Sizing Matters! When Paper Goes Bad - Can we still use it? Can we fix it? Sizing Questions Answered

Подписаться 575 тыс.

Просмотров 10 тыс.

50% 1

I had a lot of questions about paper sizing during my sketchbook snowball video the other day. I decided I would make a video on the topic.
In this video, we will talk about paper sizing, why it is important, and how to tell if the sizing on your paper has gone bad.
What is sizing? Sizing is like glue that is added to paper internally (in the pulp) and or externally as a coating over the finished sheet. A "hard-sized" paper refers to a paper with a lot of sizing and a "soft-sized" paper refers to a paper with less sizing. Sizing affects the amount of ink, paint or water the paper will absorb. A well-sized paper will allow you to produce crisp lines with pen and paint on dry paper whereas an unsized paper will produce feathered and blurry lines. A paper towel would be an example of paper with no sizing.
Sometimes due to humidity and age, the paper sizing can break down and you will see feathered edges or speckles in your paint wash and the reduced ability to blend. This is very problematic when using watercolor on watercolor paper. If your paper sizing goes bad you can still use the paper for a thicker paint like gouache or acrylic or any dry media like pastel. You could gesso the paper to use with oils as well. If you want to use the paper with watercolor you can resize it with watercolor sizing or cover it with watercolor ground: shrsl.com/4959s
‪@teohyc‬ (Parka Blogs) did an excellent tutorial on resizing watercolor paper here: • How to Restore Sizing ...
I hope this answers any questions you have about watercolor paper sizing. I don't bother resizing my paper if the sizing goes off, I will use it for gouache or pastels because the paper will still have enough sizing in it for those materials.
Try a class! lindsayweirich.teachable.com
NEW! Podcast anchor.fm/lindsay-weirich
Subscribe to my blog and stay updated (upper right-hand corner) thefrugalcrafter.wordpress.com
Subscribe to my monthly-ish newsletter for class info and sales: tinyletter.com/thefrugalcrafter
Shop my favorite products on Amazon: www.amazon.com/shop/thefrugal...
Credits:
Video production and Craft ideas: Lindsay Weirich
Music: Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
Sign Up For The Frugal Crafter News! tinyletter.com/thefrugalcrafter
For Sponsorships or Product Reviews email Lindsay at: artstudiosofbangor@yahoo.com
Social media links:
Facebook: / thefrugalcrafter
Blog: thefrugalcrafter.wordpress.com
Pinterest: / boards
Twitter: / lindsayweirich
Instagram: / lindsayweirich
RU-vid Subscribe: ru-vid.com...
*This post may contain affiliate links
#thefrugalcrafter #watercolor #art

Хобби

Опубликовано:

5 окт 2023

Ссылка:

Скачать:

Готовим ссылку...

Добавить в:

Мой плейлист

Посмотреть позже

Комментарии : 275

@melissaaldosari8024 9 месяцев назад

It’s a great relief to know Arches is more resilient than some, as long as it’s stored properly!💜💜💜

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

It really is!

@ArtBrain 9 месяцев назад

At minimum, it makes sense to save those little silica gel dehumidifier packets and put them in wherever you store your paper. Also, if it's already sealed, leave it sealed, until ready to use it. And we always have greeting cards and bookmarks, gel printing, to have fun with ruined paper. Nobody will ever know.

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

True, just because it won't work for watercolor doesn't mean it's bad.

@justacatwhocantype 9 месяцев назад

Oooh, that is such a good idea, putting in the silica packs. Thank you!

@kerry5586 9 месяцев назад

Regarding the silica packs make sure you change them regularly and dry them out as you end up with a damp pack with the paper.

@glorioskiola 9 месяцев назад

I have Arches paper and Winsor & Newton paper from the 70’s. Never paid attention to storage conditions and have lived in all sorts of climates from southwest desert to northeastern summer humidity. These papers are still fine. The papers that have gone horribly bad are things like strathmore and canson. When they go bad, they act like blotter paper. I have some recently purchased Bee 100% cotton paper that seems to have a slight sizing defect on one edge. I use this for cards so not a problem.

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

I had a pad of arteza that had an issue in one edge too!

@justacatwhocantype 9 месяцев назад

@@thefrugalcrafter I have never had an Arteza pad, but I have gone through a few of the watercolor books, and every one, every single one had isues on the edges, on basically every single page. I have noticed that they changed the type of paper they use in the books, I personally prefer the newer type, but even now, the edges still turn dark and weird, like if the sizing is missing there or something.

@andrealavigne7824 9 месяцев назад

I never heard of sizing going bad, Lindsay, so thank you for this video. Paper has always been one of those things that I just bought & never thought about such things. Now I know. Thanks again, & I hope you have a wonderful day! :)

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

You are so welcome!

