Can you really hot IRON your warped watercolor paintings to flatten them?

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In this video I'm going to try a watercolor hack--let's see if we can flatten a wavy warped watercolor painting by ironing it!
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Опубликовано:

15 сен 2024

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Комментарии : 131

@Blick_Art Год назад

This is a great example of a practical, in-studio solution artists can apply to their work. We wouldn't advise any non-artists watching this to try ironing anybody else's paintings, especially antique or valuable ones, and we know Emily is absolutely not suggesting that. There are lots of things that artists do in the studio that wouldn't necessarily meet the standards of museum conservation, and while some people might not be OK with that, we think as long as you're not misleading any clients or gallery owners, the artist really is the ruler of the universe when it comes to their own art. Secret techniques, fixes, and pro tips are all fair game if it results in something you're proud to display!

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

Yes!!! 🙌

@NikkiA.Art. Год назад

Hello Emily, I spritz (mist) the back of my paintings with a mist bottle of water and then I place it in between two sheets of paper then put weights on it and it straightens perfectly. Perhaps using a little mist of water on the back might help before ironing?

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

I’ll have to try that! Thanks!

@Zirnekljcilveeks Год назад

This works very well 👍

@MrsBarnabas Год назад

@@EmilyOlsonArt Spraying the back and allowing the dampness to penetrate and relax the cotton fibres of the paper will definitely help. It's the same method as when you're ironing a very creased, very dry item of clothing. Oh, and it *must* be on the back! Ironing on the front is not a good idea, even through a pillow case...

@kpogs8059 Год назад

I was going to suggest the same. The picture is beautiful Emily!

@countryquilter2 Год назад

If my paper warps I also spritz it on the back and put it under a heavy book that I keep for the purpose. Works really well.

@arlenemurphy804 Год назад

I iron my watercolor greeting cards with a presser cloth and steam. Face down. Yep, works perfectly. Your painting is just beautiful ❤

@debcavan 5 месяцев назад

I also use steam on the back and then iron it dry afterwards to remove the steam.

@anneke7822 Год назад

What a beautiful painting of your daughter! 😍👏

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

Thank you so much 😀

@kookatsoonjan Год назад

I use a lot of blast of steam ..continually when I iron my paintings....A LOT OF STEAM...then dry iron..setting to linen/cotton....works very well for me...better than the result you got...steaming is the way to go.

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

Awesome! Thanks for sharing your experience!

@jayboehm3382 Год назад

This video was perfectly timed for me! I have been hoarding the Arches paper I received as a birthday present, waiting for something special, and just used it this past week on a landscape. I must have used too much water in my washes, because, to my shock, it warped and rolled up like a cinnamon stick. It literally pulled up the painters tape I was using to hold it to the easel. So, once finished, I used the spritzer to wet the back of the paper, put it face down in the pillow case, and used the iron on cotton+steam to flatten it. Perfect outcome!

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

Wahoo! Glad it worked!

@sugarspiceverrier3778 2 месяца назад

Wow the painting is gorgeous

@SimplyOrganizedLLCMadison Год назад

Thank you Emily. It's a stunning painting. The painting behind you (mountains) is also gorgeous.

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

Thank you so much!

@chhayasartsandcreatives2001 Год назад

Very nice information 👌👌🥰

@Toroleco 5 месяцев назад

tnx 4 the staple tip. changed my life :)

@EmilyOlsonArt 5 месяцев назад

Great to hear!

@SuzetteSantori1 7 месяцев назад

You wouldn't think this would make a difference, but because the paper is still warm when you stop ironing, it will re-warp a bit. Best to have supplies ready to immediately lay out the painting on a flat surface then get something large enough such as a large art book :) (or larger, like gator board in your case) on top and then stack with heavy books over night. That will make a big difference.

@francesfagan6978 Год назад

I've never painting a nice large painting like yours, but on my smaller paintings I use my hot air gun and it works pretty good. Thank you for all your lessons and tips.

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

My pleasure!

