Hello all. Apologies if this has been asked before, I did a search of the forum and didn't see any relevant posts.

I am interested in framing without glass, as I love the more immediate and fresh look of glassless watercolor. This requires the work to be finished with a protective layer of some kind, preferably something that won't alter the finished look too much, offers UV protection, and stands the test of time.

A search of the web yields a million different ideas and processes in regard to glassless watercolor framing, ranging from "NEVER use fixative or varnish, ALWAYS frame under glass" to "NEVER use glass, that's so last century, use this: <insert product name here>".

So confusing!

This is the process I currently employ: while the work is still stretched on my board, I spray it with a Krylon product recommended by my local art store. I usually do two light coats of gloss, and one of matte to finish. The work looks a little brighter and sharper than when unfinished, but not excessively so. Optionally I apply a light coat of Dorlands Wax, which adds a certain subtle softness that works well on some paintings.

I'll then finish framing in the usual manner, just leaving out the glass.

I plan on marketing work at some point so I need to have a finishing process I can feel confident about. I've read some posts that say fixatives/varnishes lead to watercolor pigment cracking and flaking. Not good! But other posts say this is nonsense, modern fixatives and varnishes won't do that.

I'd appreciate any and all thoughts in regards to finishing and framing without glass.

Thanks!