@sandrarahimi5688 9 месяцев назад

I love your last line - it isn’t wasting supplies unless you never use it. I need to make a poster with that and hang it in my art room lol

@sirmascopchanova4657 9 месяцев назад

Yes! I am guilty of this, unfortunately 😢

@jennw6809 8 месяцев назад

100%!! Making less than perfect (even bad) art is not a waste! We need to fail many times to get good, just like a baby falls many times when learning to walk.

@tribalstyle138 9 месяцев назад

yes! I bought a bunch of Strathmore that was on clearance and it was so bad... that explains it!!

@ma1539ry 9 месяцев назад

Thanks Lindsay, very informative. I tend to horde paper. Time to short through it all and decide what’s still good.

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Glad it was helpful!

@StandYourGroundHomestead 9 месяцев назад

Wow, thanks for the info. I had no idea paper could go bad! Now I'm worried about my stock pile lol

@kashfiahare3190 9 месяцев назад

I’m concerned about my custom ordered sketchbook pile too. Last year I placed them in ziplock bags with desiccants and with in a drawer in my closet.I hope that helps keep them safe

@melissaaldosari8024 9 месяцев назад

@@kashfiahare3190That’s a great idea to seal them so the humidity can’t get to the paper as easily!

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Glad I could help!

@annettefournier9655 9 месяцев назад

I stopped buying ARCHES because of inconsistent sizing issues with their 9x12 cold pressed pads. The Hot press and the Rough were fine with no issues. All kept in the same place. I switched to Saunders Waterford. No issues. Thanks Lindsay 💜

@melissaaldosari8024 9 месяцев назад

Oh, I had heard about that at one time. I wonder if it is still an issue… 🤔

@annettefournier9655 9 месяцев назад

@@melissaaldosari8024 idk. I'm very happy with Saunders Waterford and other brands for practice.

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Thanks for sharing

@elideelilley5064 9 месяцев назад

I also had an issue with Arches 9x12 cold pressed pad. I store it in a drawer in my second floor bedroom. The pad is a few years old, maybe more.

@karolsantiago9670 9 месяцев назад

This make such much sense. I live in the caribbean and watercoloring never seems to work like it does for others

@LCLand 9 месяцев назад

Maybe a dehumidifier in your art room would help

@lisab9553 9 месяцев назад

This is such a helpful video, I had never really thought about paper going bad. Thanks for the info!! Also I was at Hobby Lobby yesterday and I saw your kits by Royal and Langnickle!! It was so exciting to see those in person!!

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

You are so welcome!

@beckyb4074 9 месяцев назад

This was perfect Lindsay. I actually stopped the video about half way through, because in recent days I've had to move alot of my crafty type stuff out to a unfinished building (not heated or cooled) and I remembered that I had out there recently a couple of extra paper pads that I didn't want to get ruined. So thank you Lindsay for the perfect timing of this video information, especially for me. God bless you. Sincerely Becky B from Arkansas

@melissaaldosari8024 9 месяцев назад

Your examples were so helpful! Now I can tell if it’s the sizing, the paint or just me! Thank you!

@susanbaker3078 9 месяцев назад

Love this comment! I won't be surprised if my old abused papers are still better than my watercolor skills. Ya have to laugh!!😄 Happy painting!!

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Glad it was helpful!

@melissaaldosari8024 9 месяцев назад

@@susanbaker3078Yeah! I can just blame it on the paper!😂

@battygirlrachel 9 месяцев назад

I never thought about this. Thanks for all the info! my paper doesn't feel so precious now... use it or lose it will now be my mantra

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Exactly!!

@grannysmithart 9 месяцев назад

thanks so much for this video! i've been fortunate enough to only get quality paper which so far has held up real well, but i do have a stash of 300lb arches that is at least 10 yrs old-too intimated to use it😅, i'll have to see how that is. i stopped buying cheap paper when every sheet in a block had like a crease of sizing down the middle. that blotchiness you showed on the swatches was really bad ! beginning painters have so much to learn, they really don't need bad paper to add to their problems

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

True, with experience you can roll with it and make it work but it adds too many variables for a beginner.

@juliebromfield1865 9 месяцев назад

Thanks Lindsay, very useful. I have had that 'speckling' on paper before and wondered why it was happening x

@melissaaldosari8024 9 месяцев назад

Me as well! I was blaming the paint, lol!

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Glad it was helpful!

@michelleh9685 9 месяцев назад

Thanks, Lindsay, that was a very easy to understand explanation of what & how sizing is & works. I've heard a lot of RU-vid artists/ presenters talk about sizing, but none have explained what it actually was & how it can effect artworks

@suearcher8708 9 месяцев назад

I had never thought about paper loosing it's sizing (or even having sizing for that matter). But, it makes sense that it could breakdown. I store my paper in my house. Generally it's between 60 or 70...but there are days that it will be in the high 80's...not often or for a long time. How long are we talking about? Years? Decades? I watched the video twice and didn't hear it.