@maryannegunter115 Год назад

I really love your channel, your watercolor paintings. Thank you for sharing your beautiful talent, and all the useful tips you share. It's very helpful to those of us that are learning.

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

I am so glad you are enjoying the channel! Thanks for your (always!) kind comments!

@l.thompson5780 Год назад

I too use moisture but I just use a steam iron on medium hot to hot.works great

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

Good to know!

@JCLittle Год назад

Lovely painting! Always iron face down, because some irons leak. I use four layers of sheets above and below the painting. I mist the top with water before steam ironing; this heat and moisture relaxes the cotton fibres. I also do bigger sizes that don’t fit on the ironing board so I got two smooth boards and put the sheets and painting between those. Heavy books and weights on top overnight and the result is so flaaaaaat 😊.

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

Awesome tips! Thank you so much!

@anne-mariesassenak9204 Год назад

Gummed tape works just fine for stretching paper if done correctly. You may want to check out Oliver Pyle's video on paper stretching, or Louise Demasi's. Oliver just uses gummed kraft tape; Louise uses tape AND staples. Personally, I use 2" gummed tape, white, and a foam painter's brush from the hardware store to wet it. In the 3 years I've been painting, I've only had my tape fail once, and that is when I used too much water to wet it and basically washed the gum off. Beautiful painting of your daughter, and of the hydrangeas behind you.

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

I may need to give it another chance!

@DianaSelley Год назад

Both recommendations are excellent videos! I too have found that my tape only fails when I've used too much water. Oliver's method of wiping the edges of the paper dry prior to applying the tape was a game changer!

@alisonhendry2928 Год назад

Yup totally doable! As long as it’s cotton paper. Imagine how we iron cotton clothes and the fear will decrease. Now that I stretch most of my work ( gum tape AND staples 😂) I do this less often. Using the cotton pillow case or sheets or dishcloth method I also spritz the back of the painting before I steam iron the piece face down inside the sheet like you did. I leave it inside the pillow case, but lots of heavy books on top and let it all cool and dry for several hours. Yay! I was afraid of paint coming off in the beginning, but have not experienced that yet. This is a great video. Thank you.

@ranjanachand9306 Год назад

Hi I also spray lightly with water on the reverse side. That seems to help and doesn't affect the paint

@sofiazimmer9594 Год назад

I'm definitely going to try this! Glad you made a video testing this method! Beautiful painting, by the way!

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

Thank you so much!

@sandyb4693 Год назад

I feel better that I'm not the only person who has had that experience with gummed tape. After several tries, I decided it wasn't working with my painting method and stopped using it. - I've always been a bit nervous about ironing with the heat that hot. And using a pillowcase is such a simple, yet brilliant idea. I used an old towel previously due to my fear of scorching the paper. This has given me the courage to be bolder with my ironing and I'm definitely gonna try flattening like you did with my next warped creation!

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

So glad you feel encouraged to try it!

@Merina1955 4 месяца назад

I spritz the back before ironing.. works well

@debrajames4537 11 месяцев назад

Thanks for this, really useful, also thanks for telling us about watercolour blocks, I didn't know they existed.

@EmilyOlsonArt 11 месяцев назад

Glad it was helpful!

@laurieadams2549 Год назад

I was just teaching a beginning watercolor class last night and mentioned that I also prefer to staple rather than taping when stretching. I don't iron my paper because I am concerned about the heat affecting the colors of the paint.

@shadowguard3578 Год назад

I’ve wondered about this too so I had to watch the video, thank you!

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

You’re welcome!

@demsmustgo Год назад

I lightly dampen mine and put it between smooth cloth (cotton pillowcases are good or white paper towel for smaller pieces). If it’s not too large, place heavy objects that completely cover the cover dampened piece. Works perfectly, at least on slight to moderately warped pieces.

@coletteg.4548 Год назад

Thank you sooo much for sharing this❣️ I’ve wanted to try this and was scared too . Awesome !!

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

Go for it!

@bleuvertetforetdepin7308 Год назад

great video ! i was not expecting to see you with an iron in your studio for sure ! but that was fun and informative ! the painting of Hansley is amazing . i would love a video about it , whether here or in the mastery program . i'd love to know more about how you did it .

