Is It Ok to Roll Watercolor Paintings

Watercolor paintings are a magical creation of colors and emotions. They have a unique quality that makes them stand out from other types of paintings. However, if you’re a watercolor artist, you may have found yourself wondering whether it’s okay to roll your watercolor paintings.

This question arises because watercolor paintings are usually created on paper, which is flexible and can be easily damaged. Rolling the painting up seems like an easy solution for storage or transportation, but what happens when you unroll it? Will the painting still look as good as it did before?

The answer is not straightforward and depends on multiple factors, such as the type of paper used, the size of the painting, and how long it has been rolled up for. In this article, we’ll explore all these factors and more to help you understand whether rolling your watercolor painting is safe or not. So let’s dive into this topic together and discover the do’s and don’ts of rolling watercolor paintings.

Proper Storage Techniques for Watercolor Paintings

Watercolor paintings are delicate and require proper storage techniques to ensure their longevity. The most important aspect of storing watercolor paintings is to protect them from moisture, light, and heat. Moisture can cause mold growth or warping of the paper, while light can fade the pigments and heat can cause cracking of the paint. To prevent these issues, it’s essential to store watercolor paintings in a cool, dry, and dark location.

One of the best ways to store watercolor paintings is by using acid-free archival boxes made specifically for artwork. These boxes come in various sizes and are designed to protect artwork from dust, moisture, and light. When placing your painting in an archival box, make sure it’s not touching any other artwork or materials.

Another option for storing watercolor paintings is by framing them behind UV-protected glass or Plexiglas. This method allows you to display your artwork while also protecting it from harmful elements. However, if you choose this method of storage, be sure to use acid-free matting and backing board.

It’s important to note that when storing watercolor paintings vertically or horizontally, they should be placed flat between two pieces of acid-free foam board or cardboard with no pressure applied to the painting surface. This prevents any creasing or cracking that could occur over time due to gravity.

Essential Tools for Proper Storage:

• Acid-free archival boxes
• Air-tight plastic bags
• Absorbent silica gel packets
• Acid-free foam board or cardboard
• UV protected glass or Plexiglas (for framing)
• Acid-free matting and backing board (for framing)

Tips for Proper Storage:

• Store in a cool, dry, and dark location
• Keep paintings separate from each other to prevent damage
• Use acid-free materials to prevent deterioration over time
• Avoid placing pressure on the painting surface when storing vertically or horizontally
• Check artwork periodically for any signs of damage or deterioration

Potential Damage from Rolling Watercolor Paintings

While rolling watercolor paintings can be a convenient way to store and transport them, it can also cause potential damage if not done correctly. The most common issue with rolling watercolor paintings is creasing or wrinkling of the paper. This occurs when too much pressure is applied to the painting surface while rolling, causing it to fold or bend.

Another issue that can arise from rolling watercolor paintings is cracking of the paint. This happens when the paint has not fully dried before rolling, causing it to crack and flake off. Additionally, moisture can build up inside the rolled painting, leading to mold growth or warping of the paper.

It’s important to note that not all watercolor papers are suitable for rolling. Some papers are too thick or have a rough texture that makes them difficult to roll without causing damage. Before attempting to roll your watercolor painting, make sure you’re using a suitable paper and that the paint has fully dried.

Suitable Papers for Rolling:

• Hot-pressed papers (smooth surface)
• Cold-pressed papers (slight texture)
• Soft-sized papers (less absorbent)
• Papers with high cotton content (more flexible)

Tips for Rolling Watercolor Paintings:

• Ensure paint is completely dry before rolling
• Roll loosely and avoid applying pressure to the painting surface
• Use a plastic sleeve or acid-free paper to cover the painting before rolling
• Store rolled paintings in a cool, dry location with low humidity
• Unroll paintings periodically to check for any signs of damage or deterioration

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Rolling Watercolor Paintings

Rolling watercolor paintings can be a convenient way to store and transport them, but it also has its benefits and drawbacks. The main benefit of rolling watercolor paintings is that it saves space and allows you to store multiple paintings in one place. It also protects them from dust, light, and moisture.

Another benefit of rolling watercolor paintings is that it makes them easier to transport. Rolled paintings can be placed in a tube or portfolio case for safe transportation without the risk of damage from bending or folding.