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Depends on how humid it is. There is no hard and fast rules and some papers last better than others.

@MARIAdianeMARIE 9 месяцев назад

This is so timely.. I just found out my sketchbook's sizing has gone bad. Paper and sizing is expensive in our place so now I'll experiment if gesso can help. I also saw another video where they resized paper using a gelatin powder, the ones from the grocery, so I'll try that too. Hope these work. Fingers crossed 🤞🤞

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Good luck! Let me know how it works!

@LCLand 9 месяцев назад

Yes please share results

@mjpete27 9 месяцев назад

Hullo Lindsay, Outstanding video! I do admire your desire to spread knowledge and share your experience with your viewers and followers! I had never experienced bad sizing until I put all of my analog art supplies in the garage or gave them away. When I went away from a digital workflow and back to paper and paint I tried using my stored watercolor sheets, I had several brands and they all were wonky on the side that faced the garage door! They were just in a cardboard portfolio open on 3 sides. I felt a little crazy when I could not get an even wash from my very good paper and paints! I then was told about sizing going bad! I had never heard of this! Well I did not throw it away, but saved it as I had spent good hard earned cash on those sheets! I have since repurposed many sheets for soft pastels! I use clear gesso and Pumice to make a very grabby tooth paper. I have since learned that Liquitex clear gesso has more natural tooth and needs less or no pumice. I had run out of pumice you see and just tried it after watching a video where the Artist used Liquitex clear gesso and acrylic paint to creat a pastel surface. It is good, but added pumice is better! Thanks for sharing your abundant knowledge with us! Please take care, be safe and have a lovely day!

@jenniferalvarez4041 9 месяцев назад

If you don't mind maybe you could answer a question. Do you mix the clear gesso and acrylic together into one puddle and then apply it so you have a nice colored base coat for your pastels orr does the gesso go on first and after drying apply the acrylic coat? Thanks!

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Yes, I use liquatex clear gesso to prome for pastel a day colored pencil. It's great!

@mjpete27 9 месяцев назад

@@jenniferalvarez4041 mix the gesso and paint before application, since gesso has an acrylic binder the paint mix’s in and no loss of “tooth” from the grit in the gesso!

@cynthiabrassfield-richmond9563 9 месяцев назад

Thank you! I was wondering about sizing but I kept thinking this was something I should already know. I would have asked but I didn’t want to appear stupid. 😂😂😂😂

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Always ask! I do, I don't care if i sound stupid because it's the only way to find out.

@melissaaldosari8024 9 месяцев назад

I’m so glad you made this video! Thank you so much!💜💜💜

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

You are so welcome!

@65sunnyday 9 месяцев назад

Great video, Lindsay--thank you!!! I'm sure everyone else has though of tis, too, but here goes. Sometimes I stretch my sheet of paper, and when it's ready, I test for good areas, cut them out and use them!

@nancyloomis3046 9 месяцев назад

Thanks for this info. I don’t have much experience with paper sizing, so it’s good to keep it in mind when a paper isn’t performing like it should. I virtually always store my art paper in darkened drawers and in stable temps and humidity. The same goes for fabric…keep it in the dark. 😊👍

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Exactly!

@louisepotvin904 9 месяцев назад

That was very useful, thank you!

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Glad it was helpful!

@Linda-qq5mg 9 месяцев назад

I have learned so much about keeping paper from this video! Thank you for this information.🤗

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Glad it was helpful!

@susanbaker3078 9 месяцев назад

Thanks so much for this detailed information on paper sizing, Lindsey!! I've got a variety of papers, including decades old Arches. Some even existed unnoticed and unloved in fluctuating conditions in the garage, and I'm amazed they survived at all. Now I know what to look out for! Good chance the paper is still better than I am.😄 Got enough Himi gouache and other media, to fill in as needed. Thanks again!!🎨💜👍

@annenglish2935 9 месяцев назад

😂 Funny!!!

@madhabitz 9 месяцев назад

Aha!! Now that you've explained what to look for, I can say I experienced this a teeny bit as I was painting on some of the GenCraft Premium Watercolor paper I bought. I think you hit the nail on the head with climate/humidity being a big reason for the breakdown, but I think you also mentioned quality control? That's got to play it's own part. I generally adore Strathmore papers, so I'm glad to know to be wary of the watercolor line. I am totally with you on re-sizing paper. -- I'm not sure it would be worth my time, but I still love knowing this stuff. I used to use methyl cellulose in my vats, but only used it as an external size once. I like the idea of methyl cellulose as opposed to gelatin.... which would tend to break down super fast or even attract bugs. Never had an issue with methyl cellulose yellowing. In the spirit of for-what-it's-worth, today's papermakers seem to be using something called AKD (alkyl ketene dimer (yowie!)). Sizing, other than internal for strength, was an aspect of papermaking I never had reason to think about before, likely because my paper was used for collage fodder. Maybe we need companies to list sizing content on their paper wrapping, right along with fiber content? I dunno. Thanks for this lesson -- it's satisfied my curiosity and it's always a good day when I learn something new. :)

@Lisa_G3 9 месяцев назад

Never knew about this. Thanks for sharing.

