How to Stretch Watercolor Paper

[@shirleymccarthy3634]

THAT'S why I've sometimes had trouble with my tape lifting after 'stretching' my watercolour paper. This is the first time I have learnt that my tape was probably too wet. I so appreciate your careful and thorough explanations, both in this video and all of the other ones that I've seen so far. Thank you, this was really helpful.

[@rowenawallace5890]

I am so glad that you said that any weight paper including 100% cotton and blocks all buckle! I thought it was just my problem. From now on I will stretch all my paper. 😊

[@Jellybellycat]

Comments like these are so helpful for beginners. Thank you

[@mdesnica]

WHen I attended the newbie class for watercolorist, the teacher said that we should just tape the paper edges to prevent it to buckle. 😂, not exactly the truth.

[@wanderingtrainvlogs]

It would be great to see a video of you removing the painting from the board after it’s done!

[@62Baltus]

One just cuts it off wherever needed with a sharp knife, then removes the tape on the board with a wet cloth. No more magic or tricks than that

[@jimscanoe]

I look at your finished paintings and I know you know what you are talking about-thank you so much for sharing your years of experience.

[@barbarawalsh2674]

Great information. You are a terrific teacher, communicator and brilliant artist. Thank you for being so generous with your talent.

[@trishwoods]

Thank you so much for this demonstration! I am so thankful for how patient and thorough you are in showing how you stretch the paper and explain not only the process but the reasons for what you do. 🙂

[@CarolynPritchard-h8v]

I adore you. You are so practical and understand that it's just people you're teaching. Not the small elite class of the world. You're real. Not to mention quite handsome. Oh, did i mention that. ❤😅 thank you..

[@susanmerila4958]

Could you please make another video to show your method for removing your painting from the board? What clean up do you do of the board itself to have it ready for taping down your next painting?

[@kmf634]

He explains at about the 7 minute mark why he doesn’t worry about removing the paper.

[@62Baltus]

You just make the tape on the board wet and off it goes, after cutting along the paper edge. Maybe use a hairdryer to remove the moisture if you want to stretch another one right away

[@SKeyesPaints]

Thank you for this comprehensive tutorial. I agree with what others have said regarding your strength as a teacher. You have a calm and patient manner that has a strong impact. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@nancyvaladez5099]

I am sooooo glad I found you on KZbin. You have helped me so much with my painting. This was my biggest problem because I like working wet into wet and no one has explained stretching paper so well. Thanks for doing this. I have now watched all of your videos and they have all helped me. Thanks again!!!!!

[@predragdjokic3761]

Thank you so much Oliver for your time.Considering how much time it takes to make a video edit etc. it is really appritiated for every second you share with us.Also the painting you showed there is soooooo gorgeous that i can't explain 10/10.

[@johnpearson-phillips7464]

Hugely informative, describing things clearly. Thank you - top notch!!

[@LoisDavidsonArt]

Thanks Oliver, I remember doing something similar back in Art college in the late '70s! I'm about to move up from painting quarter sheets to half imperial sheets, so this was exactly what I needed to see. Really well explained and very helpful

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

You're welcome Lois. It's funny, several people have mentioned learning this in years gone by and I couldn't help thinking as I was making the video that it was a rather old-school technique. I find it so beneficial though and it makes life so much easier with the larger sizes. I think you'll really enjoy painting larger - it was a revelation for me; I found that I had far more freedom for larger brushstrokes (important for a detail freak like me!)

[@mattwj77]

@@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442 David Curtis describes precisely the method you use in his book, "The Landscape in Watercolor." Like you, he also points out how the paper gets so tight that it lifts slightly from the board and allows the brush to glide on the surface. Old school, but a good school! QUESTION: Does the 5 minute bath change the sizing at all? I would imagine some comes off in the bath water and allows pigments to go a bit deeper into the paper? Thanks!

[@jcsallen3]

WONDERFUL!!!! Question though..... after you complete your painting.... how do you get it out from under that tape???????

[@jeanninekalua9016]

He cuts it out, and leaves the tape as it will be hidden behind a mat.

