How to Flatten a Watercolor Painting

Do you ever find yourself frustrated with a watercolor painting that just won’t lay flat? No matter how much you try to flatten it, it seems to have a mind of its own. The warping and buckling can be a real pain point for artists, especially when they’re trying to frame or display their work.

Luckily, there are some simple tricks you can use to flatten your watercolor paintings and get them looking their best. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, these techniques will help you achieve professional-looking results and avoid the frustration of a warped piece.

So if you’re ready to learn how to flatten your watercolor paintings like a pro, keep reading! We’ll cover everything from prep work to final touches, so you can create stunning pieces that lay perfectly flat every time.

Materials needed to flatten a watercolor painting

Flattening a watercolor painting is necessary when it starts curling or buckling. The following are the materials required to flatten a watercolor painting:

1. Acid-free paper or cardboard

Place the watercolor painting between two sheets of acid-free paper or cardboard. It should be slightly larger than the painting, and the texture should be smooth to avoid indentations.

2. Heavy objects

You will need heavy objects, such as books or weights, to keep the acid-free paper pressed against the painting for an extended period.

3. Water sprayer

A water sprayer can be used to moisten the back of the painting slightly before flattening it. A spray bottle with distilled water is ideal for this purpose.

Unordered List
– Acid-free paper or cardboard
– Heavy objects
– Water sprayer

Note:

Make sure that all these materials are free from acidic substances, as they might cause damage to your artwork.

Wait time before attempting to flatten a watercolor painting

Before you start flattening your watercolor painting, it is essential to wait for some time after completing it. The drying time varies depending on several factors, including humidity levels and paint thickness.

1. Humidity levels

If you live in an area with high humidity levels, your painting may take longer to dry completely. In contrast, if you reside in an area with low humidity levels, your artwork may dry faster.

2. Paint thickness

The thickness of the paint also affects drying times. If you have applied thick layers of paint or used multiple colors on top of each other, it will take longer for your artwork to dry.

It is recommended to wait for at least 24 hours before attempting to flatten your watercolor painting. If the painting is still damp, it might cause further damage and lead to mold growth.

Note:

If you are unsure whether your painting has dried completely, gently touch the surface with a clean finger. If it feels tacky or sticky, it means that it needs more time to dry.

Best way to humidify a watercolor painting for flattening

Humidifying a watercolor painting is necessary when it has been stored in a dry environment or exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period. The following method can be used to humidify a watercolor painting:

1. Cover the artwork

Place the watercolor painting between two sheets of acid-free paper or cardboard and cover it with another piece of acid-free paper or board. Make sure that all edges are covered entirely.

2. Place in a plastic bag

Put the covered artwork inside a sealed plastic bag and add some drops of distilled water on top of the paper or cardboard covering the artwork.

3. Wait for some time

Seal the plastic bag and leave it undisturbed for several hours until you notice moisture building up inside.

Note:

It is essential not to over-humidify your watercolor painting, as this could result in mold growth.

Using an iron to flatten a watercolor painting

Using an iron to flatten a watercolor painting can be risky if not done correctly, but here’s how you can do it:

1. Set up ironing board

Start by setting up your ironing board close to an electrical outlet where you can plug in your iron.

2. Turn on steam function

Turn on the steam function of your iron and allow it to heat up. Be sure to use the lowest temperature possible on your iron.

3. Place painting on board

Place the watercolor painting between two sheets of acid-free paper or cardboard, and place it onto the ironing board.

4. Iron carefully

Gently run the warm iron over the top layer of paper for a few seconds, then lift and repeat over different areas until you have covered every part of the artwork.

Note:

Be careful not to press too hard with the iron as this could cause damage to your painting.

Preventing damage while flattening a watercolor painting

Flattening a watercolor painting requires patience and care. Here are some tips to prevent damage while flattening your artwork:

1. Use acid-free materials

Use acid-free materials when flattening your watercolor paintings, including paper or cardboard, to avoid any potential damage caused by acidic substances.