@DAYbreaking_Ideas 9 месяцев назад

I wondered what that was on my strathmore. Thank you for the info!

@lynnephelps2370 9 месяцев назад

Thanks so much for expanding on this topic! Great information!

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Glad it was helpful!

@paulah317 9 месяцев назад

I bought a vintage block of Kilimanjaro paper off of eBay. It was still in the package but the plastic wrap was ripped and shredded in a few areas. The seller lived in Hawaii. I was so excited to use vintage paper and sadly, the sizing was destroyed. I used it for pastels instead and learned my lesson to not buy paper from Hawaii. On another note, I got several tablets of vintage Bee paper at an estate sale and fortunately it worked great. I love using vintage paper and I tend to hoard my paper stash. Gotta keep using it up!!!!

@ushagough9938 9 месяцев назад

This was so helpful, thank you! Love the ideas for fixes and alternative uses. It’s also a good reminder to not be precious about your stuff… use it up! 😊

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

You are so welcome!

@mariecurle5901 9 месяцев назад

Thank you for all the information

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Any time!

@Calibizaro 9 месяцев назад

Ty! This was a wonderful video with lots of great info!

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Glad it was helpful!

@daphnen.7182 9 месяцев назад

Very thorough and informative, thank you Lindsay!!

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

You are so welcome!

@melissaaldosari8024 9 месяцев назад

This is fantastic information!

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Glad it was helpful!

@leslieyudman3156 9 месяцев назад

Thank you for explaining this! So helpful. :)

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Glad it was helpful!

@gamigirlHeatherB 9 месяцев назад

You really are incredibly knowledgeable, Lindsay! Thanks for sharing it with us!

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

You are so welcome!

@rebeccah7689 9 месяцев назад

Great info! Thanks for sharing this. 👍

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Glad it was helpful!

@cloverrabbit5622 9 месяцев назад

Thanks for the info Lindsay. We always learn so much from you. 🥰

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

You are so welcome!

@OhJodi69 9 месяцев назад

Sometimes if the paper isn't behaving right, it could just be that your hands have touched the paper and left some oils, sweat, dirt, etc.....or I've noticed that the first page of a pad I bought in a store might be "bad" because other shoppers have touched the first page to feel the texture, lol So try other pages in your book/pad to determine if it's sizing in all of it, or just a dirty page.

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Good point!

@taniauntalan459 9 месяцев назад

Thank you, Lindsay!

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

You are so welcome!

@shadowguard3578 9 месяцев назад

Another timely video. I’ve been wondering about the sizing on my watercolor blocks and watercolor sketchbooks. Thank you!

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Glad it was helpful!

@GrandmaMuggy 9 месяцев назад

Great information. Thanks!

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Glad it was helpful!

@Miastrong930 9 месяцев назад

Great video. I didn’t know.

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Glad I could help

@angelag9346 9 месяцев назад

Hello!!! So informative....I've wondered about this. Thank you Lindsay

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

You are so welcome!

@annieb8955 9 месяцев назад

Thanks Lindsay!! Great info!!

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

You are so welcome!

@bethmegansmith4642 9 месяцев назад

Thank you for this video . I did wonder wnat sizing was . thank you ever so much . Happy crafting xxx

@elizekohler6199 9 месяцев назад

Very helpful, thanks Lindsay. I never knew paper can go bad, and I've worked in an art shop. Also went for watercolour class, but the lady doesn't actually know what she's teaching. I met another nice lady, that gives classes online, in my area (South Africa) she seems to have the same experience as you, working with different mediums. But it's expensive and at night. I really wish to learn more and be better at art .

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

There are always online classes.

@theartofetta 9 месяцев назад

Very informative video. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us ❤

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

You are so welcome!

@buckythewonderhorse 9 месяцев назад

Thanks! Very informative.

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Glad it was helpful!

@janinewoodhull3611 9 месяцев назад

Thank you, Lindsay!! This was so helpful. I was one of the people who inquired about this. I am a very beginner at watercolor, AND, I had just bought a 2 pack of the Arteza fabric covered sketchbooks that you described in that video as having the sizing go bad.

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Well, it's motivation to use them up fast!

