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Watercolor

Stretching Watercolor Paper

The first question you might be asking is why would you stretch watercolor paper?  While it is not totally necessary, stretching makes the surface of the paper lie flat and accept the paint without buckling.  For larger works, this is a big help, especially for heavy washes and large color applications.  Methods and materials vary, but there is surely a method that appeals to you and the way you approach your creative work.

Probably the most widely used stretching method is the taped edge technique.  You will need a smooth, clean board of something like tempered Masonite or a new drawing/stretching board.  This provides the type of surface against which the paper can lie until it is dry.  You will also need wide gummed tape, scissors and a razor knife or utility blade. 

Begin by thoroughly wetting your paper.  All papers but the very heaviest benefit from soaking and stretching.  The best place to soak the sheet is in a clean bathtub.  (Doing several at a time is good use of the prep necessary for the stretching process.)  Allow the paper to lie submerged in cool water until you can gently curl up a corner with little resistance.  Under-soaking the paper means it might have “a mind of its own” and stubbornly buckle.  If you over-soak a sheet, you run the risk of dislodging the sizing and changing the overall performance of the sheet. 

Once thoroughly wet, lift the sheet by one corner and allow excess water to run off.  Blot the surfaces (both front and back) with a clean sponge, removing additional excess moisture.  Lay the sheet out on your mounting board and smooth with your hands. 

Use unspliced lengths of moistened, gummed tape along all edges, gently pulling and smoothing the paper as you attach the tape.  If you place tape along a long edge first, make the opposing long length your second side attached.  Then continue with each of the short sides.  Set it aside and allow the paper to dry completely. 

Once the paper is bone dry, cut it from the board.  The gummed tape that remains on all edges of the paper can be trimmed away at any time in the future.  If you should attempt to pull it away, you can cause damage to the sheet.

Another method of stretching employs the use of common canvas stretcher bars.  Join the four pieces of the stretcher and soak the paper as described above.  The paper should be one inch larger on all sides than the stretcher bars.  Use one of two attachment methods.   Traditionalists use gummed tape, but a faster method is to use staples.  Staple the page along the outer edges of the stretchers.  It might help to lay the paper face down and then set the stretchers on top.  Stretching then involves lifting the edge and attaching to the outer perimeter of the bars. 

You can also mount watercolor paper to acid-free backing board with wheat starch.  It requires a bit more prep, but is a great way to insure a rigid work surface and no warping.  Soak your sheet and then allow it to dry almost completely.  Apply a layer of wheat starch to the back of the paper and set it on the backing.  Apply even pressure and give it time to dry.  Perfectly flat, unbuckled and eager for paint!

Copyright ARTtalk Vol. 17 No. 5 — March 2007