About Mark Beach Expertise I can answer any questions about custom picture framing or any one of custom picture framing components, i.e. matting, glass, mounting and wood or metal frames. I can answer questions about proper framing techniques to preserve artwork. I can not answer questions about restoring artwork or the value of artwork.
Experience I have over eleven years experience in custom picture framing and nine years experience managing a frame shop. I have worked in every retail area of custom picture framing.
Education/Credentials I've trained under 3 indiviuals that have more than fifty years of combined expierence. I have attended several PPFA (Profestional Picture Framers Association) certified workshops.
Expert: Mark Beach Date: 11/3/2007 Subject: water color painting framing
Question When floating a water color, what is used to adhere the painting to the mat?
Answer Hi Sandra,
The challenge with watercolors is the weight of the paper. Linen tape is what I have always used. There are two types of linen tape. One is a self-adhesive and one you have to wet the tape. Always use the kind you have to wet when hinging artwork, it is the most reversible. In case you have never used linen tape here are a couple of tips. Wet the adhesive part thoroughly and let the tape set until it begins to curl, put your two pieces together to make your T-hinge. If you have a large watercolor you are going to want to use several T-hinges. The correct placement is two at the top and measure one-third the way down on each side and place a hinge. From the one-third point place a hinge every three to four inches up to the top. If it is a small watercolor or if the watercolor is not done on a heavy watercolor paper you may not have to use any hinges on the sides. Sandra, I hope this helps. Please let me know if I can answer any other questions or if you need further clarification of my answer. Have fun with your framing and I hope you enjoy your watercolor.
