I have been losing my mind trying to make this work. All the other watercolor channels either completely ignore the stretching process or just skim over it like it ain't no big thang. It's freaking everything! So you are now my favorite watercolor channel. Without proper prep work there is no point. Liked and subbed. Thank you!
This is the first I have EVER EVEN HEARD of "stretching" the paper. I can't believe I haven't heard it from any other artist on RU-vid! I'm grateful to have stumbled upon his videos! He is my new favorite as well! 😁
@@nadageorgi7819 Can I use regular low/med tack masking tape..hard to order that wide paper tape does it matter you're just preventing the paper from. wadding or buckle up during this wetting process am I right ?
@@nonzerosum8943 Actually, if you have wet your art paper, masking tape wont stick to it. some people do soak the art paper and then attach it with staples. I haven't used this method ever, as I was lucky to find a huge roll of glued tape that has lasted me for many years. Depending on the art work, to save tape sometimes I have cut the 2inch/ 5cm tape in half lengthwise, make sure you fingers are dry before doing this!. I found my tape at our local printers, however printers mightn't be using it anymore but it's worth a try. I'm sure Amazon or eBay would have supplies as well. Hope this helps.😀
My tutor taught me how to stretch watercolour paper over 40 years ago, a little different to yours, but in my opinion simpler, so here goes. I only use 300gsm (140lb). I buy full sheets of Arches paper which I was taught to keep tearing into into halves, quarters and so on. I use the glued Kraft tape to tape the paper down. All quality watercolour paper will be suitable, I just prefer Arches. I have 3-4ply board from the hardware shop for my backing board. I was taught to paint the board with a stain or acrylic paint to stop the wood from leaching into the paper. Depending on the size of the paper I decide to do my painting, I soak it in tap water in either the bath, laundry tub, or a suitable container, my cleaned kitchen sink works just as well. I soak it for about 3 minutes, then lift it out and hold to drain for a few seconds. Then place it on my board, sometimes I need to lift it a couple of times to get it centered, I smooth the paper with the heal of my palm. Once I'm happy, I have my glued paper, already cut to size, which I run a soaking wet NEW kitchen sponge over the glue side, and place it on the edges of the paper. I like to do, long sides first, then short sides. I don't worry If there are some bubbles in the paper, once the paper is dry, at least 8 hours indoors, they will disappear. Now you are ready to paint. I have used this method for all sizes, the largest being a half sheet of 300gsm Arches. After a few trials and errors of getting the finished work off the board, I settled on this method. I use an old art brush that is the same width as the Kraft paper. After I've finished the painting and left it for a week or so, I paint the Kraft glue paper with water, being careful not to get water on the painting, this isn't difficult, than I wait about 5 to 10 minutes till the glue has softened and I simply lift the edge and it just lifts off, sometimes I have to use a thin knife to start the lifting, then, if it has soaked long enough the glued paper comes away easily. The times I mention depends on where you live and the time of year. I live in Central Queensland, in Australia, where we have very hot dry summers, ave 34deg centigrade, and mild winters 7-8 deg cent. Regarding bowing/ buckling boards, this can happen, usually if the boards haven't been sealed, stained/ painted etc, but it doesn't affect the paintings. I have also used a bowed Masonite and as long as the smooth side is painted with acrylic it will work in a pinch. This has been a very long detailed 'how to' but I don't do videos and I've seen many people wanting to know how to prepare their watercolour paper for painting. If you only want to do a small painting about 10x8 inches, there really isn't any need to soak the paper etc. If you use quality paper the small sizes held down with Washi, masking, house painters tape and many others, all will be fine. I know there are many other ways of preparing for watercolour painting, but this is the way I was taught and I still prefer it. As they say 'each to his own'. Thank you if you have persevered for reading this LONG instruction.
I use much the same technique, but the bit where you say it may need a knife to start the lifting is my issue. I tend to cut the inside of the gummed paper to then lift out the painting. Sometimes it will come away perfectly, sometimes a knife is needed and it will leave some of the underside of paper stuck to the board. Normally no real issue. Problem with my last decent painting was it was totally stuck around 25mm around the perimeter after cutting the tapes perimeter. It was NOT coming off. I didn't do anything different! I m careful to always put the gummed paper on intially so no glue gets under the paper. Is this what happens? It's as if the paper was glued to the board
This is super helpful @orieldel! Thanks so much. Just a quick question re removing the glued paper afterwards. Do you only remove it from the board and leave it on the watercolor paper? Do you then cut it with the Rota trimmer?
