What people mean by vellum
“Vellum” is used for several different materials, and the right approach depends on which one you have.
- True vellum: a traditional material made from prepared animal skin, used historically for manuscripts and miniature paintings. It is expensive and its surface varies.
- Vellum finish paper: paper with a slightly toothy, smooth surface. It is not translucent and usually behaves more like a normal drawing or printing paper.
- Tracing vellum or translucent vellum: a semi-transparent paper used for drafting, tracing and crafts. It is often smooth and not designed to absorb water.
Before you buy or paint, check the product description. If you are not sure what you have, test a small corner first.
How watercolor behaves on vellum
On non-absorbent or low-absorbency surfaces, watercolor does not soak in the way it does on watercolor paper. It tends to bead, stay wet longer and move around until it dries. The color may look more transparent and sit on top of the surface, and it can lift or smear if you touch it or add another layer.
This can be an advantage for fine detail and a luminous look, but it takes patience. It is quite different from the soak-in behavior of cotton watercolor paper.
Preparing the surface
Preparation depends on the material, and it is worth testing before committing to a finished piece.
- Keep it clean. Skin oils can make paint bead. Handle the surface by the edges, or wear clean cotton gloves.
- Degrease lightly if needed. For smooth or slick surfaces, painters sometimes wipe gently with a soft cloth before painting. Some traditional vellum painters use light preparation with materials such as fine powder or other gentle abrasive treatment. Methods vary, so research the approach recommended for your specific material and test it.
- Keep it flat. Vellum and thin translucent sheets react to humidity and moisture and can curl. Fix the piece to a board with tape on the margins, or use a weight while it dries.
- Test your paints. Try a swatch of your colors on a corner or scrap of the same material.
Painting techniques
- Use little water. A damp brush with fairly concentrated paint is easier to control than a wet one.
- Build up in thin layers. Let each layer dry fully before adding another to reduce lifting and smudges.
- Consider adding a small amount of gum arabic or a wetting aid. Some painters mix a drop into paint to improve adhesion or flow, though results vary and you should test. See watercolor mediums.
- Gouache can help. It is opaque (see gouache and watercolor), and often sits on slick surfaces better than transparent watercolor.
- Work from the front or the back. On translucent sheets, painting on the back can give a softer effect visible through the front, so try both.
- Avoid scrubbing or lifting. The surface can show damage easily.
Painting on vellum finish paper
Vellum finish paper generally accepts watercolor better than tracing vellum, but it is not made like dedicated watercolor paper. It may buckle with heavy washes. Work with light washes, and if you want to go wet, consider taping it down first, as described in how to prepare and stretch watercolor paper.
Finishing and care
Watercolor on a non-absorbent surface can stay vulnerable after it dries, and it may rub off or react to damp. Some painters seal their work with a spray fixative or varnish suited to watercolor, but check compatibility with a test piece, since sealants can change the look or cause the paint to react. Mount and frame under glass or acrylic where possible, and keep works away from moisture and direct sunlight. See how to mount a watercolor painting for hinging and mats.
FAQ
Can I use Ivory paper for watercolor?
Ivory is a color and finish name used on different papers, so the answer depends on the product. Check whether it is labeled for wet media. If not, expect limited water tolerance and test first.
Is vellum good for drawing?
Yes. Pencils, pens and colored pencils are commonly used on drawing and tracing vellum, and true vellum has a long history as a drawing and painting surface. Results depend on the type.
Can photos be printed on vellum paper?
Many printers can print onto translucent vellum, though the ink may take longer to dry and can smudge. Use settings and ink types recommended by the paper and printer makers, and let the print dry fully.