The main drawback of rolling watercolor paintings is the potential damage that can occur if not done correctly (see “Potential Damage from Rolling Watercolor Paintings” section). Additionally, rolled paintings may require more maintenance than flat stored ones as they need to be unrolled periodically to prevent creases and wrinkles.

Overall, whether or not rolling your watercolor paintings is beneficial depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you have limited storage space or need to transport your artwork frequently, rolling may be a good option for you. However, if you’re concerned about potential damage or prefer flat storage, then rolling may not be suitable for your needs.

Safely Storing Rolled Watercolor Paintings: How Long Is Too Long?

When storing rolled watercolor paintings, there’s always a concern about how long it’s safe to keep them rolled up. The answer varies depending on several factors such as the quality of the paper used, environmental conditions during storage, and how well they were rolled.

Ideally, rolled watercolor paintings should be unrolled and checked for any signs of damage or deterioration every six months. This allows you to catch any issues early before they become irreversible. However, it’s safe to keep them rolled up for up to a year if they were properly rolled and stored in a cool, dry location with low humidity.

If you plan on storing your watercolor paintings for an extended period, it’s best to use flat storage instead of rolling. Flat storage prevents creasing or wrinkling and is the safest option for long-term storage.

Factors That Affect Safe Storage Time:

• Quality of paper used
• Environmental conditions (humidity, temperature)
• How well the painting was rolled
• Length of time already stored

Tips For Safe Storage:

• Unroll paintings every six months to check for damage
• Keep paintings in a cool, dry location with low humidity
• If storing for an extended period, use flat storage instead of rolling
• Avoid exposure to sunlight or extreme temperatures
• Use acid-free materials to prevent deterioration over time

Preventing Creases and Wrinkles When Rolling Watercolor Paintings

Creases and wrinkles are common issues that can occur when rolling watercolor paintings. To prevent these issues, it’s important to follow proper techniques when rolling your painting.

Firstly, make sure the paint is completely dry before rolling your watercolor painting. Wet paint can easily crack or flake off during the rolling process. It’s also important to use a suitable paper that is flexible enough to be rolled without causing damage.

When rolling your painting, roll it loosely and avoid applying pressure directly onto the painting surface. Instead, use your hands to gently guide the roll and keep it evenly distributed. You can also use a plastic sleeve or acid-free paper to cover the painting before rolling to prevent any direct contact with the rolling surface.

After rolling your painting, store it in a cool, dry location with low humidity. It’s important to unroll your painting every six months to check for any signs of damage or deterioration. If you notice any issues, take immediate action to prevent further damage.

Tips for Preventing Creases and Wrinkles:

• Ensure paint is completely dry before rolling
• Use a suitable paper that is flexible enough to be rolled without causing damage
• Roll loosely and avoid applying pressure directly onto the painting surface
• Use a plastic sleeve or acid-free paper to cover the painting before rolling
• Store rolled paintings in a cool, dry location with low humidity
• Unroll paintings every six months to check for any signs of damage or deterioration

Which Types of Watercolor Paper are Suitable for Rolling?

Not all watercolor papers are suitable for rolling. Some papers are too thick or have a rough texture that makes them difficult to roll without causing damage. The best types of watercolor paper for rolling are hot-pressed papers, cold-pressed papers, soft-sized papers, and papers with high cotton content.

Hot-pressed watercolor paper has a smooth surface and is less likely to crack or tear when rolled tightly. Cold-pressed watercolor paper has a slight texture but is still suitable for rolling as long as it’s not rolled too tightly.

Soft-sized watercolor paper is less absorbent than other types of watercolor paper and dries faster, making it ideal for artists who need their work done quickly. Papers with high cotton content are more flexible than other types of watercolor paper, which makes them less likely to crack or tear when rolled.

It’s important to note that regardless of the type of watercolor paper you choose, it’s essential to ensure the paint is completely dry before rolling. Wet paint can easily crack or flake off during the rolling process.