Perfectly said! I don't always stretch my paper, but I realized with my first block of Arches that is it NOT the same as stretched paper! It's just cut up and glued on the edges. I thought I was so smart, painting while waiting for dinner to be served out on the patio and that paper buckled and made waves. It was not pleasant to paint on. It did return to flat when dry, but when you stretch your paper, it stays flat the entire time! The difference while painting is like night and day! You can have pools of paint that do not disrupt that paper! I had a teacher for a summer school plein air class demonstrate stretching paper during the first class. He then tossed it in the back of his car and we all went to paint. When he arrived, his paper was dry and tight! What a difference it makes! It was interesting to me that he liked the same size of paper to paint on, and he just cut the un-taped part of the painting out and left the tape accumulate. The next sheet was placed on the old tape and stretched, and so it went. He would clean it off after it was over an inch high. The thing that fascinated me about this was that that air beneath the paper allowed the paper to dry so much faster. That was a fun summer!
I know this is an older video but I just wanted to tell you I really appreciate the last part about how to get the tape off! The whole video is great, but I was hoping to find out how to clean the board afterwards and I wasn’t disappointed! :)
I can't believe that I went 11 years without knowing this... I heard some random comments here and there in college, but nobody took the time to actually explain this to me... the amount of paper I wasted. The amount of money I threw away without knowing this. The hours upon hours, upon hours of frustration, thinking I was too stupid to properly paint with watercolors...
So thankful that successful artist share their time, experience and tips to such a global audience. I was told by many that stretching wasn’t necessary but once you’ve painted on stretched paper you can go back!
Thank you! I have watched a number of these over the past 2 years and this one is the best. You even talked about cleaning it up at the end - which most videos skip.
WOW! This has been so informative. You brought up many details others don't mention. I am guilty of never stretching my paper, just using it right off the glued paper block. Now I know the error of my ways. I am definitely going to use your method. ANd by the way, your art work is incredible. I'm almost tempted to hang up my brushes but I realize, your talent comes with constant practice. God give me patience.
Thanks starlight gazer B for your very nice note! Patience might be my one real superpower, but I think it also can be cultured with practice. Please don't hang your brushes... Good luck!
I’m just beginning…. (well, since high school art class). I was getting so frustrated that no amount of tape would keep the buckling at bay. I even saw a video that said the paper could be too old. My washes were puddling! Now I know why. Thank you so much. Hopefully with stretching my paper will behave. My husband works in bath remodeling, and I have asked for sheets of shower acrylic leftovers to use as paint boards. Currently I am using cookie sheets. Lol I am looking forward to seeing more of your videos!
Great video ... I was taught to do it like this at college back in the 60s and still maintain it is the best way to do it. Never fails. Thank you for sharing and reaffirming that it's not just old 'old school guys' that do it this way.
Found this video after considering buying an expensive commercial stretcher. I will definitely try this. Considering doing a full sheet for first time.
I have watched multiple paper stretching videos and your's is the only one that exposes the lie of paper on a block! As well after one uses half the block or more, there is no more "block"! I found it interesting as well that you sense a difference in Arches sheets over the rolled paper. Thank you, Diana
This was great to watch. when I first began watercolour painting i was taught to stretch the paper but friends now say it is in a block you don't need to stretch. I am now old but i still prefer to stretch so it was great to see you reinforce what my dear teacher taught me many moons ago.
Thank you, and yes a watercolor block is a convenience and time saver, but the paper on it is not stretched and it will wrinkle if it gets wet enough. But for artists who paint en plein air or who work very quickly , using a block might make more sense than spending the extra time stretching their paper.
I am going to try this method. Like you I use a plywood base. I use the cold shower to wet my paper. I then have thinly cut white mat board pieces that I staple to the board with a staple gun. I cover over the mat board strips and into a penciled inside frame on the paper with green frog painting tape. I agree, there is no way the block paper is the same as the single sheets. I have had trouble with paint not flowing the way it should and I actually had a spot on a piece where the paint would not adhere to the paper. For my next painting, I will try your method. Thank you very much.
No problem. I have nothing against watercolor blocks -- they're very convenient, especially if you're traveling or painting outdoors. But a lot of people believe the paper in a block is stretched, and it's not true 🙂
Thanks thats how i remember being taught stretching paper when went to college just needed a recap was so long ago now. really need to get a decent piece of wooden board now
That is fascinating! I've only been painting for about a year, but I never thought of buying seperate pieces of paper OR preparing the paper like this before I begin painting. I will definitely change my process going forward. Thank you!
