How to Stretch Watercolor Paper

[@B1N4RYGH0ST]

I've been painting with watercolors for about 25 years. We were taught to soak the paper for 30 minutes. I have a tip for you. Get some acrylic varnish and put it on your board and allow it to dry, this will prevent water soaking into your board. Wood also buckles when soaked with water. If you can, get some Gum Strip. The Post Offices around the world used to use this to wrap parcels, this will secure your watercolor paper to your board. When you've finished painting, allow it to dry, then use a No: 12 brush and soak the gum strip, once it's soaked through, it will be quite easy to remove from the board, you may need to give it another coating of water before taken it off the watercolour paper, and this will leave you with a clean white border around your painting. Peace.

[@starrynight5207]

wow thats nice of you

[@paintspirationsunlimited]

Soaking the paper in the water for too long is a bad practice: Weakens the paper because the sizing from the paper making applied is dispersed in the water and the paint applied becomes duller. it slowly turns into a blotting paper or a kitchen paper towel. If you ever pay attention to papers fresh off without being stretched, colors tend to stay on top because surface sizing is maintained this way

[@Huedant]

OMG I BOUGHT SO MANY WATERCOLOUR PAPERS AND EVERYTIME I USED THEM IT STARTED WARPING SO I THOUGHT THE PAPER WAS BAD...i didnt even know this was a thing i wasted so much money on different watercolor papers

[@Feverm00n]

Hahahaha oh man. Art is a journey! Maybe the upside is at least now you have a bunch of varieties of paper? If you have finished pieces that are all warpy there are ways to flatten completed works! Thanks for sharing this, it gave me a grin.

[@stevesidare2493]

The paper tape isn't acid free nor is the glue used. Best to cut painting out to avoid having acid on the paper.

[@elspoko]

i buy Blick stuff on a regular basis (Looking for what I should get for watercolor and inking papers). It would be incredibly awesome if in the description hyperlinks to the products used.

[@silverfoxxy7]

@aguarino87 To get the deckled edge back, you can skip the part where she makes the border (or draw one much closer to the edge of the tape). Once you're finished painting and everything is dry, you can use a tear bar or a heavy metal ruler to re-tear the paper, right up to the edge of your paint. Be sure to turn the paper face-down & measure before tearing. This will give you the deckled edges again. Does that help?

[@fluffandstuff6089]

What if I will be painting in my sketchbook?

[@Blick_Art]

+Nat Catty Unfortunately, in that case you will not be able to stretch the paper completely. To help prevent wrinkling, make sure you sketchbook has heavy weight paper or watercolor paper in it. It is also helpful to use Bulldog Clips: www.dickblick.com/products/x-acto-bulldog-clips/ to hold the right/loose side or at the top and bottom. These clips would act the same way the tape does in the video and prevent the paper from stretching and shrinking as much.

[@MySpace662]

You don't stretch the paper, bur keep the paper from stretching and warping. Applying Glycerine to the back of the paper before taping solves this problem.

[@Zistheone2]

For some reason it doesn’t stick to the paper and the sides that are touching it constantly warp whenever it dries. Right now I’m using a white melamine board with a slightly sanded surface, & I’ve tried turning the board around and laying it down flat after applying the tape. I’ve also tried rubbing my fingers on the tape, using a dry sponge to soak up the excess water along the edges of the paper, adding extra layers of tape (as well as masking tape and duct tape), and playing around with the amount of water I apply to the tape since I’m using a damp sponge & I’m not sure if I’m adding too much or not enough. However, none of these solutions seem to be working either. The only other thing that I think could be causing this is that, at times, I don't completely place the tape on the paper after I water it since I draw the borderlines on my paper before I soak it and I'm trying to have the tape line up with them exactly. Do you think this could be the cause, or could it possibly be something else?

[@Blick_Art]

Zistheone2 Hello! Our first thought is that the melamine surface is not allowing the tape to form a strong bond. We would recommend using a wood panel/board, like the one shown in the video or a piece of Gatorfoam Board. This is going to grip the tape better. The second thing would be to error on the side of not using enough water. It is very easy to over wet the tape, especially when you are applying it to wet paper. Try wetting the paper, lay dry tape on the board and then wet it through the back with your sponge. This should help limit the water the tape is exposed to. For any additional questions, you can reach Blick Product Information at 1-800-933-2542 or [e-mail].

[@hyperskygirl]

what do you use for a board is it plywood?

[@onestopplus1]

I'm going to have to try this I use 140lb Montval by Canson it warps badly because I use a wet on wet technique.

[@homoisshortforhomeowner9829]

what board can i get for this? doesnt wood warp? does it need to be a nonporous (absorbent, unlike plastic) suface? and also if i use something like Binder clips or paper clips will that work

[@Blick_Art]

+homo is short for homeowner Grafix Incredible Art Board is the perfect solution! If you have additional questions, you can reach Blick Product Information at 1-800-933-2542 or [e-mail]. Thanks!