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

I'm so glad you enjoyed this! While I won't have a tutorial on the portrait, next week's video will have more info about how I planned the painting. :)

@shadowguard3578 Год назад

I’m glad this worked on your beautiful painting. I don’t iron clothes but I’ve considered ironing my paintings! 😂

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

Hah hah I never iron my clothes either!

@shadowguard3578 Год назад

@@EmilyOlsonArt 🤩

@judymills873 Год назад

Gorgeous painting!

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

Thank you! 😊

@lduplago Год назад

Beautiful portrait! Nice tip too.

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

Thank you so much 😀

@julialord9110 Год назад

Hi Emily I’ve always ironed the back of my finished watercolour paintings … I iron on the back using a sheet or pillow case ….. and I use the steam iron ! Works for me for years lol !! X

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

That's great to hear another vote of confidence in this hack!

@ChantelleArts Год назад

I don't think I'm brave enough to try this, but it's fantastic to see that it actually works! Blocks are a bit pricier but completely worth it in my opinion, they're so easy to grab and use immediately 😄

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

Yes! Blocks are my absolute favorite!

@barrygandersleeve3396 10 месяцев назад

Close to what I do, except I place the painting face down on a clean white cotton fabric on the ironing board, spray water on the back until it sheens but do not soak, place another clean white cotton piece on top and iron with an iron set to "linen", no steam. Iron until the paper is dry, then place it on a flat surface, cover with a clean, flat thing (I use a piece of plexiglass) and weight with books, boards, dumbbells, sleeping cats and let it stay for 15 or 20 hours. It should come out even flatter than what you did....

@EmilyOlsonArt 10 месяцев назад

Great insight! Thank you!

@deborahobrien255 Год назад

Thank you for this video, Emily. I've also heard that if you moisten the back of your finished painting, then lay something heavy on it overnight (i.e. til it dries) flattens out the paper. I would love to see you do a video on that.

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

I will make a video! All these great comments are encouraging me to make an "Ironing 2.0" video.

@pattioneill3849 Год назад

Hi Emily, thanks for this video, you may want to mention to use a dry iron, not steam to avoid issues with the watercolor. ❤️❤️

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

Thanks, Patti!

@ericakauffman5786 Год назад

I get mine perfectly flat by using mid heat and high steam. I put the painting face-down in between cotton bar towels (white and large). I hover over the painting and give it a blast of steam all over and then start pressing. It does not take long and works better than stretching or expensive blocks.

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

Thanks for your insights, Erica!

@ennelle2024 Год назад

Misting it first will help

@andreag313 Год назад

I smash my smaller paintings under books with bricks on them for about a day or two. It makes them a lot more flat then when I don't do this. This seems like a good idea for large scale paintings. Thanks Emily! 🙂

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

Great tip! Thanks for commenting!

@slateportraichu5416 Год назад

Happy New Year=)I hope it brings us a lot of joy=) Thank you for the video=)

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

Same to you!

@weefirebelle Год назад

Hi Emily, I've never tried ironing watercolour paintings. I usually put it face down on a flat surface covered with a tea towel. I spray water and then use a large flat brush or have brush to evenly coat the reverse of the painting with water, I let it relax and absorb the moisture and see it properly flatten spraying lightly again if needed. I cover it with a other towel then weigh it down with a board

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

Great tips! Thank you!

@nancyputz3037 Год назад

As some others do, I dampen the back side, place it between clean sheets of paper and then put that between 2 flat 3/4" boards. On top of the boards I have a cardboard box that is filled with sheet music and is very heavy. I just leave it over night and the paper comes out as flat as when it was before painting on it.

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

Thanks, Nancy! Will be coming out with an "ironing 2.0" video thanks to all the helpful comments!

@Lyvvie Год назад

I put a lightly dampened teatowel on the back of the painting and then iron on LOW and maybe medium, not high. After it's ironed and still warm I'll slip the work between the pages of a large book (I have an A2 Encyclopdia of the Cosmos that's perfect) between some baker's parchment so it won't stick to the book.