Paper is no longer affordable in any form, but, full sheets are much more reasonably priced than a block is. My preference is to go to the art supply and pick out my own papers. The old Daniel Smith store on the Seattle waterfront, though, you would go to the paper desk, order what you wanted, and pristine sheets would be sent down on a fabulous vertical conveyer contraption, right to that desk. In other stores I occasionally find smudges on paper, so you want to avoid that, since fingerprints do resist paint.
I'm shocked that you don't have more subs! Your paintings are amazing! Also just thanks for this video. I've been completely baffled for a long time as to why I would see artists painting on what was patently dry paper, but then read and see things about soaking/ stretching it. I have no idea why SO many tutorials on stretching don't say "then let the paper dry". It's sorta ridiculous. 😅
Thank you! And yes, I was confused about this as a watercolor beginner too, and most of my early failures were because I thought I should be painting on the soaking wet paper. I had to take a watercolor class to learn to let the paper dry and then control what areas get wet (this was way before RU-vid because I’m a dinosaur). Thanks for your note! 🙂
I didn’t learn any of this in school…so nice to be an adult able to watch and do things properly. What if I’m traveling with a little pad, paint and palette? Has to be done the same way? Well thank you…I would be called a dabbler at this point 🤷🏻♀️🙏🏽🙋🏻♀️👍🏽Mia
Hi Mia. Yes of course, a watercolor pad or block is a great convenience for traveling or painting outdoors. The trade-off is that the paper is more likely to buckle or ripple if it gets super wet. I was just in NY for a week, and I painted in a watercolor sketchbook for the first time in ages... It's a very different experience from painting on stretched paper, but I was doing mostly drybrush and so the paper stayed mostly flat. But the paint also beaded on the paper surface more than I'm used to... Stretching makes the paper a little more absorbent.
Fantastic video! Recently started using watercolors for my art and didn’t know about having to stretch the paper first. Thank you for the video and the channel
I'm picking up the brush again after decades. I remembered that I needed to wet the paper first, but didn't remember about wetting both sides, letting it dry first after taping it, or cutting the tape after the painting is complete. Needless to say, my first work was...problematic. 😄 I'm glad I found your video. Hoping the next painting will go more smoothly.
Excellent video, thank you so much. Really relaxed and thorough. I appreciate you showing the whole process and describing your materials: the thickness of paper you use; the thickness of the plywood, AND not to use masonite! This is all I have at home right now and I was tempted!
One of my watercolor students brought a masonite drawing board to class years ago, and I honestly didn't know what would happen, so I said sure, go ahead and try it, and well... It basically warped into a skateboard ramp!
@@watercolorish I know from doing a lot of painting on wood years ago that if you seal both sides, there is much less, if any, warping. If you do not seal the back, it bows badly! It works the same way with paper. If you apply moisture just to one side, it warps. Stretching paper shrinks the paper and good paper shrinking is so strong that it can do a job on what looks to be a much stronger piece of wood!
Forget about stretching the paper……..YOUR ARTWORK IS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! I just subscribed and hopefully you give tutorials on how to paint with water colors.
I’m getting ready to start a new watercolor class with an instructor I’ve not had before. For years I’ve been using 300 lb Fabriano Artistoco paper so I didn’t have to stretch paper. The class supply list calls for 140 lb Arche paper. I was just getting ready go to Dick Blick this morning when I ran across your video. THANK YOU!!!!!!!! First I didn’t know that watercolor blocks are not pre-stretched paper. I didn’t know that! Second, the type of sponge and how to use it on the paper to wet it - very helpful!! And the type of tape. And especially not using Masonite board- I didn’t know that! You have been exceptionally helpful and prevented me from buying the wrong things! Video has been liked and subscribed!!
A few more things. Where can you get panels of birch or maple besides a lumber yard? All the art store retailers online seem to have panels that are too thick or need treated or don’t seem to be what you are using. Also, what do you think of gator board (which doesn’t seem to be the same as gator foam board). Thanks so much!!!!!
Hi@@memphisflashfan1, a smaller hardware store might have pre-cut plywood panels, or an art store might have wood drawing boards that are stiff enough to stretch paper... maybe. I don't know about gator board. I think a rule of thumb is that any board that you can bend or flex with your bare hands probably won't work. Anyway, thanks for your interest and I'm glad the video was helpful!
This is so new to me I made watercolor art in HS and never once had an issue with it cockling. I went to the art store today, because I’m trying to get back into art, and they told me about stretching my paper. I’m now hours into trying to soak up all the info I can before I try to do this. I hope it doesn’t ruin this piece I’m working on. The only upside I’m seeing is my pen ink may lay down nicer on top of the watercolor, once it’s all completely dry.
