Can you stretch watercolor paper? Yes, you can, and it’s a vital step for many watercolor artists to prevent buckling and create a smooth surface for painting. This guide will delve into the essential techniques of paper stretching techniques for watercolor, ensuring your watercolor paper preparation is top-notch. By mastering these methods, you’ll effectively prevent buckling watercolor and achieve a professional finish on your artwork, especially when working with wet paper watercolor.
Image Source: images.squarespace-cdn.com
Why Stretch Watercolor Paper?
Watercolor paper, especially lighter weights, has a tendency to expand when wet and contract as it dries. This causes the paper to warp, wrinkle, or “buckle.” For artists who enjoy using washes, wet-on-wet techniques, or multiple layers of paint, a stretched surface is almost essential. Stretching the paper taut before you begin painting provides a stable foundation, ensuring your paper remains flat throughout the creative process. This stability is crucial for controlling the flow of water and pigment, allowing for delicate glazes and crisp edges. Prevent buckling watercolor is the primary goal, and stretching is the most effective way to achieve it.
The Impact of Water on Paper
When water is applied to cellulose fibers (the building blocks of paper), it causes them to swell. As the water evaporates, the fibers shrink. If this expansion and contraction happen unevenly, or if the paper is not supported, the differential tension creates the characteristic ripples and waves seen in buckled watercolor paper. Lighter weight papers (below 140lb/300gsm) are much more susceptible to this phenomenon. Even heavier papers can buckle under very wet conditions or with aggressive scrubbing.
Benefits of a Stretched Surface
- Flatness: The most significant benefit is a consistently flat surface for painting. This allows for precise control over your brushwork, especially when applying washes, lifting color, or creating fine details.
- Reduced Buckling: As mentioned, it significantly minimizes or eliminates buckling.
- Easier Workability: A taut surface makes it easier to blend colors smoothly and apply multiple layers without the paper distorting.
- Professional Finish: A flat, unblemished surface contributes to the overall professional appearance of your finished watercolor painting.
When to Stretch Watercolor Paper
Stretching is generally recommended for lighter weight papers (under 140lb/300gsm) or when you anticipate using significant amounts of water, such as with large washes, wet-on-wet techniques, or multiple glazes. If you are using heavy, high-quality watercolor paper (like 300lb/640gsm or heavier) and are only applying small amounts of water or using drier techniques, you might be able to get away without stretching. However, even with heavy papers, stretching can ensure an absolutely pristine surface.
Paper Weights and Stretching
- Lightweight Papers (e.g., 70lb/150gsm, 90lb/200gsm): Almost always require stretching for any significant water use.
- Medium Weight Papers (e.g., 140lb/300gsm): Often benefit from stretching, especially for wet techniques.
- Heavyweight Papers (e.g., 200lb/425gsm, 300lb/640gsm): May not strictly need stretching for many techniques, but it guarantees flatness.
Essential Paper Stretching Techniques
There are several reliable methods for stretching watercolor paper. The most common and effective involve using water and some form of adhesive or support to keep the paper taut during the drying process. We’ll explore the most popular mounting watercolor paper methods.
Method 1: Stretching with Tape (The Most Common)
This is arguably the most popular and accessible paper stretching techniques for many artists. It involves taping your watercolor paper preparation to a rigid board.
Materials Needed:
- Watercolor paper
- A rigid board (e.g., a piece of plywood, Gatorboard, foam core board, or a drawing board) that is slightly larger than your paper.
- Artist’s tape or gummed paper tape (also known as kraft tape or linen tape). Gummed tape is generally preferred as it adheres better when wet.
- A sponge or clean cloth
- Water
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Prepare Your Board: Ensure your board is clean and dry. If using a wooden board, it’s a good idea to seal it with a waterproof varnish or a few layers of acrylic medium to prevent it from warping itself. Let it dry completely.
- Soak the Paper: The first crucial step is soaking watercolor paper. Submerge your sheet of watercolor paper in a clean sink, bathtub, or a large shallow tray filled with clean, cool water. Let it soak for about 5-10 minutes, or until it is thoroughly saturated and limp. Handle it gently to avoid tearing.
- Drain Excess Water: Carefully lift the paper from the water, supporting its weight. Let the excess water drip off for a few seconds. Avoid wringing or stretching the wet paper by hand.
- Position the Paper: Lay the wet paper flat on your prepared board. Smooth out any large wrinkles or air bubbles by gently running your hands or a clean sponge from the center outwards.
- Tape the Edges: This is where the tape paper for watercolor comes in. Cut strips of your gummed tape or artist’s tape. Wet the gummed tape thoroughly with a sponge or by dipping it in water. Apply the tape along the edges of the paper, overlapping slightly onto the board. Press firmly to ensure a good seal. If using artist’s tape, ensure it adheres well to both the paper and the board. The key to stretching watercolor paper with tape is to create a continuous, airtight seal around the entire perimeter.
