STRETCHING WATERCOLOUR PAPER
When painting with watercolours it is essential to prepare your paper properly before starting to paint. This is a process of wetting and taping your paper down onto a wooden board to prevent it buckling and wrinkling when the paint is applied. It is best to allow to dry naturally so prepare the day before or several hours before you wish to start a painting. Although some heavy papers claim to be wrinkle resistant I recommend that you always stretch your paper whatever weight it is.
You will need the following:
Sheet of watercolour paper
Gummed tape
A flat board made of natural wood - not MDF as the tape will not stick properly
Water Sponge
The maximum picture size you will be able to paint will be determined by your board size. You need to leave at least a 2cm border around the board to stick the tape on so cut you sheet of paper to fit or smaller if you wish.
Step 2
Tear off 4 strips of gummed tape which are long enough to cover each side and overlap by at least 5cm.
Step3
Next wet your paper with water. It is essential that the paper is thoroughly soaked both sides. I hold mine under a running tap over a sink or bath, turning it over so the back is wetted as well, taking care not to rip or crease the paper.
Step 4
Lay the wet paper on your board making sure it is square. Take the first piece of tape and wet it by running a wet sponge over the gummed side (do not over-wet the tape as it will not stick). Tape down the top side of your wet paper to your board making sure it is flat. Repeat this for the 3 remaining sides, next doing the 2 sides and lastly the bottom.
Step 5
Leave it to dry naturally which will take a few hours. Do not be tempted to use a hairdryer to speed up the process as it can stop the paper drying evenly and you will end up with buckled paper. It is best to prepare your paper the day before you plan to start your picture so it can dry thoroughly.