Traditional Wet Mounting
The art of flattening and refreshing your artworks on rice paper / xuan paper
Traditional wet mounting (装裱) is an art of refreshing and flattening the painting with organic glue. This traditional art is demonstrated thoroughly by hands with each step carefully organised and performed. Since ancient times in China, masters of traditional wet mounting are no ordinary craftsmen and should be regarded as professional artists. Then whole process can take up to months but the outcomes is very much rewarding. The wet mounting process gives the painting a second life - the surface becomes flatten and smooth, the colours are brought to life, and the artwork is supported and can last for centuries.
Nowadays, new mounting methods such as electric irons and engineered glues in the process are also available in the market. However, they cannot be considered as traditional wet mounting and the result is nothing the same. The pros of electric iron mounting is that they are in general much cheaper and requires less time. The down side of this process is that the mounted artworks tend to be stiff and can cause to break easily. Colours of the painting can be lack of natural glories.Thus, valuable works are always recommended to be mounted by hand through traditional wet mounting method.
Preparation
Properly dried artwork. Make sure the painting is dried properly. Give it at least 48 hours to dry. If the weather is wet and damp, increase the time to 3-5 days.
Mounting Surface
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A smooth flat tempered glass surface is easy to flat and apply glue on the painting. However, the glossy surface can make the artwork easily stick on and cause damage when trying to move it.
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A flat wooden surface is another ideal option for wet mounting. Make sure the paint on the surface is not removable.
Mounting Tools
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Gluten free flour
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1 cup Warm water
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¼ cup Kettle with boiled water (allow to cool for one minute)
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Water sprayer
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Flat brushes * 2 (one soft hair, one hard hair)
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Extra rice / xuan paper
Mounting Process
1. Make the glue (and allow it to cool down)
2. Wet and soften the painting
3. Apply the glue
4. Apply backing paper
5. Glue the edges 6. Add the “pick- it- up” strip
7. Stick painting on the wall and brush it flat
8. “Tap - blow - leave it to dry”
Off the wall & Cutting
Cutting Tools: cutting knife and ruler
Need Help?
If you need help with wet mounting your artworks, please contact me for advice or quote. Thank you!