How To Stretch Watercolor Paper Properly

Before you worry about how to stretch any paper, you need to decide if your particular paper needs it at all. Paper that has a weight under 260 lb is recommended for stretching because if not, it will warp and could potentially ruin your paintings. This makes it very important to learn how to stretch watercolor paper.

Step one is to cut four strips of gummed brown tape a bit longer than the sides of paper to be soaked. You then place them to the side until later.The next step in this process is to soak the entire sheet of paper in cold water of several minutes.

Then shake off excess water and then place it lying flat on a board.The next step after that is very important. You must smooth out your paper with a sponge because if it is not perfect and smooth at this point in time it will not dry flat and smooth.

Most important of all you will then use a sponge to smooth out your paper. This is very important because this is a crucial time to have this paper perfect or it will never stay smooth. Then moisten a single tape strip and place it on one side of the paper 1/3 of it.

Leave the other 2/3 on the board itself to help adhere. Leaving more tape on the board will help keep it from curling up on you while drying. You then tape down all the sides of it in the same way holding the paper in place till it is dry and ready for use.

Things to remember: never use hot water to soak your paper, because it will remove the sizing from your paper. Additionally, you also need to not over soak your paper. Sizing keeps the paper from soaking up the water as you paint.

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