How to Stretch Watercolor Paper

[@sisterkerry]

You have to love Australians. There is a bleedin' bush fire going on, but she calmly goes about doing her watercolour tutorial...and then peeks outside!

[@orieldel]

Hi Louise, I was taught the same method that you use about 40 years ago. But I had a problem when it came time to remove the finished painting. I used to cut the painting off as you do, then I had to soak off the build up of watercolour paper, until I hit on this idea. once the art work was finished and had dried overnight or longer, using a brush the same width as the glued tape, I carefully wet the tape without letting it run onto my art work. Depending on the weather it usually takes one or two soakings before the tape just lifts off. Of course there is a smear of glue on the edge, which doesn't affect the work at all. Then I make sure I wash the glue off the board as well, if not I found any new soaked art paper would stick to the board, and was very hard to remove. We all have our on way of doing things, but this way has worked for me. Thanks for your beautifully explained tutorials, I have learnt so much from them. 😊

[@Ladycrafty6]

This tutorial was amazing and your instructions were easy to understand and follow! This video is 4 yrs old but one of the best ones I’ve come across as a new watercolorist! If you see this thank you!❤

[@elizabeth7557]

Thank you for this, Louise. Your videos are always so well done. I love how you break everything done to its simplest elements. The method of stretching that you demonstrate is exactly what I was taught years ago in a watercolor class. It's a pain, but it works -- every time. I have flattened buckled paintings after they are finished with this process: 1. Generously wet back of painting with a large brush. 2. Lay painting face down (wet side up) on a flat surface impervious to water. 3. Cover painting with a sheet of blank watercolor paper. 4. Weight the painting (whole surface) with heavy books, and let dry for a day or more. This process works with various weights of paper, and the result is as flat as if the painting had been stretched. I like this method because it doesn't use heat. Thanks again for the wonderful videos. :)

[@glennmorrison7595]

In college we soaked the watercolor paper and then stretched it onto a wooden frame like canvas using a stapler to hold the folded edges and leaving about a 2 inch space all the way around. It worked very well. I did this in 1981. After college the art stores have said they've never heard of this. I really enjoy your videos and have relearned a lot that I forgot or never learned. You are my mentor. Thank you. Dawn Morrison, AL USA

[@pamelasusanne22]

Hi Dawn. I was wondering what you mean by “leaving a 2” space all the way around”. Where do you leave the space?

[@andyhattingwatercolourartist]

Hi Louise. I am from South Africa, and have been painting watercolour for a number of years. I started with bockingford 300gsm, but of late, I have used fabriano and Arches 300gsm. I paint large paintings, about 500 x 700 (more or less} and HAVE to stretch the paper well for this. I also soak the large sheet in water for about 5 minutes, and then I use four rubber strips of about 6 or 7 millimetres which i hammer into slots and which i cut in the sides of a large shutter-ply board which i sealed with a catalyzed finish. I use a rubber or wooden mallet for the hammering process. I buy the round rubber strips from oil seal companies, as this is used in the automotive industry. I will be happy to take some pics of my board and method, if you think it may help your subscribers. Regards. Andy Hatting

[@annalenekemp9494]

Hi Andy, can you show me please @katjiepiering_gallery

[@cr3416]

Pics please!

[@andyhattingwatercolourartist]

Ok. Will send pics tomorrow with the demo video

[@AshB_Watercolors]

Very interested in this….

[@mohammadsani9900]

6o

[@jojomojo651]

I cut slots in a board then wet the paper lay it on the board then I use the rubber linings that people use to replace window screens and embed the paper into the cut slots using a screen tool to push the paper into the slots works great and the paper is extremely flat and taught great to paint on and never any buckles.

[@karensuesmith7588]

U need to make a video tutorial!

[@spacemanrick2014]

This sounds very interesting. I take it 1/8” (3.18mm) wide slots by how deep? I might prepare a sealed wood board with these slots as I have the screening tool and extra bead somewhere.

[@don9133]

I have been painting for quite a while, and every time I visit Louise's site I learn something new.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Don! That's good to know. 😊

[@cherylberry1613]

Me too Don. Such fantastic skill and talent!