- Smooth and Secure: Once all edges are taped, use your sponge or a clean cloth to gently smooth down the tape, pressing out any air pockets and ensuring maximum adhesion. Pay extra attention to the corners.
- Drying Process: Let the taped paper dry completely, either by air-drying or using a fan on a cool setting. Do not use heat, as this can cause uneven drying and lead to buckling. As the paper dries, it will shrink and tighten, becoming taut like a drum. This is the essence of stretching watercolor paper with tape.
- Painting: Once completely dry, your paper is stretched and ready for painting. You can remove the tape carefully after your painting is finished and dry, or you can paint right up to the taped edge. Removing the tape can sometimes lift a small amount of paper or leave a slight edge, so be mindful.
Tips for Tape Stretching:
- Gummed Tape is King: For a secure stretch, gummed paper tape is superior. It activates with water and creates a very strong bond.
- Patience is Key: Allow ample time for the paper to dry completely. Rushing this process will defeat the purpose of stretching.
- Cleanliness: Ensure your hands, board, and water are clean to avoid transferring any dirt or stains to your paper.
- Overlapping Tape: Ensure sufficient overlap of tape onto the board for a good seal.
Method 2: Stretching with a Stapler and Board
This is another effective method, particularly if you have a heavy-duty stapler. It offers a strong hold, ensuring the paper stays taut.
Materials Needed:
- Watercolor paper
- A rigid board (e.g., plywood, foam core board) slightly larger than your paper.
- Heavy-duty staple gun and staples
- A large shallow tray or sink for soaking
- Sponge or clean cloth
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Prepare the Board: Ensure your board is clean and dry.
- Soak the Paper: Submerge the paper in water for 5-10 minutes until saturated.
- Drain Excess Water: Carefully lift the paper, letting excess water drip off.
- Position the Paper: Lay the wet paper flat on your board. Smooth out any major wrinkles.
- Staple the Edges: This is the core of this mounting methods watercolor. Start by placing a staple in the middle of one edge, pulling the paper taut as you do. Then, move to the opposite side and pull the paper similarly taut before stapling. Continue this process, working from the center outwards on all four sides, stapling every 1-2 inches. Ensure the paper is stretched evenly in all directions.
- Drying: Allow the paper to dry completely. The staples will hold the paper taut as it shrinks.
- Painting: Once dry, the paper is ready. You can carefully remove the staples later if desired, or paint around them.
Considerations for Stapling:
- Damage: Staples can leave small holes, which might be undesirable if you plan to paint very close to the edges or remove them later.
- Board Damage: Be aware that stapling can damage foam core or softer boards.
Method 3: The Spline Method (For Advanced Users)
This method uses wooden splines or dowels and a special stretching frame. It’s more involved but provides an excellent, even stretch.
Materials Needed:
- Watercolor paper
- A wooden stretching frame (can be purchased or made)
- Wooden splines or thin dowels that fit into the frame’s groove
- A mallet or hammer
- Water
- Sponge
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Prepare the Frame: Ensure your stretching frame is clean and dry.
- Soak the Paper: Soak the paper thoroughly in water.
- Drain and Position: Carefully lift the paper, drain excess water, and lay it flat on a clean surface.
- Insert Splines: Place a spline along one edge of the paper. Carefully fold the edge of the paper over the spline.
- Fit into Frame: Gently press the spline, with the paper folded around it, into the groove of the stretching frame. Use a mallet to tap the spline securely into place. Work your way along one side, ensuring the paper is taut and wrinkle-free.
- Repeat: Repeat the process for the opposite side, pulling the paper taut. Then, do the same for the remaining two sides, ensuring even tension across the entire surface. This method requires careful, even pulling to achieve the best result for paper for wet wash.
- Drying: Allow the paper to dry completely. The frame and splines will keep it perfectly flat.
- Painting: Once dry, your paper is ready for painting.
Advantages of the Spline Method:
- Superior Flatness: Achieves an exceptionally flat and even surface.
- No Adhesives: Avoids tape or staples, which can sometimes interfere with the paper’s surface.
Method 4: Watercolor Paper Preparation with Gummed Tape and a Flat Surface
This is a variation of the tape method but focuses on using a very flat, non-porous surface like glass or a Formica countertop.
Materials Needed:
- Watercolor paper
- A very flat, smooth surface (glass, Formica)
- Gummed paper tape
- Sponge
- Water
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Soak the Paper: Soak the paper in water for 5-10 minutes.
- Drain and Lay: Carefully lift the paper, drain excess water, and lay it flat on your smooth surface.
- Smooth Out: Gently smooth out any wrinkles or air bubbles by hand or with a damp sponge.
- Tape: Wet gummed tape and carefully apply it around the entire perimeter of the paper, pressing it firmly onto the smooth surface.
- Drying: Allow the paper to dry completely. As it dries, it will pull away from the smooth surface as it tightens.
- Remove: Once dry, gently peel the paper away from the surface. The tape will remain attached to the paper’s edges.