[@lorrianedonald717]

Hi I have been considering giving watercolours a go for some time and find your explainations easy to understand. Now I realise I need a board!! So much to learn and practice, which means lots more video watching .I appreciate your work and videos.

[@MaxfieldMini]

Excellent instruction! Keep them coming 😁👍

[@appleknocker56]

I wish could stretch my paper but due to neck disability must paint smaller & do wet on wet but not near as heavy as you do! Amazing artist!

[@cathyharris6477]

I just found your channel and I absolutely love your work and your teaching. Thank you!!!

[@pq2667]

Oliver, thank you! You are a wonderful teacher. I so look forward to seeing every notification.

[@susanmalolepszy2135]

That was such a helpful tutorial! I had no idea how to stretch watercolor paper! But now I know thanks to Oliver! Thank you, so very helpful ❤

[@luckyhiker3434]

Oliver, that painting you showed as an example of why you stretch paper was really nice. I liked so much about it.

[@judylarkin1978]

Thank you Oliver! A very clear demo on paper stretching! So very helpful!

[@herzbabeworld]

I really like your painting, memorize me how beautiful of Sussex n UK

[@erinjohnson5754]

Thank you so much for demonstrating this process!

[@myrnalandersartist]

Best video that I've seen so far, for this subject! Thank you! 🙏

[@doloresdominguez5805]

Thank you very much Oliver, very useful. I love your paintings.

[@parsleybrain]

Like so many others I've often trouble with the tape lifting after stretching the paper. There are several steps I've never seen before and I'll give it a try for sure. Thanks for sharing your process. I love your work.

[@william123-asdf]

You are an excellent communicator, sir.

[@belindahall5220]

Again, Many thanks!! After viewing many tutorials on this subject, yours has inspired me to take the time and do it properly:) 👏 Kudos Ollie!

[@selftrue670]

What an absolutely beautiful painting, I must say! And thank you for the instruction.

[@anne-mariesassenak9204]

Great instructional video, thank you for making it. I usually use Arches 140# (300 gsm) CP, and soak mine for 20 minutes. I find I get better results for my style of painting over soaking it for only 5 minutes. Thank you very much for clearly stating that what you do is your preference and that it works for you and that there are other ways out there for other people. I really appreciate that as so many artists have been gatekeeping art lately, saying that there is only one true way to do something.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thanks Anne-Marie. I agree - I find the words 'right and wrong' should have very little to do with a creative endeavour. Much teaching today seems to be about creating clones that paint like 'me.' That shouldn't be the case - a good teacher should help you to paint your way. Individual expression is so important.

[@sharonsunshine2532]

Thank you so much. You are a great instructor. It now does not seem as intimadating as before.

[@ryanhenderson4868]

I literally stopped at 2:46 in because you said "don't do it 'cause I do it" haha. The blocks have been working great for me for now! Thank-you for that honest statement :)

[@clairemoore2753]

Thank you. I have 3 boards so I always have paper ready to paint on. I had had an issue with the brown tape not sticking properly, so your technique is helpful. I am a new (and left handed) painter and find your videos useful.

[@raymcerlean55]

Many thanks for this very useful video. I've watched many videos of other people stretching paper and myself have had mixed results. After leaving the paper to dry over night i find the gummed tape has not attached properly to the paper. One thing I have taken from your video is that you use heavy duty gum tape and that you dry the edge of the paper before you apply the tape. Please keep these wonderful videos going.

[@LuizCarlosBarbieuxOliveira]

Thank you for this useful explanation. You are amazing teacher.🙂

[@kristingoethals4330]

I had a problem with lifting tape, like many people in the reactions below it seems. I'll try drying the edges, the plastic tool, more tape on the board, and maybe another board (mine is melamine). Thank you so much Oliver !

[@caseystorm4999]

Extremely helpful guidance Olly thankyou. Absolutely adored your gallery painting of the river arun. We really are so fortunate to have such rich landscape around us. Take care.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Indeed Casey - it's hard not to find inspiration!