Types of Watercolor Paper Suitable for Rolling:

• Hot-pressed papers (smooth surface)
• Cold-pressed papers (slight texture)
• Soft-sized papers (less absorbent)
• Papers with high cotton content (more flexible)

Tips for Choosing Watercolor Paper:

• Choose a suitable paper that is flexible enough to be rolled without causing damage
• Ensure the paint is completely dry before rolling
• Avoid using too much water when painting on the paper as this can weaken its structure
• If in doubt, test a small piece of paper before committing to a larger piece

Essential Tools and Materials for Rolling Watercolor Paintings

Rolling watercolor paintings requires specific tools and materials to ensure safe storage and transportation. The most essential tools and materials include acid-free paper, plastic sleeves, foam rollers, and sealing tape.

Acid-free paper is used to cover the painting surface before rolling. This prevents any direct contact with the rolling surface and protects the painting from dust, moisture, and light. Plastic sleeves are used to slide over the rolled-up painting for extra protection.

Foam rollers are used to roll up the painting gently without applying pressure directly onto the painting surface. They come in various sizes and densities depending on your specific needs. Sealing tape is used to secure the edges of the acid-free paper around the rolled-up painting, preventing any dirt or moisture from entering.

Essential Tools and Materials:

• Acid-free paper
• Plastic sleeves
• Foam rollers
• Sealing tape

Tips for Using Essential Tools and Materials:

• Use acid-free materials to protect the artwork and prevent deterioration over time
• Avoid applying pressure directly onto the painting surface when rolling
• Secure the edges of the acid-free paper around the rolled-up painting with sealing tape to prevent dirt or moisture from entering
• If in doubt, seek advice from a professional art conservator on proper techniques for rolling watercolor paintings

Alternative Methods for Storing and Transporting Watercolor Paintings

While rolling watercolor paintings is a popular method of storage and transportation, there are alternative methods available. One option is to store them flat in an archival box or portfolio case. This prevents creasing or wrinkling of the paper and allows you to store multiple paintings in one place.

Another option is to frame your watercolor paintings behind UV-protected glass or Plexiglas. This method not only protects your artwork but also allows you to display it as well. However, if you choose this method of storage, be sure to use acid-free matting and backing board.

If you need to transport your watercolor paintings frequently, consider investing in a specially designed portfolio case. These cases come in various sizes and are designed specifically for transporting artwork safely.

Alternative Methods for Storing and Transporting:

• Flat storage in an archival box or portfolio case
• Framing behind UV-protected glass or Plexiglas
• Specially designed portfolio case for safe transportation

Tips for Alternative Methods:

• Use acid-free materials to protect the artwork and prevent deterioration over time
• Avoid applying pressure directly onto the painting surface when storing or transporting
• If framing, use acid-free matting and backing board to prevent damage to the painting
• Invest in a high-quality portfolio case designed specifically for transporting artwork safely

In conclusion, while it may be tempting to roll watercolor paintings for storage or transportation, doing so can cause damage to the delicate paper and pigments. It is recommended to instead store them flat or in a protective portfolio.

Frequently Asked Questions about Is It Ok to Roll Watercolor Paintings

Can I roll a watercolor painting?
Watercolor artworks should be stored flat and horizontally to prevent paint from wearing off. Rolling up paintings can also create more space for humidity, which is not recommended. It is important to avoid wrapping watercolor artworks in tubes to prevent further damage.

Is it OK to roll a painting?
If a painting is properly dried and not rolled too tightly, it should be able to withstand the process of being rolled up and shipped. However, there are risks involved in rolling a painting, including the possibility of damage when removing the canvas from its stretchers.

Is it safe to roll a painting?
Storing a completed canvas painting in a packing tube is generally safe, but precautionary measures should be taken. The painting should be thoroughly dried before rolling, and if it is unstretched, it should not be rolled too tightly. These steps will ensure the painting remains in good condition.

What is the golden rule of watercolor?
Don’t try to please others with your actions, instead do what pleases you, just like letting the paint on a canvas express your true desires.

Why is watercolor painting so difficult?
Watercolour painting is challenging because of its unpredictable nature. The pigment tends to flow in different directions, making it difficult to control. Moreover, watercolour is transparent and appears lighter once the pigment dries, making it tricky to correct mistakes since they are visible through the layers.

Should watercolor paintings be under glass?
Watercolor paintings are sensitive to light and should be protected from direct sunlight. To prevent discoloration over time, it’s important to mount them on acid-free mat board and cover them with filtered glass or acrylic.