Prints That Look Like Originals

framed print of "Cape Cod Roses"
$65
click here to purchase

Hi all!  As you've probably noticed, I've been painting more and more on aquabord.  I love the surface for painting but I also love the fact that the paintings do not need to be framed under glass.  I spray them (and sometimes brush on an additional finish) and they are well protected.  I especially love that there is no fuss with cutting mats or dealing with glass.  (Of course be aware that most watercolor societies will not accept paintings that have been varnished.  That doesn't bother me as I'm not looking to enter shows these days.)

paintings on paper, mounted on cradled board and varnished

I researched how to avoid the glass barrier with original paintings on watercolor paper and found that I could mount them on board and seal them in the same way I do my aquabord.  (I watched this video by watercolorist, Annie Strack). I used this method when I finished my pencil paintings - mounting them on cradled board and sealing them with Krylon UV-Resistant spray and Liquitex Gloss Varnish.

                               

Then I got to thinking . . . "why can't I do this with my giclees?"  So I experimented a little and I must say I am very pleased with my results.  

So first I spray mount the giclee onto acid free foamcore using Krylon's Acid-Free Spray Adhesive and let it dry.  (it's best to spray the back of the print AND the foamcore to ensure a tight bond)

Then I spray the UV-Resistant clear coat followed by a couple coats of brushed-on varnish like I do with my aquabord paintings.  After everything has set for a day or so I frame it.  When all is said and done, it's pretty tough to determine whether the framed piece is a print or an original.  Of course because of the foamcore, it's a much lighter piece of artwork - you could always use board instead, but I like to have different price points for my pieces and the foamcore keeps the costs to a minimum.

I hope you find this post useful in your artistic endeavors!  Happy Experimenting!