If you never had a problem with your paper rippling, then I’d say there’s little need for you to stretch your paper. Also, I hope you know this is something to do at the very beginning, before you start painting. I wouldn’t try stretching a watercolor paper that’s already in progress 🙂
You are a star, beautiful work, gorgeous, exquisite, extremely talented and thank you for the tips on stretching paper. You made it look so easy. I love your work. You should just film yourself paint, no need to teach us this or that, just watch your process, your incredible. I hope you make mint off your work.
Thank you! You are very kind. And your suggestion about posting more real-time painting videos is a great one. Unfortunately, I have been unable to work or create new content for a while now due to an injury, and I don’t know when I’ll be able to resume making art… Hopefully before too long. Meanwhile, many thanks for your interest and enthusiasm! 😌
This is an excellent and thorough description of how to stretch watercolor paper. I haven't tried it yet. I've been using watercolor blocks, but those split, and the paper still buckles, as you said. Thank you.
Wow you are an outstanding artist very impressive thank you for the tips. I have done drawings but recently took up water color I have done about a dozen paintings so far and I really enjoy this medium.
WATERCOLOUR PAPER STRETCHING TROUBLESHOOTING HINTS I had a lot of trouble figuring out how to make the gummed tape work. I'll offer a couple of ideas if you are having trouble. 1) I used polyurethane on plywood. A big problem with that is a glossy of slick surface of the polyurethane. Break the surface sheen with sandpaper (say 120grit or 180grit), course plastic abrasive pads, or steel wool. The toothed surface helps grip the glue on the tape. 2) With the gummed tape, use very little water, and dry the edges of the paper thoroughly with a towel of some sort before attaching the tape. I found that the better the paper has less sizeing, so the wet paper would just draw the glue off the tape into the wc paper for a glue starved joint. Dipping in water or running under the tap is definitely too much water. It is hard to say how much is right... but if it isn't working... try less. I use a lightly moistened sponge with just enough water to glide over the surface of the tape. 3) I reduced the soak time on larger pieces of paper so they didn't expand as much... so in turn didn't shrink so much and pull away from the tape. 4) I used a silicone cake decorating blade to squeegee dry the paper before taping down to keep the paper evenly moist, and keep water from pooling underneath. The paper really stays flat after that. 5) I use a brayer roller to stick the tape down to the paper and board. 6) Use wider tape for larger paper. For 11x15 use at least 1 1/2". 7) Lucas Tape is recommended if you can find it. I can't find any here in Canada, so I haven't tried it myself. (Unlike the other things on this list.) I hope this helps some poor soul, and saves them the hours of frustration I endured. I am not suggesting you must do all of the above... These are just somethings that I have tried that seem to help.
You generous soul, those tips are excellent. Am from Canada too, and just starting watercolours. I live far from any big town or city, have gotten most of my stuff, brushes etc on Amazon, with the pandemic running 3 yrs, so everything is on short supply. I have few choices in price and materials, and have bought wrong tape, wrong brushes, wrong paper but I did have RU-vid, thank goodness. Poor time to choose an expensive hobby, but am driven. I want to do it out of love because I definitely don’t have skills. This guys work is over the top good. I bet yours is too. Thank you for the tips.
@@luguy8347 I realize your post has been up for awhile but I was wondering if you have tried ordering from Delta Art in Edmonton or Opus. I too am in Canada and have ordered from both. I order lots of stuff from Amazon but not usually art supplies as I find the prices too high. John at Delta is great to talk to about supplies and the customer service folks at Opus are too. Hope this is helpful.
Ok, now I know what and how to use that “strange tape” I got by accident… should have gotten drafting tape. But how lucky, now I am better informed on the ongoing problem of wobbling paper on all my work. I shall use your info to correct all the wobbles 🤣Thank you so much. Your work is beautiful…you have a new fan👍
Thank you for this. I’ve watched several videos that don’t troubleshoot the bubbles like you did and I almost gave up watercolour entirely because of it thinking I just don’t have the knack. Buckled paper is so annoying. I currently have my very first Arches paper drying next to me after following your instructions and it looks like it’s working. So, thank you again.
Many many thanks for this great vid, just amazing!! Like it a lot 🤩 Thankful to you for all the useful and helpful tips and tricks you've explained during the process of stretching the watercolor paper, I found that very and once more time, very helpful! Thank you for sharing your experience with us 🙏🏻 BIG & HUGE LIKE 👍🏻 🧡
Thanks for the video! This is the first time I've seen a video on this subject on u tube! The gummed tape I've used was a brown paper rolled strip which smelled like bone glue and was perfect for the job. Later these tapes came with some other odourless glue which didn't work so well. Competitors from artist families always stretched their paper and sometimes used random color wash to wet the paper! Of course most were winners!
