Framing is the last step between a painting and your wall — and it matters more than most people realize. How to frame watercolor art is one of the most common questions I hear from collectors, and my answer is always the same: good framing protects your investment and lets the art do what it's meant to do. Bad framing can damage a painting in ways that are expensive or impossible to reverse.
I've framed thousands of my own pieces over the years, both originals and prints. Here's what I've learned.
Why Framing Matters for Watercolors
Watercolor is a delicate medium. The pigments sit on the surface of the paper, which means they're more vulnerable to UV light, humidity, and physical contact than oil or acrylic paintings. An unframed watercolor on a wall will fade and discolor faster than you'd expect. Proper framing creates a sealed environment that protects the piece from all three threats — light, moisture, and dust.
This applies to both originals and giclée prints. Archival prints use pigment-based inks that are fade-resistant, but they still benefit from UV-protective framing.
Glass and Glazing Options
The glass (or acrylic) you choose is the single most important framing decision. Here's the spectrum:
- Regular glass: Inexpensive, but blocks almost no UV light. Fine for art in hallways or low-light spaces, but not recommended for anything you care about preserving.
- UV-protective glass: Blocks 97-99% of UV rays. The minimum I'd recommend for any watercolor — original or print. The price difference is modest for the protection it provides.
- Museum glass (non-glare + UV): Blocks UV while virtually eliminating reflections. This is the gold standard. You can see the art clearly from any angle without catching your own reflection. More expensive, but worth it for statement pieces.
- Optium Museum Plexi (acrylic): What I use for my own work, especially large pieces. It offers museum-grade UV protection and anti-reflection, but it's lighter than glass — critical for pieces over 24 inches. It's also shatterproof, which matters for large-format art and for shipping.
How to Frame Watercolor Art: Matting and Mounting
A mat (the border between the art and the frame) serves two purposes: it creates visual breathing room, and it keeps the art from touching the glass. Watercolor paper touching glass in humid conditions can stick, cockle, or develop mold. Always use a mat or spacers.
For matting and mounting, use only acid-free, archival materials. Regular cardboard backing will leach acid into the paper over time, causing yellowing and brittleness. Any reputable framer will use acid-free materials by default, but it's worth asking.
I generally recommend white or off-white mats for my bird paintings — they keep the focus on the colors of the birds. A 2-3 inch mat width works well for small to medium pieces; large pieces (30×40+) can handle wider mats or float mounting.
My Handmade Frames
I build handmade frames in my studio for many of my pieces. They're constructed with archival materials and finished in a clean white that complements the work without competing with it. Every framed print in my shop ships ready to hang with Optium Museum Plexi, acid-free matting, and a dust cover backing.
If you buy an unframed print, you'll have full flexibility to choose a frame that matches your space. My prints ship flat (sizes under 18×24) or rolled in a tube (larger sizes) between rigid boards (for sizes under 18×24; larger prints ship rolled in a protective tube) in a protective sleeve, ready for your framer.
DIY Framing vs Professional Framing
For small prints (up to about 12×18), DIY framing with a quality ready-made frame can work well. Look for frames with UV-protective glass and acid-free mats — several online retailers offer these at reasonable prices. Just make sure the print isn't touching the glass directly.
For anything larger, or for original paintings, I strongly recommend a professional framer. Large-format watercolors need proper tensioning to prevent cockling, and the glass or acrylic needs to be cut and fitted precisely. A good framer will also advise on hanging hardware rated for the weight of the piece.
Quick Framing Checklist
- UV protection: Always. Museum glass or Optium Plexi for valuable pieces.
- Acid-free everything: Mat, backing board, mounting tape, hinge materials.
- Art never touches glass: Use a mat or spacers to create an air gap.
- Sealed backing: A dust cover keeps out moisture, insects, and debris.
- Hanging location: Avoid direct sunlight, heat vents, and humid areas (bathrooms, kitchens).
Framing doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. A simple, well-executed frame with proper UV protection will keep your watercolor art looking vibrant for generations.
Explore Holly's handmade frames or browse prints — available framed or unframed.