Benefits of this Method:
- Clean Edge: The tape is less likely to damage the paper’s surface when removed because it’s adhered to a non-porous material.
- Simple: Requires no additional boards.
Watercolor Paper Preparation for Specific Techniques
Certain watercolor techniques demand a perfectly flat surface. For example, if you’re aiming for a smooth, even wash across a large area, any buckling will disrupt the flow of paint and create an uneven finish.
Preparing Paper for a Large Wash
When preparing paper for wet wash techniques, stretching is paramount.
- Choose Heavy Paper: Opt for at least 140lb/300gsm paper, but 300lb/640gsm is ideal.
- Thorough Stretching: Use one of the methods described above, ensuring the paper is pulled very taut. The tape method is usually sufficient.
- Pre-wetting (Optional but Recommended): Some artists also pre-wet the stretched paper with a clean spray of water before applying their wash. This ensures the paper is uniformly damp and receptive to the paint.
Preparing Paper for Detailed Work
While not always strictly necessary, a stretched surface can also be beneficial for detailed work, especially if you’re layering glazes or using masking fluid. A flat surface prevents the paper from warping, which could cause your fine lines or masked areas to distort.
Mounting Watercolor Paper and Alternative Methods
While stretching is about tension, mounting watercolor paper can also refer to adhering it to a permanent backing for framing or display.
Mounting on Matboard
For finished pieces, mounting on acid-free matboard provides support and prevents future warping once the painting is complete. This is typically done after the painting is finished and dry.
Mounting with Spray Adhesive
Some artists use acid-free spray adhesive to adhere their dry painting to a board. This provides a flat surface but is not a stretching technique itself. It’s more for presentation and preservation.
Using a Watercolor Block
Many paper manufacturers sell watercolor blocks. These are pads of watercolor paper where the sheets are glued together on all four sides. This provides a pre-stretched surface, and you can paint directly on the top sheet. Once you finish painting and it dries, the tension of the drying paper pulls the painting flat. You then use a palette knife to lift the finished painting off the block, ready for the next sheet. This is a convenient way to avoid manual stretching, especially for smaller works or for those who prefer not to deal with the process.
Troubleshooting and Tips
- Uneven Drying: If you notice uneven drying, try to ensure good air circulation around your artwork. Avoid placing it near a heat source or in direct sunlight.
- Tape Not Sticking: Make sure the tape is applied to clean, dry paper edges. If the paper is still too wet when taping, the tape may not adhere well.
- Buckling Still Occurs: If you still experience some buckling, you might need to use heavier paper, more robust tape (like gummed tape), or ensure you are pulling the paper tighter during the stretching process.
- Removing Tape: When removing tape, pull it slowly and at a low angle away from your painting to minimize the risk of lifting the paper surface.
- Re-stretching: If a painting has buckled significantly, you might be able to re-stretch it once dry by re-wetting it and re-taping/stapling it to a board. However, results can vary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do I always need to stretch my watercolor paper?
A1: No, not always. If you are using very heavy watercolor paper (300lb/640gsm or more) and are not planning on using a lot of water or wet techniques, you might be able to skip stretching. However, for lighter papers or when using extensive washes, stretching is highly recommended to prevent buckling watercolor.
Q2: What is the best tape to use for stretching watercolor paper?
A2: Gummed paper tape (also known as kraft tape or linen tape) is generally considered the best. It adheres strongly when moistened and creates a very secure bond. Artist’s tape can also work, but it may not hold as securely, especially with very wet paper.
Q3: Can I use regular Scotch tape?
A3: It is not recommended to use regular Scotch tape. It is not designed for this purpose and will likely not adhere well to wet paper or hold the tension needed for stretching. It may also leave a sticky residue or damage the paper.
Q4: How long does it take for stretched paper to dry?
A4: Drying time varies depending on humidity, temperature, and airflow. It can take anywhere from a few hours to overnight. The key is to let it dry completely until the paper is taut and feels dry to the touch.
Q5: What happens if I don’t stretch my paper?
A5: If you don’t stretch your paper and use a lot of water, the paper will likely expand, contract unevenly, and buckle, creating wrinkles and waves on your painting surface. This can make smooth washes difficult and may affect the final appearance of your artwork.
Q6: Can I stretch watercolor paper that has already been painted on?
A6: While it’s possible to try and re-stretch paper that has buckled after painting, it’s not always successful. The paper fibers have already undergone stress and may not respond well to re-tensioning. It’s best to stretch the paper before you start painting to achieve the best results and prevent buckling watercolor.
Q7: What is the difference between stretching and mounting watercolor paper?
A7: Stretching is a process of making the paper taut before painting to prevent buckling. Mounting typically refers to adhering a dry painting to a rigid backing, often for framing or display purposes. They serve different functions in the watercolor process.
By mastering these paper stretching techniques, you’ll significantly improve the quality and ease of your watercolor painting experience. Proper watercolor paper preparation is a fundamental skill that pays dividends in the flatness and professional finish of your artwork, especially when dealing with wet paper watercolor applications.