@ChantelleArts 9 месяцев назад

I love my Arches, im so glad you approve 💜

@silylily1212 9 месяцев назад

Thanks Lindsay! I never fully understood sizing this helps a lot!

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

I'm so glad!

@deborahbeatty 9 месяцев назад

Since I do mostly abstract mixed media with watercolors, it doesn’t seem to make a huge difference, but this is so good to know.

@JoAnneSmith-di8ok 9 месяцев назад

Thank you for explaining about Paper sizing.

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

You’re welcome 😊

@arashy 9 месяцев назад

Interesting. Thanks!

@tthappyrock368 9 месяцев назад

I had no idea that siding goes bad! Now, I won't freak out if it ever happens! Thank you!

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

No worries!

@galina2mil 9 месяцев назад

Wow, thank you this was very helpful.

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

You're welcome!

@paulalister80 9 месяцев назад

Such a helpful video.

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

So glad!

@NelaDunato 9 месяцев назад

I've had sizing issues with a brand new Clairefontaine Carnet de Voyage. It was still wrapped in cellophane when I bought it, so I don't know how it could have degraded that fast. In any case, I don't recommend that particular sketchbook.

@marytesta3003 9 месяцев назад

Thank you for a very useful video.

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Glad it was helpful!

@teresahedall 9 месяцев назад

Thank you for the information 👍😊

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

My pleasure 😊

@jufRicky 9 месяцев назад

Good information. Thank you

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

You are welcome

@silviehall4434 9 месяцев назад

Thanks for the great info!

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

You bet!

@rebecarod1475 9 месяцев назад

I have learned so much from your videos. Thank you.

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

I'm so glad!

@flychk1229 9 месяцев назад

thanks for the great info Lindsay! I worry about this all the time because I buy sheets of Arches and Fabriano and am not a prolific painter!

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Glad it was helpful!

@debiadams3803 9 месяцев назад

Thank for this video. Don’t you feel you need to be mindful of your paints and other supplies as well?

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Some things, like glue, resin and acrylic paint. Markers and pens (gel pens don't last too long) can dry out but I don't have a problem with that much in my climate.

@catherinefreese9310 9 месяцев назад

Really informative thanks

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Glad it was helpful!

@italiangabster 9 месяцев назад

Perfect timing! I just went to Italy and brought a Strathmore travel watercolor journal with me (that I’ve had sitting around for a few years now) and the first day I tried using it I was devastated by the poor sizing of it and was nervous it was me (because I hadn’t painted in a long while) but observing how the paint was reacting (didn’t blend, feathered, sunk deep into the paper) it really was the sizing! Not sure if it was how I stored it or thats how that paper is or if I received a faulty one. But since you pointed it out I’m definitely going to be more considerate on how I store my sketchbooks and paper! Great informative video Lindsay :>

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Thanks!

@MaryYoungblood-xy8vg 9 месяцев назад

I am in Arizona so I use mine up before the sizing would ever go bad.

@jessieg4901 9 месяцев назад

I’m definitely a huge fan of watercolor ground for sure!! Sometimes I will take it and go through all my old watercolor paper to make it at least usable again, even though sadly it doesn’t feel the same as it did before. Gouache for sure comes clutch lol !!

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

That's a great idea!

@brendawalsh8254 9 месяцев назад

Your hair looks gorgeous 😊 thanks for the info

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

You are so welcome!

@elizabethvallely4044 9 месяцев назад

Great helpful video wonderful infor and tips! Thank you for sharing!!! Hugs Liz x

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

You are so welcome!

@elizabethvallely4044 9 месяцев назад

@@thefrugalcrafter Thank you once again!😊💕

@craftergin 9 месяцев назад

I have those Arteza watercolor sketchbooks that you're talking about. I was using watercolor in them one day and it was fine. The next day it was not! So now I use them as art journals (all mixed media, no watercolor) and dry mediums. I'm using the smallest one (3"x5" I think) for my Inktober sketches - permanent ink only. It's working great for that. The texture isn't very rough on those either so they work nicely with color pencils too. I have some Strathmore cotton paper (500 series) that has no sizing issues at all. I live in Los Angeles so humidity isn't really an issue, generally.

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

That is their cotton line, much more resiliant.

@jennw6809 8 месяцев назад

I've had some sizing defects even on great, full sheet paper -- often it's a fingerprint of extra sizing that got on it in the factory. Sometimes you can scrub it with a brush a little and "correct" it.

@nadeaner.cowley513 9 месяцев назад

Great helpful video. Im a little worried about my etchr watercolor journals- i stocked up on a bunch worth hundreds about 4 years ago....eeek...i may have to try to resize those. Lol. Thanks for sharing...much love ❤

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Glad it was helpful!

