5 Simple Steps to Effectively Stretch Watercolor Paper
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 4 min read

Contents

1. Gather Your Materials

2. Soak Watercolor Paper

3. Stretch the Paper

4. Secure the Paper

5. Dry and Inspect

Watercolor painting is an art form known for its delicate and vibrant colors. However, to achieve the desired effect with watercolors, one must prepare the canvas properly, and that starts with learning how to stretch watercolor paper. Stretching your watercolor paper is a simple, yet crucial step that can significantly enhance the quality of your painting. This guide unwraps the process in five easy-to-follow steps.

1. Gather Your Materials

Before you dive into the process of stretching your watercolor paper, make sure you have all the necessary materials at hand. This preparation will not only keep your work station organized but also prevent any interruptions once you begin. Let's look at the three key items you'll need.

Pick the Right Paper

The first step in the process is selecting the watercolor paper. You might think that any paper would do, but it's not the case. For the best results, choose a paper that's 140lb (300gsm) or heavier. This weight ensures that the paper can withstand soaking and stretching without tearing. Plus, a heavier paper can absorb more water, allowing for a broad range of watercolor techniques.

Secure Your Stretching Board

Next, you'll need a sturdy and flat surface to stretch your paper on—a stretching board. This could be a wooden board, a piece of Plexiglas, or a dedicated watercolor stretching board. It should be larger than your paper to allow for securing the edges. Remember, the board needs to withstand water as you'll be soaking your paper on it.

Choose Quality Tape

Lastly, you'll need tape to secure your paper to the board. But not just any tape—go for gummed paper tape. This type of tape is specifically designed for stretching watercolor paper. When wet, it becomes sticky and creates a strong bond with your paper and board. As it dries, it shrinks, pulling your paper taut and ensuring a flat, smooth surface for your masterpiece.

2. Soak Watercolor Paper

Once your materials are ready, it's time to get your paper prepared for stretching. This involves soaking the paper in water. You might be wondering why you need to soak the paper. Well, soaking relaxes the fibers of the paper, allowing it to stretch without tearing. So, let's get into the specifics.

Check the Soaking Time

The duration of soaking depends on the weight of your paper. For a 140lb paper, a soak time of around 3-5 minutes is sufficient. Heavier papers may require a bit longer, up to 8 minutes. Be careful not to oversoak, as this can cause the paper to become too fragile and tear easily. So, keep an eye on the clock!

Ensure Even Soaking

While soaking, you want to ensure that every inch of your paper gets an equal amount of water. So, don't just dunk it in and forget it. Move it around in the water and flip it over to ensure both sides are evenly soaked. This will help your paper to stretch evenly and prevent any unwanted warping or buckling.

3. Stretch the Paper

Now that your paper is thoroughly soaked, it's time to learn how to stretch watercolor paper in the most effective way. The goal here is to create a flat, taut surface for your watercolor painting. Sounds simple enough, right? Let's dive into the process.

Place Paper on Board

Start by carefully lifting your soaked paper out of the water. Let any excess water drip off before laying it down onto your stretching board. Make sure to align the paper as straight as possible on the board. It's a small detail but it does make a difference in the final outcome.

Smooth Out Bubbles

Next, using a clean sponge or a large paintbrush, gently smooth out the paper from the center outwards. This action helps push out any air bubbles trapped under the paper. Be gentle though—overworking the paper at this point could damage the surface. Remember, the goal is a flat, bubble-free paper to work on, not a paper full of creases!

4. Secure the Paper

With your paper stretched and bubble-free, it's time to secure it to the board. If you're wondering how to stretch watercolor paper without it springing back into its original shape, this step is crucial. Let's go through the steps.

Apply Tape Evenly

Start by cutting strips of your chosen tape just slightly longer than the sides of your paper. Carefully apply the tape along each edge of the paper, ensuring that half the tape is on the paper and the other half is on the board. Applying the tape evenly is key here—if it's crooked or uneven, you might end up with a less than perfect result. So, take your time!

Ensure Tight Seal

Once you've applied the tape, use a bone folder or clean cloth to smooth down the tape and ensure it's securely adhering to both the paper and the board. This step ensures a tight seal, which is just what you want when learning how to stretch watercolor paper. After all, a well-stretched paper is the foundation of a great watercolor painting!

5. Dry and Inspect

Now that you've mastered how to stretch watercolor paper, it's time to let your newly stretched canvas dry. But don't just walk away—inspection is a critical part of this process too!

Allow Natural Drying

Let your paper dry naturally. Avoid the temptation to speed up the process with a hairdryer because it can warp the paper or break the seal. Patience is key in this step. Depending on the thickness of your paper and the humidity in your workspace, this could take a few hours or even overnight. Use this time to think about what you'll paint on your paper once it's ready!

Inspect for Flaws

Once your paper is dry, it's time for the final step in learning how to stretch watercolor paper - inspection. Look over your paper carefully. If you see any bubbles, loose edges, or areas where the paper didn't properly stretch, you'll need to repeat the process. It might seem like a hassle, but remember, a well-stretched paper can make the difference between a good painting and a great one!

If you're looking to enhance your watercolor skills even further, don't miss the workshop 'Using Watercolours to Create Colourful Calligraphy' by BlinkLettering. This workshop will teach you how to combine the beauty of watercolors with calligraphy, allowing you to create stunning and vibrant artwork.