Float Mounting a Watercolor
- 1. Cut four strips of matboard the width of the desired spacer. ...
- 2. Bond these strips to yet another strip of foamboard (or thicker mat or mounting board) with glue because double-stick tape won't last long. ...
- 3. Clean the glass, drop it into the frame rabbet, and then glue the spacer strips into the frame. ...
How do you float a drawing in a frame?
How to float mount art in a picture frame:Cut the mat-board to the size as the backboard of the frame.Cut a piece of foam-core about 1/4″ smaller than your art.Tape the art to the foam-core.Tape the foam-core and art to the mat-board.Measure, cut and insert the acrylic spacers.Assemble your frame together.
How do you frame a watercolor?
Watercolors: Helpful framing hintsKeep it simple. Frames with simple, clean lines or small patterns usually work far better.The one-third method. This commonly used technique can be quite effective. ... Matting: Make it light. ... Factor in more overlap. ... Deckled-edge paper. ... Make it acid-free.
What does float mean in framing?
"Floating" or "float mounting" means that your artwork sits on top of the matting as opposed to being partially overlapped by the mat or the lip of the frame.
How do you use a floating frame?
0:092:21Ask a Pro: How to Use a Float Frame - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you can just drop the canvas into it not obscuring any of the front side with a typical molding.MoreSo you can just drop the canvas into it not obscuring any of the front side with a typical molding. It's got a lip on the front. And when you place that on to the artwork.
What's the best way to frame a watercolor painting?
1:253:11How I Frame my Watercolor Painting / Easy to Follow Process - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI want to place at least four pieces of tape on each side. So that I can flip over the painting andMoreI want to place at least four pieces of tape on each side. So that I can flip over the painting and the mat and not lose its placement.
Should watercolor paintings be framed under glass?
Watercolors are best off when you frame them under glass, and there are compelling reasons to do so. Watercolors are usually done on paper which will deteriorate very fast if left in the open.
What is the difference between a floating frame and a regular frame?
A floater frame is a little bit like an open box with no lid; it's a modern alternative to a traditional picture frame where the artwork is loaded at the front, into the open space. The big advantage of floater frames is that there's nowhere that the artwork can be obscured or hidden, so the entire image is on show.
How do you secure art in a frame?
0:101:09How to Secure the Backer to Picture Frames : Picture Frame CraftsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou simply slide your backer in make sure it is secure with your hand. And use your staple gunMoreYou simply slide your backer in make sure it is secure with your hand. And use your staple gun upside down. And firmly put your staple gun against your backer.
How do you hinge float art?
3:166:59How to Hinge Floating Artwork | Mat board Hinging Framing TechniquesYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what I've done I've cut a couple of pieces of the paper hinging tape fitted. Them as a pendulumMoreSo what I've done I've cut a couple of pieces of the paper hinging tape fitted. Them as a pendulum to the top of the artwork. So this is going to hang quite simply on to works like.
How does a floating frame work with canvas?
What is a Canvas Floater Frame? Ideal for prints or paintings made on canvas, as in its name, a floating frame creates a “floating” effect on the art that's inside. That is, the canvas appears suspended within the frame without touching any of the sides, adding a dimensional effect with visual impact.
How do you put a picture in a floating picture frame?
0:182:15How to Use a Floating Picture Frame - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure your canvas is stretched on a frame. Turn it upside down on a nice flat clean surface.MoreMake sure your canvas is stretched on a frame. Turn it upside down on a nice flat clean surface. Then take your joined frame. And center it right over the top.
How do you make a floating frame for a canvas?
Measure + Cut Wood for Inside Frame.Nail the Inside Frame to the Canvas.Measure + Cut Wood for Outside Frame.Glue the Outer Frame to the Inside Frame.Sand Down Uneven Corners.Add Wood Filler.Wipe Clean and Hang Your DIY Floating Frame.
Can you frame a watercolor without a mat?
Floating a watercolor over a decorative backing without mats creates a wonderful presentation that is becoming very popular. The easiest method for floating is to hinge art to a pedestal of foamboard or mat board that is about 1" smaller all around than the water color itself.
How do you frame watercolor without glass?
0:0912:34Framing Watercolors without Glass: Preparing Paintings - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe other materials that you'll need is acrylic medium okay and here is heavy gel semi-gloss fromMoreThe other materials that you'll need is acrylic medium okay and here is heavy gel semi-gloss from golden the the gloss weather semi gloss or matte it doesn't really matter.