@maremagoo8140 9 месяцев назад

Is purchased sizing a different animal/product than watercolor ground? Have you tried putting watercolor ground on watercolor paper whose sizing has deteriorated? That might be a fun video to watch if it has any effect to give the paper a second life other than relegating it to mixed media or other media only. Found this video very useful Lindsay! Thank you for all you give to this commnunity.

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Watercolor ground is a porous gesso. I don't like painting on it much myself, but I have used it as a "white out" to fix a mistake. Sizing is more of a coating that reduces absorption time and prevents feathering, but you still feel the paper rather than covering it up.

@NelaDunato 9 месяцев назад

Actual sizing is made using gelatin (or a vegan alternative in some brands). If I remember correctly, Teoh tried making it at home and compared with watercolor ground in the video Lindsay mentioned. But watercolor ground is an acrylic-based product intended to seal a absorbent surface (canvas or wood). It wasn't meant to be used on paper and the effects are never going to be like the original paper. It's basically gesso with some additives.

@EmmaFalconerArt 9 месяцев назад

I have a pad of Legion Stonehenge hot pressed and noticed a couple of patches where I think maybe the sizing wasn’t applied properly, because it’s in the same spot on each page! Thankfully it’s towards the edges so doesn’t effect the main subject, I used gouache to cover the areas, but it has deterred me from wanting to that paper in future 😞 it’s great that there is still a way to use it but the paper was pretty expensive and it’s just a shame that I have to “make” it work. Great video as always Lindsay, I’m sure you’ve helped a lot of people realise they’re not just going crazy haha and I hope this is helpful to know especially for beginners who may not know much about sizing

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

A d that's a pretty soft sized paper to begin with

@EmmaFalconerArt 9 месяцев назад

@@thefrugalcrafter Exactly. What would you say is the most sized hot pressed paper? (If you know?) I like to do portraits and florals on 100% cotton and have tried a few different types but I’d be curious on your thoughts. I know you prefer HP for stamping

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

@EmmaFalconerArt not sure for hot presses per sea but arches had always been amongst the heaviest sized. Maybe Millwood if they do hot press.

@EmmaFalconerArt 9 месяцев назад

@@thefrugalcrafter thanks Lindsay 😊

@lynnephelps2370 9 месяцев назад

In Teo's video, it looked like the DS watercolor ground gave better results than the sizing, which is great as that has other uses as well, and it's something I already have!

@roundcrouton 9 месяцев назад

If someone ever finds and shows off a diy of restoring sizing that will be a great day. I've tried gelatin/casein/starch, didn't work well for me.

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

I failed trying as well.

@greggtransky9080 Месяц назад

Thanks so much Lindsay. Great, clear explanation. Much appreciated, as always. You amaze me! sondra borrie

@thefrugalcrafter Месяц назад

You are so welcome!

@SarahBurnsStudio 9 месяцев назад

I really appreciate you talking about this! I didn’t really think of this until recently when I found a big stack of 18x24 arches leaning on the wall behind a shelf! It seems ok? But I’m going to cut it up and store it properly in a drawer.

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Glad it was helpful! It will be fine for gouache if it doesn't work for watercolor.

@SarahBurnsStudio 9 месяцев назад

@@thefrugalcrafter yea totally agree!

@knackability7098 9 месяцев назад

Thanks so much Lindsey! 😊 Would it be helpful to saran wrap paper pads and blocks if they are going to sit on the shelf for awhile? (I'm in the PNW so usually no extreme weather changes.... Except for that one year when we were being microwaved at 115-120 degrees 😅😅).

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

I wouldn't, you don't want to trap moisture in and have it condense on the paper. I think you want some air circulation.

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

I mean, if it's new then leave it wrapped til you use it, otherwise let it breathe.

@knackability7098 8 месяцев назад

@@thefrugalcrafter Thanks 😊I didn’t think about it trapping in the moisture.

@justacatwhocantype 9 месяцев назад

Here I go regretting my hoarding habits... I too sleep on a stash of watercolor paper, lol, this better not go bad.

@katpaints 9 месяцев назад

Oh, yes! In the late 90s or early 2000s, I got some Winsor & Newton papers that had really bad sizing. If I remembered, I would spray the paper with water the day before and it was obvious that it had problems. The back was as wet as the side I had sprayed. Before I discovered that spraying helped, Iwas so disappointed that I stopped painting for a while. It wasn't an all over problem, but often in large areas. If it had been soon after I bought it, they most likely would have taken it back. I don't think it would have been good for anything without some sort of coating. I have experimented a bit with a thin coating of cooked corn starch and water. I thin-k I used 1to two teaspoons to a cup of water... stir the starch into cold water and then heat it until it is clear - water pudding! LOL! It needs to be brushed on while it is still a bit warm so it is absorbed better. You just want it to seal the paper a bit, not make it shiny at all. I figured it was worth a bit of time to see if it worked. My paper is mostly full sheets that I store in large boxes I picked up at a preschool supply for around $10-15 a box plus folders. They are much more expensive now! I was shocked when I looked for them now. They were at least $60 for one skinny cardboard box!

