How To Stretch Watercolor Paper? by Tom Fit

It's not always possible to utilize art paper right away. Yes, there are instances when purchasing a paper book for painting, tearing off a page, and starting to paint freely isn't enough. The most seasoned artists are fully aware of this, and have perfected numerous minute ways over the years and across countless jobs to better prepare their paper for painting.

But not everyone is equally knowledgeable. Many amateur artists, not knowing the proper techniques for stretching watercolor paper, end up with sheets that curl in the exact middle of their artwork. However, this information is not top secret, so I will describe in full how to prime the paper for watercolor painting in this post.

How To Prepare Watercolor Paper?

Stretching watercolor paper is a straightforward method that requires few materials. Let's see what they are:

• A sheet of watercolor paper

• A basin at least as broad as the sheet (in case it is possible to use the bathtub directly)

• A little water

• A piece of wooden board

• Some duct tape (or paper tape)

• Scissors

• A sponge

Step 1: Fill the tray or bucket halfway with cold distilled water.

Step 2: Spread the paper out on a tray or pail. If the bucket or tray is not large enough to thoroughly submerge the foil, you can draw it through the water multiple times. Continue in this manner until the entire sheet has been impregnated equally. Make sure not to bend the paper throughout this procedure, since this will result in wrinkles.

Step 3: When dipping the paper, avoid touching the middle of the paper. The paper gets more brittle while still wet. Also, finger marks in the finished painting might be caused by oil on your fingertips. So, if you have latex gloves, put them on.

Step 4: Soak your paper for around three minutes if it is 0.4 pounds or lighter. If it is heavier than 0.4 pounds but less than 0.67 pounds, soak it for five minutes.

Step 5: Remove the sheet from the water and wring it out. Place it on a stable, clean surface.

Step 6: Soak the water with a paper towel or sponge. Keep in mind that the goal is to remove any surplus water, not to dry the sheet.

Step 7: Using gummed paper tape or masking tape, secure the sheet to the panel. Place the tape around all four sides of the paper, about a quarter-inch apart.

Step 8: Allow the sheet to air dry overnight. The next morning, it will be spread on the surface and will not deform as you paint on it. If the paper is thicker, there is no need to wait for it to dry overnight. You can begin as soon as the sheet is dry.

After you've finished painting, you may remove the taped edges with a ruler or knife. You may alternatively re-wet the tape and carefully pull it off.

This is my tried and tested method that I have used on my bee watercolor paper. Have you ever stretched Bee Watercolor Paper for an art project before? If so, please share your thoughts in the comments area below.

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