How do you get rid of foxing from watercolor paintings?
If you own a collection of watercolour paintings or works on paper, you may be familiar with the appearance of reddish brown spots on your painting.These rusty looking patches can mar the appeal of your painting, and if left unaddressed can cause serious damage to an already delicate artwork.
In all instances of foxing, you will find mould spores, which need the right conditions to thrive.As the paper degrades, it becomes more acidic and absorbent.When a piece of paper reaches a certain level of acidity and combines with humidity in the atmosphere, it can cause the impurities and mould to thrive and the reddish stains to appear.
For the wrong reasons, foxing can cause your artwork to be eye-catching.The subtler colors and shades used in works on paper are at odds with the marks left on the painting.It is very noticeable in the artworks where there is a stretch of sea.The marks on the surface of the artwork can be seen in the pictures.
Without compromising the paper support or pigments, foxing can be treated well.Specific washing treatments can flush out the polluted acidic elements on the paper.To remove foxing completely, you need to use a standard bleaching agent.
foxing is preventable like many other issues that arise with watercolors and works on paper.Any impurities that are carried are absorbed by the paper.It is a good idea to put preventative measures in place.It is advised to store and display your painting with minimal exposure to humidity.
Further guidance can be found in our article on how to store and display artwork.Tru Vue Museum Glass® can be used to frame your artwork, which prevents 99% of UV light.