@FonsCordi 9 месяцев назад

That happened to one of my Canson XL Watercolor pads, and it was not that old, it has the rebrand cover :( I don't know if maybe the conditions of the art store, plus the conditions on my house make it go "bad" faster? (I live in an extremely hot and humid weather, and we don't have an AC). I left it on the shelf for a couple of months because I change to a cotton paper, and when I wanted to paint on it, it was a nightmare to use watercolor on it! I have it just for acrylics now.

@melissaaldosari8024 9 месяцев назад

Oh, that’s too bad. Sorry that happened.

@spktme 9 месяцев назад

Me too! 😂 I bought Canson XL from Michael's and couldn't understand why everyone loved it so much, because I had places that wouldn't even take a wash no kidding at all. Areas that would just skip over. I couldn't understand what was happening my husband watched me and I'm like did you see that! It was like someone had put wax resist splattered and it just was awful. I watched everyone on RU-vid and no one else's acted that way and my Strathmore visual journal the only other "good" paper I had was a fight to work with but at least less than Canson. I'm glad to know it was the sizing so thankful for this video!😊

@FonsCordi 9 месяцев назад

@@spktme Oh no! I would be really angry if that happened when I just bought it, but still mine went bad so quick! I used to buy that paper a lot and never had troubles with it, even after storing it for years, and this new one, I got it last december, stop using it by march, and last august when I grab it back it was bad already! In just 4 months of not using it! I wonder if maybe they change manufacturer when they rebrand it? Or maybe a bad lot? I really hope it was just a bad lot, it used to be nice affordable paper 😅

@FonsCordi 9 месяцев назад

@@melissaaldosari8024 I was thinking maybe it was a bad lot? Or they change manufacturer? Never had that problem before with that paper

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Try the ack side if those issues persist. I had a sketchbook by Renesans and one side if the paper was beautiful but I had skipping like a resist on the other.

@jeanettebg412 9 месяцев назад

I was so disappointed when i discovered a pad of Paul Rubens paper had gone bad. I think it may have been defective though and I didnt notice until months later because I was too precious with it. Definitely use up your stuff and i guess i will be using acrylic and gouache in the pages that are left.

@waymire01 9 месяцев назад

I've gotten bad high end paper.. including Arches, Fabriano, Saunders, and Bockingford. Every time it was either open stock full sheets (especially from a local store that keeps them on an open rack) or samples that have probably been laying around loose for who knows how long, or "clearance"/sale paper which can be old since most of the time a retailer is going to put things on sale they need to clear out stock on. Suggestions for avoiding bad paper: don't hoard paper, buy fresh regularly. Buy from a business that does a lot of volume so their stock isn't laying around forever. Buy pads/sheets that are sealed in plastic if possible, or blocks.. I think blocks have some built in added protection due to the way they are sealed around the edges. Suggestions for avoiding paper from spoiling: Again, don't hoard paper... buy only as much as you need for any particular period of time, you can always buy more. Break down full sheets immediately (unless you plan to use full sheets) and package them into as air tight of a container as you can find. Ditto for pads/blocks/sketchbooks. I store mine in plastic boxes with a clamping lid designed to store paper files for long term storage (found at office supply store) they hold up to 9x12 which is the largest I care to work with anyway. If I'm not actively painting on it it's in the box. Keep them in as climate controlled area as possible, and store them flat, not on edge. I too store mine under my bed, if I'm comfy it probably is too. One idea I think would do wonders but haven't tested personally is to vaccum seal them for long term storage. Another thought are silica beads, not sure where you would buy them (Amazon?) but they are designed to keep humidity from ruining products in storage and you have probably seen them in many products you have purchased. Suggestions for what to do when you have bad sizing: if you want to watercolor on it, not much. You might try a watercolor ground, although I don't care for any I've tried some people enjoy painting on them. Some watercolor artists purposefully remove most or all of the sizing by extended soaking prior to painting or stretching.. if nothing else this may even out the sizing avoiding the weird blotches and spots. Really unless you enjoy working on unsized paper you are better off repurposing it and buying some nice new paper. Personally I learn how a particular paper functions and it's a huge part of my enjoyment of the painting process... it's just not fun at all to be fighting paper. IMO paper is the #1 most important ingredient in watercolor.

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Good tips!

@providencevalleyfarm5270 9 месяцев назад

Thanks, this is good to know. I have two old Strathmore books that are definitely gone, but will be great for pastels. I love that little goldfish painting, is there a tutorial on him on any of your classes? My hubby raised goldfish and I would love to paint some for him.