I'm just seeing this now and this is so cool! I have all sizes of WC pads but I recently bought 2 - 300lb large cold press sheets (Fabriano Artistico), one smooth and one rough, I'd definitely love to try doing this with them and I'm definitely saving this - thank you! 🤗💖🕊️🌹
Thanks for helping to put an end to the watercolor block lie! 😆👍I will attempt my first watercolor background with way more confidence thanks to your channel
I've been wondering HOW to do this for so long! This video is so cool, you're very clear and also funny, you seem to be a very good teacher, I'm impatient to watch your others videos!!
Nice video, sums up the typical stretching method. For smaller sizes I just use masking tape, saves a lot of money because you dont have to cut off the tape.
Get a large dark room photo tray or use clean bathtub. Put in about 1/2 inch of water. Draw the paper through the water till wet. lay paper on stretcher board. Wipe off excess water from top surface. Then like in stretching a canvas staple about 1/4 inch in from the edge starting from middle and working to the corners around all sides etc, let it dry. All watercolor paper is going to buckle when using washes but by stretching it it will return too flat after drying. Just a different approach.
This is lots of labor :-)) I have been using a system that I thought and implemented long ago. I "painted" a 1/2" thick plywood board (so that it doesn't absorb water) a little larger then the watercolor paper. I wet the paper, and position it properly on this board. Then I place four 1/4" thick, 1.5-2" wide "painted" sticks along four edges of the paper. Then I use large clips that you normally see on board clips to clamp everything together in a manner that the paper is sandwiched between the thin sticks and the board. And I let everything dry. When I remove the paper, I don't have to deal with gummed tapes, or cut out staple holes, or anything else. Try to implement one. It is easy and effective.
@@watercolorish I also implemented the magnet version of this. This time you have a 1/4" glass background where you glue your magnets that align the edges of the watercolor paper. Then place your wet watercolor paper on top of the glass. On top of your paper place a strip of thin paper along the four edges of the watercolor paper. Then place another set of magnets that face the first set under the glass platform. The thin paper strips may be necessary in case the magnet stains the watercolor paper. You may replace the paper strip with thin wood strips if you have stronger magnets. Anyhow, this method works okay too as long as you use "strong" Niobium magnets. Give a try! Good luck!
Mr. Pitsker CLEARLY knows what he is doing, and has great expertise. For the mass of us though I go with what he said at the beginning and use 300# paper which I can just tape down using blue painter's tape and spend my time painting instead of fussing with stretching and cleanup.
Sure Nick, that's very sensible. I have a practical "whatever works for you" attitude, and though I personally prefer painting on stretched 140 lb. Arches hot press to the unstretched 300 lb. version of the same (for all the reasons I discussed in the video), I sympathize with anyone who would rather get started painting sooner than spend time stretching paper first. Particularly if you complete your paintings quickly (which I decidedly don't), the time spent stretching is a larger percentage of your total process time and the cost therefore larger when measured against the benefits. Thanks anyway for your note.
Wow I had no idea I already knew how to stretch the paper 😂 My 10th grade art teacher made us do this before painting ❤ I learned a lot from Miss Linda Ihope she is doing well. Thank you for that memory.
The method works, but for 140 lb. watercolor paper 9x12 size (I use Canson), I think the process can be simplified a bit. You don't need plywood backing (poster board will work and can be cut to size but will need to be replaced after a couple of uses) nor do you need soak the paper quite as much, but wet it front and back, let it dry a bit, and tape it down and stretch and restretch as needed. When it dries, it works great with no buckling as you paint. Much cheaper and less time-consuming than this old-school method, but for larger pieces, I think more processing (with more wetness and more extensive stretching and stronger backing) will be needed. Some sources say the process can be eschewed altogether with the kind of paper I mentioned earlier, but I didn't get the best results with no stretching at all. My approach is happy medium that I'm satisfied with for now. Still, I loved this video and when I get more accomplished, will probably follow the method so clearly demonstrated in this video.
¡¡GUAUUU!! GRACIAS, Paul. ¡Qué bien explicas! Bárbaro. Y tus obras son taaan impresionantes. Watercolor level God; so SO VERY EXPERT! Thank you! God's watercolor. (Or watercolor's God? My english is very bad, sorry Paul, you understand me ). Te saludo y admiro desde el NW de México: Bravo, Artista!
One of the most helpful videos ever! I’d heard of stretching paper, but I didn’t know it was something so beneficial to do for watercolors and I never knew how to do it. I’ll be trying this out with my watercolor paper now.