[@sardjonoangudi3282]

Terimakasih atas penjelasan yang rinci dan menarik. Salam dari Bandung

[@MaxfieldMini]

Sorry but this is my 2nd comment on this video. I'm imploring you to add more content if possible. Been bindgeing what you have available and really appreciate your precise and comprehensive instruction. You are greatly appreciated ~ Gail, Alabama, USA

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

more coming Gail......and thank you!

[@dianehill4019]

A great tutorial for stretching watercolor. Mine always seems sub par. Glad I ran into your channel.

[@elsagarciavega4333]

Allways Learning something interesting from you. Thank you very much.

[@jetteroheller6395]

Thank you very much for helping those of us who can be quite challenged by paper stretching.......you really helped me! May you and yours stay healthy and happy! Sending big hug!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thank you - and the same to you too

[@peckerdecker]

great artwork. thank you for explaining the stretching paper technique.

[@donnacarraway9182]

Thank you so much! Now I know that you are the real deal! I can’t tell you how many “teachers “ say that you don’t need to stretch paper on a block! I don’t know what they are using but for me even the blocks buckle! Thank you for making me feel like this job of stretching is actually worth it! Great on you! Love your videos!!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Definitely worth doing Donna. All the manufacturers tell you that it won't buckle, but it's simply not true if you are using watercolour in the way that I like to use it - lots of wet-into-wet washes and glazes. If you paint like the brilliant John Yardley, for example, then you might not find it buckles so much.

[@scout1672]

It also helps with seems to be sizing on the paper.

[@holigoil]

The best instruction videos.! Thank you so much Oliver you have helped refine my approach to painting in this medium.

[@veroniquequesnel76]

I am fond of your videos!!! Very clear, cool, and i love your style ! I am not a beginner any more... so i am starting to be able to experiment your top tips ! Like painting trees for example. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I am french, and living in Togo. I want to try to paint tropical trees more accurately. I just saw your videos about trees in winter/automn then in summer !!! 😊 Would you please think about a video showing tropical foliage, and meditterranean as well...???? Best wishes.

[@kmac2014]

Thanks Oliver. Very informative.

[@lindsaypearce5802]

It would be interesting to know the tape you are using

[@RobertHopkinsArt]

Your Castle/Boat painting is absolutely wonderful!

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thanks Robert

[@PointOWoodsgal]

I am new to watercolor and loved this straightforward explanation. I wonder if I can soak my paper and then lay it between sheets of blotting paper I use in printmaking to absorb some of the excess water. Clean, unused blotting paper of course. I'll have to experiment with that and see if I an find a happy spot that isn't too dry or too wet to work properly in eliminating buckling.

[@melindaavila498]

Thank you! I now know how important stretching is. I have used blocks, and been disappointed.

[@noramyshrall9700]

Thank you for your information I find it very helpful and you're awesome

[@paulsheldon9510]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge which is very helpful as I paint half sheets and boy do they get wet and I really don't want any more troughs!

[@Ron_DeForest]

I would love to see you do a series of videos if necessary on the full process you go through for a full painting including glazes, etc. don’t believe I’ve seen that.

[@michaeltalbot8242]

This is exelent advise apart from the use of gummed blocks do yo have any advice or ideas for a person wo has mobility issues I. E. The use of only one arm, when it comes to stretching paper, kindest regards mickT

[@Oscaro9928]

Great info for a beginner like myself….one question do you have a video of how you drew the picture of the river Aaron?

[@inafineart]

I'm so happy that I had found your channel ❤ ... so many helpful tips, thank you, Oliver. I have one question please: is it important on what kind of surface I stretch the paper? Can I use plexiglass too or is wood better, and if yes, why?

[@LisaZoe86]

Thank you for another very useful video!

[@shorezamani4617]

You are wonderful teacher

[@leojablonski2309]

Thank you for this excellent instruction.

[@maribelteklado7491]

Thank you for sharing. You have great tutorials.

[@johncitizen3361]

Great demo, thanks for the tips. I like the white border masking tape gives me for a quick sketch but yeah even a block buckles when I get it wet enough and a nice flat surface is much nicer to work on.