How do I display my watercolor painting?
0:0710:39How to display and package watercolor paintings for saleYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what I have here is a print rack that my husband made it was made out of um wooden dowels andMoreSo what I have here is a print rack that my husband made it was made out of um wooden dowels and kind of see there. And then. I put a piece of canvas in it and then my paintings can be easily flipped.
How do you mount a watercolor painting?
Step 1: Trace Wood Panel on Watercolor Painting. ... Step 2: Cut Your Watercolor Painting. ... Step 3: Cover the Wood Panel with Gel Gloss. ... Step 4: Attach Your Watercolor Painting to the Wood Panel. ... Step 5: Trim and Sand the Edges of Your Watercolor Painting. ... Step 6: Add Protective Coating to Top of Watercolor Painting.
What tape do you use to mount watercolors?
You should use linen mounting tape for mounting watercolors because its tensile strength is adequate to hold the weight. Feed tape through the slits so the adhesive side is out as it hangs down the front of the mat. At the back of the mat, adhere the tape in the area above each slit. Since the tape is now adhesive side out against the face of the mat, it’s a simple matter of pressing the watercolor against the tape and “Voila!” you have it.
Can you use adhesive to mount watercolors?
Remember, coating the back of the artwork with adhesive, as is done when spray mounting or dry mounting, is a no-no when it comes to original art like watercolors. For reasons of preservation, you will want to minimize the amount of adhesive you put in contact with the paper and for the best lay-flat affect you will want to avoid restraining the artwork’s natural tendency to “breathe” (to expand and contract as it absorbs and rejects moisture in the air) by taping it as little as possible. Therefore, you want to use only two tabs of tape to hold the artwork against its backing. The backing, in this case, will be mat board.
What is float mounting?
This technique is called float mounting, and it creates a very professional and unique presentation that showcases the original nature of your piece when presented in a custom frame. The suspension often casts dramatic shadows while also allowing artwork with raw or frayed edges to take center stage. Float mounting is especially ideal for watercolor paintings, which are created on heavyweight paper and will not be damaged by mounting from the backside of the art.
How to mount artwork on mat board?
You may choose to attach your artwork directly to the mat board with T-hinges. Or, to cast a more dramatic shadow, first attach the artwork to acid-free foam core so that the artwork sits a bit higher in the frame. Just make sure the raised artwork isn’t pressing up against the frame’s glass. Over time the document will stick to the glass, condensation will set in, and the paper fibers will break down and ruin the art.
How wide should a mat board be for artwork?
It’s recommended that you hinge-mount your artwork without permanently adhering it to the mat board. The hinges should be T-shaped and approximately ½” to ¾” wide. The T-hinge will allow the artwork to breathe. Hinges should be removable with water or a small amount of alcohol.
What to wear when handling art and mat boards?
When handling the art and mat boards, wear white gloves to prevent fingerprints or other damage.
Do you need water to apply filmoplast tape?
The advantage to these tapes is that you do not need water to apply them, so the paper will not ripple or wave. However, the disadvantage is that they don’t remove easily with water, especially over time (check this link for details on the Filmoplast removal process ).
Can you mount watercolors on float?
Float mounting is especially ideal for watercolor paintings, which are created on heavyweight paper and will not be damaged by mounting from the backside of the art.
Can you use adhesive on a picture frame?
First and foremost, be sure to select an archival-quality picture frame to protect and showcase your treasured document. Never use any kind of adhesive process such as spray mounting or dry mounting, because it will permanently alter the artwork and is not considered a proper conservation technique.
How to mount watercolors without mats?
Float mounting a watercolor over a decorative backing without mats creates a wonderful presentation that is becoming very popular. The easiest method for floating is to hinge art to a pedestal of foamboard or mat board that is about 1" smaller all around than the watercolor itself. This will then be attached to the front of a decorative backing about 2" to 3" larger than the watercolor all around. The example here uses white linen mat board as a decorative backing with ½" wide white FrameSpace spacers and a maple stem moulding. (You could also use EconoSpace 375 for this framing effect.) The pedestal of foamboard raises the watercolor off the backing, creating a shadow that accentuates the deckled edge and shows off the beauty of the watercolor. No mats are required in this striking presentation.
How far is the engagement on a watercolor pendant hinge?
