Ask an Expert - Forum > How to mount Rives BFK to wood cradle without ruining the gouache
As we're not experts in mounting, we were hoping someone from the community will chime in.
We suggest also visiting your local art supply store to inquire about the various spray adhesives they sell. Just check that they are archival.
As for a fixative we recommend the Krylon Crystal Clear and the Lascaux Fixative sprays to seal watercolor paints on YUPO. We're not sure how they would work over gouache on Rives, though.
We suggest also visiting your local art supply store to inquire about the various spray adhesives they sell. Just check that they are archival.
As for a fixative we recommend the Krylon Crystal Clear and the Lascaux Fixative sprays to seal watercolor paints on YUPO. We're not sure how they would work over gouache on Rives, though.
February 27, 2023 |
Legion
Legion
Thank you for your response.
I love the way the paper handles brayer based painting with watercolor and gouache - probably because it is a print making paper, it is such a shame that it is so difficult to mount.
I have started looking into spray adhesives. Research so far indicates they may not be strong enough for such a large heavy paper, and I think it will be difficult to properly adhere due to the fact I primed the panel with gesso, so it is not perfectly smooth (I of course could sand it), but will be trying some test pieces soon.
I also tried sealing the back side of the paper with Krylon before gluing to prevent bleeding, but did not feel comfortable with it as the paper gets less malleable after the back is sealed and then gets difficult to flatten down with a brayer when mounted.
I have tried quite a number of spray fixatives (Lascaux, several Krylon, and Grumbacher) and they all darken the gouache, even when used very very lightly. I have had some luck with Dorland wax on a test piece, though it does darken the bare paper, unlike watercolor paper, which also does not work for me.
I have even contacted some artists who use this painting technique on RIves, but they do not mount on a panel.
I love the way the paper handles brayer based painting with watercolor and gouache - probably because it is a print making paper, it is such a shame that it is so difficult to mount.
I have started looking into spray adhesives. Research so far indicates they may not be strong enough for such a large heavy paper, and I think it will be difficult to properly adhere due to the fact I primed the panel with gesso, so it is not perfectly smooth (I of course could sand it), but will be trying some test pieces soon.
I also tried sealing the back side of the paper with Krylon before gluing to prevent bleeding, but did not feel comfortable with it as the paper gets less malleable after the back is sealed and then gets difficult to flatten down with a brayer when mounted.
I have tried quite a number of spray fixatives (Lascaux, several Krylon, and Grumbacher) and they all darken the gouache, even when used very very lightly. I have had some luck with Dorland wax on a test piece, though it does darken the bare paper, unlike watercolor paper, which also does not work for me.
I have even contacted some artists who use this painting technique on RIves, but they do not mount on a panel.
February 28, 2023 |
andy
andy
You might be interested in a white paper we published in conjunction with Yupo regarding mounting adhesives. Since YUPO is a non-porous, synthetic paper, it is difficult to mount to various surfaces. The article offers some suggestions that are all archival and may be an option for you to test:
https://legionpaper.com/blog/2021/5/25/tips-on-how-to-mount-yupo
https://legionpaper.com/blog/2021/5/25/tips-on-how-to-mount-yupo
February 28, 2023 |
Legion
Legion
I have been doing some work on 22"30" Rives BFK 280gsm paper. I have wood cradles slightly less than 22" x 30" primed with two coats of gesso.
For watercolor paper (Arches 140lb cold press), using watercolor only, I am able to mount by applying an acrylic medium (Liquitex) to the cradle, placing the watercolor paper on top, using a brayer to smooth out, turning over, and putting weights on overnight. Trim and seal (dorland wax or acrylic spray). Works fine
For the Rives BFK paper, the acrylic medium soaks through enough under pressure, and the work I have on the RIves BFK is watercolor and gouache (a good amount of the latter) . This reactivates the gouache, and I get a mess stuck to the cardboard I place underneath (happens in spots/blotches). Fortunately, the work I did this on was a test piece, as I was concerned about the gouache.
Any thoughts on how to mount Rives BFK ? It seems to be a lot more absorbent than the Arches. I am thinking spray adhesive. I tried sealing the underside of a test piece with an acrylic spray, but it did not give me a lot of confidence.
Bonus question (not Rives BFK specific), but would be curious if there are any thoughts of how to seal gouache ? None of the sprays I have used works (activates the gouache), I have had success on a small test piece with Dorlands wax, but I am not confident about it.
Thanks so much,
Andy