Early on, many artists are taught that watercolor is to be done on paper. But
that’s not the only place where watercolor is bound to. With preparation, you can turn a wood panel into a stable surface for watercolor. Dating back to 15th-century Italy, painters would use poplar and oak panels. Even then, artists valued panels for their stability and fine details. These are still qualities that watercolor artists can enjoy today.
Select the Right Panel
Watercolorist Charles Reid saw the surface of art as an active part of the final
piece, not a passive one. When shopping for panels, consider the smoothness and grain of the wood, as well as its grading quality. Avoid surfaces with knots or outward imperfections on the painting face. We offer artists a collection of high-quality panels. You can choose from classic rectangles and squares, plus unique limited-edition shapes.
Many Renaissance artists, like Leonardo da Vinci, were fond of well-prepared wood panels. This is a result of the strong desire for precision. If that doesn’t convince you, think about da Vinci’s panel paintings. Many of them have lasted over 500 years. This shows the durability of the surface when it is prepared correctly.
Seal the Wood
While wood provides a dependable foundation for your work, it is also porous. This porosity can lead to unwanted staining, uneven absorption, or warping if left unsealed. Sealing creates a barrier that protects your ground and paint from unwanted interaction with the wood fibers. Did you know that early icon painters in Byzantium sealed panels with layers of animal glue to prevent the wood from reacting to humidity? This is a method that preserved colors and details for centuries.
To seal the wood in modern times, follow these steps:
● Apply a thin coat of Golden GAC100 or a similar transparent acrylic polymer with a broad, soft brush.
● Once this application is complete, allow at least 24 hours for the sealant to completely dry.
An optional step, though recommended, is to sand the surface gently with fine-grit sandpaper once dry to achieve a smoother finish.
Applying Watercolor Ground
Watercolor ground is a modern innovation. This is a medium that became commercially available in the early 2000s. Now, watercolorists can use it on various surfaces, like metal, canvas, and ceramics. The oldest known watercolor painting is from ancient Egypt. Back then, artists painted on papyrus and stone, which provided long-lasting results. When you prep a panel well, your artwork gains stability and can last for decades on gallery walls.
So, how do you apply watercolor ground? Follow these steps:
● After sealing, spread Daniel Smith Watercolor Ground with a brush or palette
knife until the surface is smooth and uniform.
● Allow it to dry for 24–72 hours, based on your desired absorbency.
● Also, sand between coats for a smoother, paper-like feel, like watercolor paper.
Mounting Watercolor Paper
Mounting paper to rigid supports has been popular since the 19th century. Botanical illustrators usually attach delicate papers to cardboard or wood for support. Then, they create detailed ink and watercolor designs.
To mount watercolor paper, you must:
● Seal the panel with GAC100 and sand it lightly.
● Apply a pH-neutral, archival adhesive (BEVA film, Lineco Neutral pH, or archival PVA) to both the panel and the paper.
● Smooth with a brayer or press, and dry under weight for 24 hours.
● Trim or sand the paper edges to make them flush with the panel.
Check out Trekell's complete collection of panels, watercolor grounds, and panel prep materials. See how far your watercolor creations can thrive on a stable foundation!
