a layer of wax or oil pastel on top of your painting can also help protect it from environmental factors like light and humidity. These mediums create an additional barrier on top of the surface, which helps seal in the colors and prevent them from fading over time.

Making Certain Colors More Permanent in Watercolor Painting: Tips and Techniques

Some pigments are more susceptible to fading than others. For example, organic pigments like alizarin crimson or rose madder tend to fade faster than inorganic pigments like ultramarine or cobalt blue.

However, there are several techniques you can use to make even the most fugitive colors more permanent:

Layering Colors

One way to increase the permanence of your watercolor paintings is by layering colors. By using multiple layers of a certain color, you can create a stronger and more vibrant layer that is less likely to fade over time.

Avoiding Direct Sunlight

Another way to protect your watercolor paintings from fading is by avoiding direct sunlight. If possible, try to display your paintings in a shaded area or behind glass that filters out harmful UV rays.

Using Synthetic Pigments

Finally, using synthetic pigments can help increase the longevity of your watercolor paintings. Synthetic pigments are designed to be more stable and resistant to fading than their natural counterparts.

Storing and Displaying Your Watercolor Paintings for Long-Term Permanence

Even with all these techniques in place, it’s important to store and display your watercolor paintings properly in order to ensure their long-term permanence.

Storing Your Paintings

When storing your watercolor paintings, make sure they are kept in a cool and dry environment away from direct sunlight. You can also use acid-free folders or sleeves to protect them from dust and other environmental factors.

Displaying Your Paintings

When displaying your watercolor paintings, consider using UV-filtered glass or Plexiglas to protect them from harmful UV rays. Additionally, avoid displaying them in areas with high humidity or temperature fluctuations.

By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your watercolor paintings will remain vibrant and beautiful for years to come.

In conclusion, making watercolor paint permanent can be achieved by using the right materials and techniques. Protective varnishes, fixatives, and proper storage can ensure that your artwork lasts for a long time.

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Make Watercolor Paint Permanent

Is there a way to seal watercolor paintings?
To ensure that the watercolor pigments on paper are sealed and adhered properly, spraying two even coats of Archival Varnish (Gloss) is usually sufficient. However, if the watercolor is on Absorbent Ground, three even coats of Archival Varnish (Gloss) may be needed to prevent bleeding or streaking.

Is there a fixative for watercolor?
Although there is a debate on the matter, it is not recommended to use a fixative or any other fixing agent on watercolors. Fixatives can prevent the necessary process of expansion and contraction that helps to stabilize works on paper.

Is watercolor permanent when dry?
Ensuring your watercolors are completely dried is crucial as the paint becomes permanent once dry. Leaving your artwork wet can lead to damage from dust or dirt.

What can I spray on watercolor to protect it?
By applying a UV protective artist fixative and spray before finishing with a UV protective artist varnish, you can avoid the need for glass when displaying watercolor art.

What can I use to preserve watercolor paintings?
To protect your water-based paintings, it’s recommended to apply a few layers of glossy archival varnish. Avoid using satin or matte varnish for the initial coat, as they can cause your artwork to become cloudy. This will seal your watercolor painting and make it resistant to moisture, preserving it for a long time.

Can I put Mod Podge over watercolor?
If you’re wondering whether Mod Podge can be used to seal watercolor, the answer is yes. However, it’s important to wait a few hours after the watercolor has dried before applying the Mod Podge on top. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers about using Mod Podge and watercolor together.