[@Blick_Art]

@aguarino87 The heavier weight (thicker) paper you use, the less chance of it buckliing.

[@montygemma]

I've tried everything. I soak the paper well, I have tried dampening the board , staples every 2 inches loads of things. Always the results are hit and miss. I sometimes think I have got it right and use the same paper, same process on the next piece and it's a disaster. Always the same problem, the paper pulling away from the gumstrip tape usually on one side. Using 200lb from now on.

[@yayoineko]

If a sponge is used on gummed tape, you could end up wiping off the gummy part and the tape will no longer be able to stick. A light spritz of water from a spray bottle will work better.

[@Blick_Art]

Great tip, thanks!

[@giancarpio7236]

Can I use a wood base paper like Daler Rowney 200gsm Finegrain drawing paper with this method or will it be ruined? Can I use masking tape instead of gum tape?

[@Blick_Art]

+Gian Carpio Yes, you can stretch wood based papers as well. It will also help prevent buckling or warping. You may find though that you need to either soak it longer or for a shorter period of time. As for the tape, Masking Tape will not work as the adhesive will not stick to the wet paper. If you tape the paper down while dry, not a true stretch, you can use masking tape. Otherwise, use a gummed tape that is activated with water for the best results. If you have additional questions, you can reach Blick Product Information at 1-800-933-2542 or [e-mail]. Thanks!

[@kennyjamespromovideo]

I just tried for the first time to use gum tape to stretch my 140 LB watercolor paper. The process was disastrous. After the paper dried it still buckled and when it was time to remove the tape, it stuck to the paper. I had to keep wetting it to un stick it. It was a sticky mess. Any suggestions?

[@Blick_Art]

+Kenny James The gummed tape does need water to actually remove it, so many artists simply cut the watercolor paper to remove the tape, or stretch the paper by stapling it instead of taping. However, since you’re still having issues with buckling, you may also wish to consider a 300 lb paper or using watercolor blocks, as these options do not require stretching to keep the paper from buckling. For any additional questions, you can reach Blick Product Information at 1-800-933-2542 or [e-mail]. Thanks!

[@IlluminatedLIfe]

I loved this thank you for sharing!

[@stevecollins5228]

I want a table like that

[@catherinelevison3310]

Yellow Frog tape on a board works great for me. No more buckles and I don’t ever pre-wet my paper. It’s going to get wet.

[@DaynamiteM]

Do you have to use gummed tape? Are there other alternatives? Like idk masking tape?

[@Blick_Art]

***** Gummed tape works best because it is water activated which is convenient since your paper is wet as well. It can also be easily removed by rewetting the tape. Masking tape and other ready to stick tape will not create a strong bond with the wet paper. If you can get it to work, it will not remove easily from the finished artwork. For any additional questions, you can reach Blick Product Information at 1-800-933-2542 or [e-mail]. Thanks!

[@PhoenxFire]

Thanks. Now to find a piece of wood to stretch my paper on!

[@milicamasalovic9381]

Ok so 3 questions. First for the taping surface, is it ok to use thicker cardboard and not wood ? As for the second one I heard you should lossen the tape by taping it on your clothes first so the glue won't be as firm and that should prevent the tape from ripping the paper. Is that true ? And is it ok to use the crepe tape ?

[@Blick_Art]

+ Milica Masalovic We would not recommend using cardboard because over time wettingthe surface will break down your board and make it unusable. The best product we have seen that watercolorists love is called Gatorfoam Board. Also, cardboard is generally not a smooth surface and can cause unwanted ripples in your paper, which can be unappealing. What tape you use is a preference, we would recommend trying a couple different types to see what is most successful for you (Kraft paper tape, masking tape, or painters tape). We do not recommend using Crepe tape; it is not compatible for watercolor. De-tacking tape with clothing lint works for other projects but not for watercolor.

[@milicamasalovic9381]

Thank you for answering my questions :)

[@yvettestephan6816]

I have trouble removing the paper tape. It rips my paper, even though it's heavy. Can you give more instructions on this problem ?

[@yvettestephan6816]

And yes, I did aply water several times to try to loosen it up.

[@Blick_Art]

+Yvette Stephan This tends to happen if you start by loosening the corner that is on the board instead of the paper. We suggest starting with a corner that is on the paper and then peeling it towards the edge. If you have additional questions, you can reach Blick Product Information at 1-800-933-2542 or [e-mail]. Thanks!

[@inthediamondsky]

Yvette Stephan USE A HAIRDRYER. I had that problem too. And then I used a hairdryer. And then BAM. That was that.

[@yvettestephan6816]

AbnormallyYours Thank you, I will try if that works !

[@aguarino87]

So there's no way to get flat paper without taping it down like that? I hate taping the paper, I don't want a border around my work, I want to paint right off the deckled edges.

[@astrobubbers]

Where does one get these stretching boards? Cant find

[@Blick_Art]

We carry American Easel Wood Painting Boards, which are recommended for this application: www.dickblick.com/products/american-easel-wood-painting-boards/

[@gayan4307]

Could you do a video of removing the gum tape as well?