[@lindadudman1624]

Thank you again for a very clear helpful video 👍

[@elizabethsolart]

Thankyou Oliver, I'm going to try this technique to some paper I've got that buckles. I have to ask, How do you remove it without damaging the painting, or are you cutting the painting out with a blade? Thanks in advance ☺️

[@davidrogers3011]

Thanks for doing this. Very helpful. Much appreciated.🙂

[@johncowburn4444]

Looks easy the way you do it! Do you go round the edges with a razor to cut the painting out? And what do you do with the remaining paper on the board, leave it and paste over it with next painting or??

[@sherryburnett6088]

Going to give it a try. Thank you. Loved your finished painting you showed.

[@StuartwasDrinkell]

I got this wrong first time, missed your drying board edge trick. The tape lifted. Tried again and I must have missed a wet patch down one side. Luckily I had been keeping a watchful eye on my prepped board and caught it just in time as i noticed the tape growing an air pocket and rescued it by tightly binding masking tape all the way around my board like a belt. Phew! This langtons prestige paper makes me 😓 😬 nervous... i will follow your video to the letter next piece. Sorry I rambled, thanks Oliver.

[@jackiesterios1859]

Do you cut it off and does it come off when painting is dried

[@rebeccalyons1327]

Thank you.

[@betsyoglesartist]

Thank you for this demonstration. It was very helpful!

[@Rubbereyes]

Brilliant, thank you.

[@deevaknight8237]

Incredible artist

[@dianemcgregor6171]

Thanks!

[@63mona]

Wooow!!! Beautiful!!

[@carolannefisher1516]

Nicely done video, Oliver. One thing that you (and every other watercolorist I’ve seen discussing this topic) didn’t address - how do you get the tape off the board once you’ve cut the painting out?

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

It's not the subject of the video, but it's a good question nonetheless. You may have missed the recent video by my friend Edo Hannema on his channel......it specifically addresses this. Here's the linkkzbin.info/www/bejne/iHrQiqeIraqroNE

[@godivaaccioly1771]

Artista sensível, grande didata.

[@aesea57804]

The board should be smooth under the paper but there is all that residual tape left behind. When you are stretching different sizes of paper on the same board, what do you do so residue doesn’t interfere? Sand it?

[@rachelconnor2327]

This is really helpful, thank you. I stretch my paper, and my concern has been whether it’s ok to leave that edge of gummed paper on a finished painting if you’re going to frame it. I’ll stop worrying about it 😊. Also the ruler trick looks useful. I might try that too!

[@davidgreene3809]

Oliver, what a beautiful painting. Any chance you did a video while you were painting it?

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Thanks David - but not for this one

[@andrevandenheever6740]

If you have the patience for it I found that one can remove the tape afterwards by repeatedly wetting it with a brush until the water gets through to the glue. I found a soft brush cut at an angle with rather long hairs at a hardware store also helps not getting water onto the edge of the painting. When cutting the painting out I tend to leave a gap between the cut and the tape as Oliver said, since some of the glue tend to bleed through and glue the bottom of the paper to the board, so a 5 mm gap should be fine, I you don't over wet the tape like he shows.

[@gorway7]

I used to stretch a couple of boards at a time like that so I had one handy. If I was going out for the day to paint, I would stretch a sheet on either side of a lightweight ply board and fix a sheet of drawing paper on top with masking tape to protect the painting surfaces. I tend to only work on 1/8 or 1/4 sheets though and lately I only bother to stretch the 1/4 sheets.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

It's a good idea to have a couple ready Peter. I agree about the smaller sizes.....its not always 100% necessary.

[@yipyip2020yip]

Thank you~~ This is very helpful

[@mariaestelaconcha5800]

Muchas gracias!!! Muy útiles sugerencias para sujetar el papel!

[@Choedron]

Wondering if this is possible with the blue painter's tape as well. My paper buckles too, but I have always had a resistance to use that kind of tape, because it sticks to the paper following. I am going to do a test with the blue tape. It is easy to get off the paper following.

