You've invested in an original watercolour painting — or perhaps you've had one commissioned as a gift — and now you want to display it beautifully and safely. Getting this right matters more than you might think. Watercolour on paper is more sensitive to its environment than an oil painting on canvas, and a few simple precautions will keep it looking vibrant for generations.
Framing: The Most Important Step
If your watercolour isn't already framed, framing it properly is the single most important thing you can do. A good frame does several critical things:
- The mount (mat) keeps the paper away from the glass. Never allow glass to rest directly on watercolour paper — condensation can form and cause mould or sticking.
- Use UV-filtering glass. Standard glass lets through UV light which will gradually fade watercolour pigments. UV-filtering glass (or acrylic) makes an enormous difference over years and decades of display.
- Acid-free materials throughout. The mount, backing board and any tape used should all be acid-free to prevent yellowing and paper degradation over time.
If you've purchased one of my originals, they come with framing advice — and I'm always happy to recommend a good local framer in the South London area.
Choosing Where to Hang Your Watercolour
Location within your home has a big effect on how your watercolour ages:
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Even with UV-filtering glass, placing a watercolour in a spot that receives hours of direct sunlight each day will gradually fade it. A wall that receives indirect, ambient light is ideal. North-facing walls are traditionally considered the best for artwork — consistent, gentle light with no direct sun.
Avoid Damp Rooms
Bathrooms and kitchens are high-humidity environments. Steam and moisture can cause watercolour paper to cockle (buckle), and in extreme cases can encourage mould behind the glass. If you love the idea of art in the bathroom, consider a high-quality print rather than an original.
Avoid Exterior Walls in Older Properties
In older or poorly insulated homes, exterior walls can be cooler than interior ones, leading to condensation on the back of the frame. If this is your only option, allow a small gap between the frame and the wall for air circulation.
Avoid Above Radiators
Hanging artwork directly above a radiator exposes it to repeated cycles of heat and dry air, which can cause the paper to expand and contract and the frame to warp over time.
The Right Height
The traditional gallery rule is to hang the centre of the artwork at eye level — approximately 145–150cm from the floor. This works well for standalone pieces in a living room or hallway. For a gallery wall arrangement, the centres of all the pieces don't need to align, but the overall visual weight should feel balanced.
Hanging Hardware
For smaller watercolour frames (up to about A3), a single picture hook or nail is usually sufficient. For larger frames, use two hooks to distribute the weight and prevent the frame from tilting. D-ring hangers or mirror plates attached to the frame back are more secure than sawtooth hangers for heavier pieces.
If you're hanging into plasterboard rather than masonry, use proper plasterboard anchors rated for the weight of your frame.
Long-Term Care
A framed watercolour needs very little maintenance. Dust the glass occasionally with a soft, dry cloth. If you notice the mount discolouring or the paper showing signs of foxing (brown spots), consult a professional picture restorer — these issues are fixable if caught early.
With the right framing and a sensible location, a watercolour can look just as fresh in fifty years as it does today. Art is one of the few things we own that genuinely improves with caring attention.
If you have any questions about caring for one of my paintings, feel free to get in touch — I'm always happy to help.