[@Blick_Art]

+Ga Yan We will make sure to forward this to the right team! Thanks!

[@FelineSamantha]

I have a question. I sketched my art directly on the watercolor paper before I wet or taped it. Will the pencil bleed or smear if I wet it?

[@Blick_Art]

***** Hello! The pencil should not move as long as you did not use a watersoluble graphite. Avoid wiping any excess water off the surface, instead blot or pat with a paper towel. If it does move or travel, it should be removable with a kneaded eraser. If you would like additional assistance, please feel welcome to contact our Product Information team at 1-800-933-2542

[@FelineSamantha]

Blick Art Materials Videos Thanks so much for the information! ^-^

[@kathyc68]

I was wondering the same thing, I've already sketched out my drawing and was worried it would wash away.

[@brookemilkis4946]

Sometimes I find my tape lifts up on the inner part of the paper. I wet the tape with my sponge exactly like you did..did I wet it too much or not enough? Hmm

[@Blick_Art]

+Brooke Milkis Another technique to try is to wet your tape just as Hillary wets the paper in this video - by dipping it inwater. Sponging one side can lend a curl to the tape, and wetting the whole strip on both sides usually alleviates this. Just let the excess water drip off, and then use a cloth or paper towel to remove excess water from the back of the tape as you smooth it onto the edge of the paper. If you have additional questions, you can reach Blick Product Information at 1-800-933-2542 or [e-mail]. Thanks!

[@yvonneferguson9757]

@@Blick_Art she doesn't dip the tape in water....she sponges the glue side, puts it on the paper, then sponges the other side. i had to rewatch the video after i read this reply as I thought i had mis-remembered what she did

[@billclarke4129]

I got the gummed paper strips and soaked my paper but is my board wrong? I used an old kitchen cupboard door, kind of laminated finish, maybe the door is too waterproof? Should i use wood or what?

[@Blick_Art]

+Bill Clarke The cupboard should work, but the varnish may be too slick and not allowing the tape to properly grip the surface. Before you go out and get a different board, try using a little sand paper on the cupboard just to break the varnish up a little and see if the works better for you. If you have additional questions, you can reach Blick Product Information at 1-800-933-2542 or [e-mail]. Thanks!

[@TheMad106]

My tape is buckling only on the watercolor paper but sticks well to the board. Very frustrating. what am I doing wrong? I tried having the sponge wet but not dripping and I also tried it just moist enough. Is the watercolor paper too wet and absorbing the glue?

[@normanparsons2044]

That gummy mounting paper is a mess. I use multiple staples.

[@Blick_Art]

+Norman Parsons Staples are completely acceptable and many artists also use that method. If you don’t want holes in the edge of your paper, you might consider the Guerrilla Painter Watercolorboard. If you have questions, you can reach Blick Product Information at 1-800-933-2542 or [e-mail]. Thanks!

[@youtubepasserby8339]

Interesting...

[@zackm8399]

I hate that we lose that surface area away because of tape…

[@Blick_Art]

It's definitely a sacrifice, but if you really want to keep your paper flat without mounting it permanently to a board, taping the edges is a very effective solution. Some artists trade up to extra-heavy watercolor paper that only needs to be lightly tacked to a work surface, and that allows for working all the way to the edges, as long as you aren't really saturating it.

[@rdjhardy]

Cheers!

[@lucillefemine]

What is pilling? Is that when the paint sits on top and just runs?

[@Blick_Art]

+Lucille Femine ”Pilling” is when the first layer or two of paper peels up and produces little balls of wet paper. This occurs when there is not enough sizing in the paper or the fibers in the paper are shorter because of it containing recycled paper pulp. Paint sitting on the surface occurs when there is too much sizing in the paper and it has lessened its natural absorbent qualities. If you have additional questions, you can reach Blick Product Information at 1-800-933-2542 or [e-mail]. Thanks!

[@Kirstin7258]

You said soak the paper evenly but did not say how to know when the paper would be soaked appropriately. Then, when trying to say how to get the tape off after drying, you said to wet the back, but gave no instruction how to wet the back when the back was already adhered to the watercolor paper, as that is where we were asked to stick it at the beginning...! So I'm having difficulty following this video.

[@Blick_Art]

There are a lot of variables depending on the paper used. The heaviest weight, most heavily sized papers may need a longer soak to wet them internally, while others need only to be lightly moistened. If you watch how the paper responds, you should be able to tell when it's ready to mount. In this tutorial, wetting the back of the tape means wetting the side facing out, not the adhesive face that is attached to the paper. Hope this helps!

[@PrincessCadence2012]

ok.. the gummed craft tape DOSENT WORK!!! all it does is come loose.. and dosent stick right.. and dont say i used poor quality cus it cost me six bucks a role.. stick with plain old drafting tape.. it wont damage the paper and is cheeper

[@starrynight5207]

lmao why does she sound like shes gonna cry