How to Seal Watercolor Painting

Sealing your watercolor painting is like giving it a protective shield against dust, humidity, and the sun’s rays. This step-by-step guide is designed for beginners, making it easy to understand how to seal your artwork.

By following these simple steps, you not only safeguard your painting but also ensure its colors stay vibrant and beautiful for a longer time.

How to Seal Watercolor Painting

Let’s go through the step-by-step process for sealing a watercolor painting:

Materials Needed

1. Watercolor painting
2. Fixative spray (matte or satin finish)
3. Workable fixative (optional)
4. Masking tape
5. Drop cloth or newspaper
6. Well-ventilated area or outdoor space
7. Gloves (optional)
8. Soft brush or air bulb (for removing dust)

Step 1: Choose the Right Fixative

Select a fixative spray suitable for watercolors. Choose between matte and satin finishes based on your preference. A Matte finish provides a non-reflective surface, while a satin finish offers a subtle sheen.

Step 2: Prepare Your Workspace

Cover your workspace with a drop cloth or newspapers to protect surfaces from overspray. Make sure you’re in a well-ventilated area or, preferably, work outdoors.

Step 3: Secure Your Painting

Use masking tape to secure the edges of your watercolor painting to a board or a flat surface. This prevents the painting from moving during the spraying process.

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Step 4: Clean Your Painting

Ensure your painting is free from dust or loose particles. Gently use a soft brush or air bulb to remove any debris. This step is crucial to prevent unwanted particles from getting sealed onto the painting.

Step 5: Test the Fixative

Before applying the fixative to your actual painting, test it on a small, inconspicuous area or a scrap piece of watercolor paper. This helps ensure that the fixative won’t react negatively to your artwork.

Step 6: Apply Workable Fixative (Optional)

If you want to make corrections or add more layers to your painting in the future, consider using a workable fixative first. This allows you to make changes without damaging the underlying layers.

Step 7: Apply Fixative Spray

Hold the fixative spray can approximately 12-18 inches away from the painting. In a sweeping motion, spray a light, even coat over the entire surface. Be sure not to oversaturate or apply too much fixative at once. Allow it to dry completely before applying additional coats.

Step 8: Apply Additional Coats (Optional)

Depending on your preference, you can apply multiple coats of fixative for added protection. Ensure each layer is dehydrated before applying the next one.

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Step 9: Let the Painting Dry Completely

Allow your watercolor painting to dry completely before handling or framing. Depending on the climate and the number of fixative coats applied, this may take a few hours.

Step 10: Remove Masking Tape

Once the painting is fully dry, carefully remove the masking tape from the edges. This reveals the clean borders of your sealed watercolor masterpiece.

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Sealing your watercolor painting with a fixative helps preserve its colors and prevents damage over time. Following these steps on how to seal watercolor painting ensures a successful and protective finish for your artwork.

Key Takeaways (How to Seal Watercolor Painting)

• Select a suitable fixative spray (matte or satin finish).
• Cover the workspace to protect it from overspray. Work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors.
• Use masking tape to secure edges to a flat surface.
• Remove dust and debris using a soft brush or air bulb.
• Test fixative on a small area or scrap paper before applying.
• Optional: Use a workable fixative for future corrections or additional layers.
• Hold fixative spray 12-18 inches away and apply a light, even coat over the entire surface.
• Allow each coat to dry completely before applying additional coats.
• Allow the watercolor painting to dry fully before handling or framing.
• Carefully remove the masking tape once the painting is dry.