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

Great tips! Thank you so much!

@lynneamattson6043 Год назад

I use the brown masking tape 1/2 or 3/4” to tape down my paper and then if I do get the wow’s I use the misting with heavy weights on top for at least 24hrs. I have used this process for at least 10 years and my students use these method also.

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

I'll have to give it another try!

@yunzers Год назад

I would spritz it and iron it!

@MegaNaelle777 5 месяцев назад

That's great Emily, thanks for this I was wondering myself if that would work. I see on your walls all your beautiful paintings framed as is, with no mounting board around. Aren't you concerned that the painting in direct contact with the glass could get damaged? I am doing some research on framing and it is what my understanding of it has been so far.

@michelleannette7994 Год назад

Hi Emily, beautiful painting! I do this method all the time, except I lightly spritz the back side with water first before ironing, and then afterwards, I lay the painting under some heavy books before framing. You can only do this method with watercolor though. I tried it with a mixed media piece, and ruined it😭

@stephstokes7321 Год назад

I do this as well!

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

Oh nooo! Just out of curiosity--what other media did you use that didn't work when ironed?

@michelleannette7994 Год назад

I did a piece with watercolor that wasn't working out, so I kept adding to it. I added some soft pastel and colored pencil. It wasn't exactly ruined, but it definately changed the appearance of the piece. It still sold in a show, but a lot of the pastel and penil came off on the towel after ironing. I went back in and touched it up, but I never got it looking the way it did.

@michelleannette7994 Год назад

Oh, and I never iron on high heat. I spritz the back of the paper, and iron on low. I'm afraid of scorching.

@blackbearybears Год назад

I've always thought the framers could deal with warping. Are you saying they can't? Yikes. None of my work is frame worthy yet so I've never stretched or worked on such a large piece. Stretching ... ugh. Heading off to see your "how to" for stretching paper.

@debbieritter1096 Год назад

I was thinking if one tried dampening the back of the painting with damp sponge, then doing that pillowcase method- something I am going to try

@deborahobrien255 Год назад

My apologies for not commenting on you LOVELY painting. It is gorgeous. Can you also comment on 'gummed tape'? Is there a brand you recommend? Many thanks for all your videos. I truly enjoy them.

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

Thanks so much for that! As far as gummed tape--I'm afraid I can't comment with any kind of authority on it as I have only tried (and failed!) once! I do prefer staples.

@shhh_quiet 11 месяцев назад

A light mist to the back and solid surface would also help to flatten it better

@joserenatoteixeirajoserena6755 Год назад

the koala back there is just watching🤣

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

Yep, Barnaby the Koala’s just hangin’ out.

@hadiboya Год назад

Wow! I usually just wet the back side and press the painting between two straight panels. Also I put clean paper for both sides in case there would be a stain. I keep it under a weight around 5 hours or more. I do this for multiple paintings at the same time too. I am not sure this much heat is good for long term? Did you notice any fading or color change?

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

I didn’t notice any fading but your method does seem a lot safer!

@Kelly1-KAM Год назад

I always iron my warped sketchbook pages. I use a piece of printer paper between artwork and iron to avoid damage, I’ve never had any issues.

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

Printer paper! Good suggestion!

@karlasanford293 Год назад

Definitely mist the pillowcase while ironing.

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

Great tip! Thank you!

@chantelmcskimming6633 Год назад

CAUTION: so many irons have steam and, in my experience, they can spatter water which can wreck the precious items that are being pressed. 🙂

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

Yes, caution advised for sure!

@_deadwait Год назад

That cheetah painting is nice

@andi2918 Год назад

No steam, right?

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

Correct-no steam!

@COLORDOKID Год назад

Got to try this!! Were you using any steam?

@EmilyOlsonArt Год назад

No, but you def could! As long as it’s on the back. 👍

@hollyzessin2886 Год назад

If to much spray or steam is used it does move the paint on the front side of the painting. Heat can change the color of some pigment colors as well. Use caution while doing these things. Been there tried and had a few failures and some successes.