2. Avoid using too much moisture

Avoid using excessive amounts of moisture when humidifying or moistening your artwork before flattening it; this could lead to mold growth or further damage.

3. Keep pressure even

Keep pressure even across all parts of your artwork when placing heavy objects on top during flattening; this will ensure that no areas get more pressure than others.

Note:

It is essential always to handle your artwork gently, especially when it is wet or damp from humidifying.

What if the painting still isn’t flat after trying these methods?

If you have tried all these methods and your watercolor painting is still not flat, don’t worry; there are other things you can do:

1. Consult a professional

Consider consulting a professional art conservator who can help you determine the best approach for flattening your watercolor painting without causing further damage.

2. Try using a dry mount press

A dry mount press is another option that you can try to flatten your artwork. It uses heat and pressure to permanently bond your artwork between two pieces of mounting board, resulting in a flat surface.

3. Display as is

Finally, if none of these methods works, you can consider framing the painting as it is or displaying it as a piece of three-dimensional artwork.

Note:

It’s important always to handle your artwork carefully and avoid any potential damage when trying different methods to flatten it.

The possibility of over-flattening a watercolor painting

Over-flattening a watercolor painting can be just as damaging as under-flattening it. Here are some signs that you may have flattened your artwork too much:

1. Loss of color vibrancy

If the colors in your watercolor painting appear dull or faded after flattening, this could indicate over-flattening.

2. Brittleness of paper or paint

If the paper or paint on your artwork feels brittle or fragile after flattening, it may have been exposed to too much moisture or pressure during the process.

3. Indentations on paper surface

Indentations on the surface of your watercolor painting could mean that too much pressure was applied during flattening.

Note:

It’s essential to monitor your artwork closely during the flattening process and stop if you notice any signs of over-flattening.

Storing a flattened watercolor painting to prevent future warping

After flattening your watercolor painting, it’s important to store it correctly to prevent future warping. Here are some tips on how to store your artwork correctly:

1. Use acid-free materials

Use acid-free materials when storing your watercolor paintings, including paper or cardboard sleeves.

2. Store flat

Store your artwork flat in a dry and cool area, away from direct sunlight or moisture.

3. Consider framing

Consider framing your artwork behind UV-protective glass to protect it from fading over time.

Note:

It’s important to handle your artwork with care when storing it; avoid bending or folding the paper as this could cause damage over time.

In conclusion, flattening a watercolor painting can be achieved by using simple techniques such as placing the painting under heavy books or using an iron with a damp cloth. These methods should be done carefully to avoid damaging the artwork.

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Flatten a Watercolor Painting

Should you paint watercolor flat?
While some watercolor artists prefer to work on a flat surface like a table, I only do so if it is necessary. Instead, I prefer to work with my paper in an upright position like an oil painter would, or if not, at a tilted angle. This is my preferred method.

What makes a painting look flat?
When it comes to a painting, there are many potential reasons why the image might appear flat and faded. For instance, if you haven’t cleaned your palette or brushes during a long painting session, this could cause everything to become muddy and lack depth.

Do watercolor paintings need fixative?
It is possible to use fixative sprays on watercolor paintings, but it is not recommended as it has caused cracking of the paints in some cases. A better alternative would be to seal the painting with glass.

Does heat ruin watercolor paint?
Exposure to high temperatures can lead to the deterioration and brittleness of watercolor paper. Fluctuations in temperature, as well as direct sunlight, can also damage watercolor paintings. It is therefore crucial to select a cool and dry environment for watercolor painting.

Do I need a flat brush for watercolor?
You don’t have to buy every type of brush available as an artist, as many use flat and round brushes for their watercolor work. A flat brush creates more angular strokes, while a round brush has a fine point and creates more organic strokes.

How do you keep watercolor paper flat without tape?
To flatten a warped piece of artwork, place it between two thin books or magazines and put them under your mattress for a few days. Once you remove the artwork, it should be straightened out. This is a simple and effective technique.