How to Preserve and Store Your Watercolor Artwork and Paper

Watercolor paintings are extremely delicate and certain steps must be taken to keep them in good condition. Always apply a normal drawing fixative or special watercolor fixative to your finished painting. Don't expose the painting to direct sunlight, otherwise the colors will quickly fade. Also do not hang finished paintings in areas where there is a fluctuation of temperatures and humidity. Also be aware of prolonged exposure to bright lights of any kind. Keep your painting away from dampness which can cause mold and may change the coloring.

When framing a watercolor painting under glass (use only UV-protective glass), wax a sheet of brown paper the same size as the painting and put this at the back of the painting in the frame. The brown paper will protect the painting from contact with a wall that may be damp. Never hang your painting in direct sunlight. If after a few years you notice that a dark film has formed over the painting, crumble a piece of bread over the entire sheet and rub lightly with the finger tips until the bread is gray. This is like an eraser, but NEVER use an eraser--even the softest type will leave marks. Greasy stains can be removed with a wad of cotton soaked in benzene. Work very gently until the stains have disappeared.

If you don't want to frame your paintings you can store them safely in folders. Use stiff cardboard or plastic folders and place sheets of acid free paper between each painting to protect your work. Remember to always store the folders flat.

Watercolor artists use lots of expensive paper and the most economical way to buy good paper is in bulk lots. This necessitates storing the unused paper safely until needed. The two worst environmental hazards you encounter when storing watercolor paper are light and moisture. Paper and paintings must be stored flat, cool, dry and out of direct sunlight.

When watercolor paper is exposed to direct sunlight there is high risk of yellowing and embitterment. If sunlight can reach your stored paper at all, humidity and temperature changes will affect the paper as well. Humidity at either extreme is a hazard. If the air is too dry the paper and its surface sizing will become weak and brittle and if the air is too moist, mold and mildew will grow. High humidity also promotes chemical decomposition of the paper from acids in the air. Moisture in the paper also attracts dirt, soot and acids and will cause the colors of your finished paintings to bleed.

Insect infestation is also a hazard. Since watercolor papers are mostly cellulose and contain gelatin or glue, insects are attracted. Also, the paint attracts insects. Silverfish and cockroaches are particularly interested. Never store paper or paintings in areas such as attics or basements where they may be exposed to cold, damp or insects.

Damage to paintings and art paper from any of the above environmental hazards is usually not reversible and cannot be repaired. Be careful and always treat your paintings with caution and care.

Source:

Doreen K. Satter, RN