[@maggiedormer1208]

Such a useful channel. I’ve only recently started in watercolour so lots to learn. Quick question about boards. I use a sheet of acrylic (non porous) to tape my paper down onto. When stretching paper should it be taped to a porous surface? I’m concerned that it may not dry out properly on the acrylic sheet.

[@teresamitchell-banks2286]

Thank you🇨🇦

[@das_jez6453]

I'm at that age now where I even have to stretch before painting... Stretching paper has worked properly once in all the years I've been painting, keen to see if this technique works.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Haha! "Knees up, knees up!" Persevere with the technique - I've found that this is a very reliable way to get results, but don't despair if the it's not right on the money first time.......judging how wet the tapes need to be to soften the adhesive, but hold the paper firm is a bit of a balancing act.

[@pmkeith]

“drying off the edges before using the gummed tape”. Ah, ha, that is where I have been going wrong. Thanks. Plus I have had problems in the past getting decent gummed tape. Do you have a particular source? But my fundamental issues is a “hate, hate” relationship with all types of sticky tapes.

[@krismua1209]

Thank you!

[@m-k-g-w]

THANK YOU for talking about the board. You said it's ply board... what exactly is that? Thank you PS what size is it

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

9mm birch ply - I have them in various sizes for half sheet, full sheet sized paintings

[@ABWEndon]

Can you use a hairdryer to speed up the drying process once the paper's been taped down, or might that create problems? Thanks for the tutorial.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

I don't and I wouldn't recommend it. Just make sure you get some paper stretched the nights before and then it will dry overnight and you'll be ready to paint in the morning.

[@EdoHannema-Watercolour-Art]

I enjoyed it very much and learned something. even that I paint for 35 years! But to be honest I don't stretch a lot. But tomorrow I going too!

[@blackbearybears]

Do you clean the old gummy paper off the board? If so how? What thickness is the plywood board?

[@jhazell5180]

Hello Olly. Greetings from Canada! My connection with UK is me dad is a cockney. Love your vids and paintings. You have been very helpful to me. I greatly admire your work. Would be nice if your website gave a semi-detailed biography: but i do respect your privacy. QUESTIONS: I have never used a plywood board or taped my paper. Er go 1. Does the plywood need to be sealed with urethane? 2. My gummed paper tape is reinforced with fibres. Is that ok? 3. My first attempt at securing the paper to the (uncoated) plywood, i soaked the paper 5 minutes in scrubbed sink. If my paper tape is too wet, is that why my tape as it dried came off the board? Thanks again. You are the GO TO GUY for my beginner info and aspirations. Best regards and may you and yours be healthy. Cheers!

[@aeastman59]

thank you... I was wondering how you get the tape off the board after you cut the painting out... ?

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

I just scrape it off as it builds up every few months - a bit of a pain, but not as much as buckled paper imo.

[@jelly.1899]

Wonderful demonstration! Thanks a lot! I heard about someone wetting the outer side of the gummed tape with the sponge so that there is not so much water on the gum, only the the diffunding moisture. So you could maybe skip the drying of the paper with a paper towel. Thoughs? - maybe you could try it out sometime 😉

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Interesting. Yes, could work, but I'm happy with the consistency I get from lightly wetting the gummed side.

[@jelly.1899]

@@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442 yes definitely. The trick you used with the ruler, I tried it with a Stabilo pen, light pressure and the gum was already spilling out 😅 I will use only the pressure of my finger running down

[@morefiction3264]

This is great. I had tried to do this with staples and it worked.... but now I need a new board.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

They do work, but as you say their removal is a little problematic.

[@jennw6809]

The stapling method works great with Gatorboard, and when it's dry just loosen a corner and the whole thing will pull right up. (regular staples)

[@stevencowdell5201]

Well thank you ,just solved a problem that’s been bugging me. I’ve been having the tape stuck to the board but coming off the paper.

[@oliverpyle-ourlandscape4442]

Give it a go Steven - once you've nailed the technique I'm sure you'll find it really makes a difference.