With a pendant hinge, the bonded engagement on the back of the watercolor is the last 1/4" to 3/8" of the tip of the hinge. It is bonded about 1/2" in from the edge of the art and sticks out perpendicular past the edge.
Why does my watercolor hinge peel?
When you have pendant hinges (shear) just at the top of a watercolor and someone picks up the frame and turns it sideways, the weight of the watercolor will swing downward and peel the hinge that is now near the bottom. This is the cause of most hinge failures, especially during shipping.
Why do watercolors buck?
If you put two or more hinges on a watercolor and T them close to the edge of the watercolor, it will most likely cause buckling between the hinges as the art expands and contracts with changes in humidity.
What kind of paper do you use for Japanese style paintings?
With full-sheet, 400-pound watercolor paper, on the other hand, you'll want to use a much heavier hinging paper.
What is floating mounting?
Float mounting a watercolor creates a dramatic effect that makes the thin sheet of art appear to be hanging in space.
Where are the safety hinges on watercolor?
The answer to this is what I call Safety Hinges at the bottom (and sometimes even the sides) of the watercolor. These should be T'd way out at the tips of the pendant hinges with a little slack to allow for the expansion and contraction of the watercolor with changes in humidity. When the watercolor is turned sideways or upside down, all the safety hinges at the sides and bottom go into action and keep the primary top hinges from peeling.
Can you take watercolors to a framer?
Most people take their watercolor paintings to a professional framer, which is often the easiest way to go. At the other extreme some people make their own frame and finish the process off by adding their painting. I prefer a third option.
Can framing tape be laid flat?
This causes a little problem as the framing tape may not seal the back of the frame properly. If the frame and backing board are at the same height then the tape can be just laid flat.
Can you put watercolor on mat board?
The mat board with the attached watercolor painting can now be placed in the frame. You may want to give the glass on the inside another quick clean in case any dust has settled on it. Mat board with attached watercolor painting placed in frame. On top of the mat you now place the foam core backing board.
What is the best way to protect watercolor paintings from fading?
Archival materials include acid free mats, mounting boards, and frame backs. Watercolor paintings are light sensitive so UV glass is used to protect them from fading. (It’s also recommended that you hang artwork away from direct sunlight.)
Is custom framing an art?
A lot of materials go into framing artwork, not to mention the time and care that are required to assemble it all. Custom framing is an art in and of itself. When done correctly it will enhance and protect your treasured artwork for years to come.
1. Keep it simple
Frames with simple, clean lines or small patterns usually work far better.
2. The one-third method
This commonly used technique can be quite effective. According to the one-third method, the correct frame will have about one third of the total surface area as the painting it holds.
3. Matting: Make it light
Because of the delicate composition of watercolors, we strongly recommend they be matted in light, neutral colors. Vivid, striking colors aren’t as popular. They may shrink your pool of potential buyers immediately.
4. Factor in more overlap
With most art, a small overlap onto the artwork – 1/8” on all sides – is needed to secure the paper. The overlap prevents the art from falling through the mat opening. But watercolor paper has a tendency to wave, so we recommend a larger overlap of from ¼” to 3/8” on all sides. This will prevent the paper from pulling away from the mat.
5. Deckled-edge paper
A raised float – mounting to a slightly smaller piece of acid-free foam core – presents watercolor artwork beautifully, and allows the decorative edge to shine. It can also minimize the negative effects of wavy paper.
6. Make it acid-free
Always use acid-free mats and acid-free backing, among the best framing supplies you can buy. They’ll help considerably in preserving and protecting the color in your art, and keep it from denegrating over time. All Artcare™ mat board and backing boards are conservation-grade and will help protect your work.
We can print reproductions of your artwork, too
Our Canson Arches Aquarelle 310 paper is ideal for watercolors, especially paintings with hard-edged colors and smooth washes.
What does "float" mean in art?
" Floating " or " float mounting " means that your artwork sits on top of the matting, as opposed to being partially overlapped by the mat or the lip ...
What creates the floating effect and shadow, by spacing the art away from the backing?
The thickness of the lift is what creates the floating effect and the shadow, by spacing the art away from the backing.
How to adjust the space between artwork and frame?
You can adjust the amount of space between the artwork and the frame by using the slider to change the margin.
What is floating mount?
Float mounting is most practical for artwork when the image comes all the way to the edges. When a print has deckled or uneven edges, this treatment can also showcase the texture or shape of the paper, enhancing the overall beauty of the artwork and looking great on any wall.