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-tAwwCW84B-A.htmlsi=AVuSerYwLFBJUc1_

@TheSporkFactory 9 месяцев назад

Was heartbroken when it happened to my Arches hot pressed paper, replaced it and I was getting the speckles even on the new one. :s

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Oh no! Try the othe side of the sheet.

@TheSporkFactory 9 месяцев назад

@@thefrugalcrafter Oh, thank you. :D For some reason I never thought to do that, I suppose I was immediately disheartened seeing the same thing on new paper.

@LeoraLaGraffe 3 месяца назад

I’ve watched some videos about this and some artists try resizing by coating with two coats of unflavored gelatin. One artist recommended gum Arabic solution diluted down to 1 part to ten parts water, and brushed on. Might be worth trying on expensive watercolor paper you would rather not toss out. I use the gelatin myself and have been pleased with the results, although it is extra work and trouble to use.

@meridadiane 9 месяцев назад

Mérida Yucatan is very tropical and I lost the sizing on a 100% Cotton 11 x 14 block 😭 Now I know why ‼️🌧️

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Try gouache or pastel on it. Play!

@olderendirt 9 месяцев назад

Thanks, Lindsay. I knew nothing about paper sizing so this was very good information.

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Glad it was helpful!

@KarenLeanneCreates2024 9 месяцев назад

Thanks for the information! Question? What do you know about the Fabriano Artistico line? I have a few blocks in different sizes and textures.

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

I've used it for years but I prefer a harder sized paper like arches. It's good quality tho. Synthetic sizing I beleive.

@NelaDunato 9 месяцев назад

Fabriano Artistico is vegan-friendly. Most of the other famous brands of watercolor paper are not, because they use animal gelatin.

@KarenLeanneCreates2024 9 месяцев назад

@@thefrugalcrafter ok. Thanks!

@KarenLeanneCreates2024 9 месяцев назад

@@NelaDunato Thanks for the information!

@paigeme886 9 месяцев назад

Yes I have definitely experienced this & now don’t stock up on paper . May I ask, have you ever experienced watercolour pencils going ‘bad’ - perhaps feeling drier when drawn on the paper or not dissolving as readily?

@JC-il4or 9 месяцев назад

I have a set of inktense pencils that are old and they behave differently (less soluble) than the newer ones. This could simply be newer formulations, tho. Since some pigments are organic, it would follow that extremes in temp and moisture could affect them. Some of my supplies have been tortured, and still keep working well... others get re-purposed, as Lindsay suggests.😊

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

I haven't and I still have derwent watercolor pencils from the 1990s!

@waymire01 9 месяцев назад

I've had both watercolor and traditional pencils go off when they haven't been used in a long time. I find snapping off the point and resharpening usually fixes it. I think the core dries out when exposed to air for a long time.

@paigeme886 9 месяцев назад

@@waymire01 thank you!!

@paigeme886 9 месяцев назад

@@JC-il4or thank you so much! I have many supplies that are years old and still fine ( watercolour pencils and traditional pencils), but I have one set and not sure if something is up with them or not- they must be at least 7,years old I think. I have older pencils that are fine! I need to order some open stock to compare I think. I’m a little upset to say the least!

@w.vangaal1077 8 месяцев назад

I have seen those dots in some od my coloring books and that is how I figured out they are not sized. but when it comes to coloring books it doesn't mean you can't use watercolor pencils or watercolors...less water more patience 😅 But my first coloring books turned yellow and the paper bleeds through horribly.. I suspect they weren't printed on acid free paper.. so they live in the back of the cupboard as a reminder.

@jennw6809 8 месяцев назад

I had some super old 100% cotton postcards (Strathmore & a euro brand -- from the 80s!) stored in my damp garage for many years.... I got brown spots, but the paper still painted surprisingly well. Sizing can be gelatin or a vegan starch. These would have probably been gelatin, perhaps it lasted long due to that? Arches uses gelatin.

@thefrugalcrafter 8 месяцев назад

Could be

@lozantoninocreations 9 месяцев назад

I was wondering about seizing when Becky Tregear has issues recently. I didn't understand what it was, as I don't do a lot with watercolor, although I do have some sketchbooks that are with eventual plans to use. I've always bought in bulk or ahead as most supplies I have last for years, so I buy when I'm able to and didn't realise some papers go bad. My house is temp controlled though, but I also don't have the higher quality stuff, so I'm more likely to have issues I guess. As a water colour novice, I'd probably blame my lack of skill and not realise if it was paper that's the issue and then probably say the medium isn't for me.

@SMBDesigns 9 месяцев назад

Hi Lindsey! What acrylic paint is behind you? Do you recommend them?

@thefrugalcrafter 9 месяцев назад

Royalsnd Langnickle essentials. They are decent for most projects but if I want to do a painting I prefer golden open because they behave more like oils.