How to Mount Watercolor Without Glass

You can mount a watercolor painting without glass by adhering it to a solid backing with heavy gel matte medium, then sealing the surface with a clear wax medium once everything has dried. The wax cures into a hard, clear protective layer, giving you a glass-free way to display and view the actual painting up close.

Why This Matters

Glass creates glare that gets in the way of really seeing a painting. Galleries often prefer glass-free mounting specifically so viewers can get close to the actual brushwork and texture without reflections interrupting the experience. This method achieves that same gallery-quality presentation at home.

Try This

1. Pick a solid backing. A rigid board like three-quarter inch plywood works well, sized to your piece.

2. Apply heavy gel matte medium evenly over the entire backing surface.

3. Place your watercolor paper on top, letting it extend past the edges, then use a roller to smooth out any bumps.

4. Flip it face-down onto a clean surface, weigh it down, and leave it for a full day to fully adhere.

5. Once dry, apply a clear wax medium (like Dorland's) over the entire surface, wearing gloves since it can irritate skin. Smooth it out and remove any excess.

6. Let the wax cure for several days without touching it. It will dry clear and hard, creating your glass-free protective finish.

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