[@lunakat5763]

Same here😊

[@kimberleesublett]

When you say your using A4 paper, what does that mean?

[@Jenny_5309]

Don McNevin lol lol Lł

[@fischcakesgirl]

My husband made me several boards from Marine ply. They are lightweight, very strong and water-proof/resistant. no need to size the board (he also made me a couple of baking boards for needing dough, also with marine ply) totally amazing.

[@lisacurtis8162]

that's so sweet. smart idea

[@nereida116]

Here in the South USA, quality Marine Plywood is really expensive.

[@taunusspatz]

So far this is the best tutorial about the 'secrets' of stretching paper I found on youtube! I just took a long look into your website and I think your teaching experience and your professional way of showing your workflow makes the difference to other videos. But the most important is your passion for watercolours and nature which shows in every single painting!!! I wish you all possible success and fun in the everlasting watercolour journey - happy painting, Thomas (taunus spatz).

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you very much Thomas. This is lovely message.

[@taunusspatz]

@@LouiseDeMasi you are very welcome. I wish you a good start into a creative and inspiring week :-)

[@lydiabosley9152]

Wow, I had no idea that there was so much preparation necessary! It never would have occurred to me that the sheet of paper is literally soaked in water before all the taping and tacking down - amazing!

[@cragraven8949]

I'm reminded of an old friend who never used to bother stretching paper - she always said it was too tricky to do and was never very successful with the techniques. Even so, her paintings were always wonderfully flat. I once asked her how she manged to keep them flat without stretching, and she replied - 'I iron my paintings. It's cotton paper - you can iron cotton.' ... She apparently just used to protect the front with a piece of tissue paper, turn the painting over, and iron it over the back, just enough to flatten it. SO I am absolutely NOT recommending this method, but it amused me so much when she told me... :)

[@ruthballard1550]

Wonderful. I thought about ironing my buckled sheets too, but am too scared of burn marks!

[@ConniePullella]

Ironing works great! I do that too!

[@pirjoraila4605]

I iron my watercolors from the reverse side. I lay the painting right side down on my ironing board, spray the back side and iron with cotton settings sliding the iron all time. If I press on one place too long it can leave an indentation from the iron. Never had any burning on the paper.

[@BHiggins-p9u]

This was an amazing video! I am a rather young artist, and all of my watercolor paintings are bowed and crinkled horribly. However, thanks to you, I now I have method for stretching future paintings without having to look at them completed and despair at their warping. Thank you so much! This is such a blessing!

[@brodouglasop]

This is the best tutorial / explanation of how to & why to stretch. Many thanks!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks very much Douglas.

[@jennifermceachern7424]

I used to stretch my paper using all sorts of techniques. Now a days i simply tape it down using painters masking tape no pre soak and it works a treat. Even if it buckles while wet (which it doesn’t) it dries flat.

[@thealetree]

I'm just getting into watercolor with zero experience (done film photo and graphic design, digital animation), I'm fascinated by watercolor and the procedures/techniques, coming from a digital career. The UI is the world, the tools are infinitely malleable, the techniques are myriad... I'm seeing how this is so much more nuanced and next (previous? superior?) level, and that digital expression was only ever an approximation or abstraction of well-worn techniques. Also, holy sheesh... Louises's voice and delivery... 🫠 Thank you so very much for this awesome channel!

[@tanyahunter7320]

Beautifully presented tutorial. Thanks for sharing !❤😊

[@Sassyart_studio]

You are such a sweet lady...your voice is so sweet...love you work💝

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Ayesha. ❤️

[@tomsmith8641]

You're so quick to judge people. And based on a KZbin video for God's sake! That's so horrible, I feel sorry for those around you you've judged poorly, I hope they know how little it means.

[@jm-ux2yn]

@@tomsmith8641 it says more about you that you started ranting at someone for a sincere compliment lol

[@tomsmith8641]

@@jm-ux2yn There was no ranting, just a observation. Thanks for the feedback though, it means a lot.

[@lisaprentiss8599]

I love your videos so much. I just had a painting buckle quite a bit. I was able to get it back to perfect by gently wetting the back of the entire paper, placing it inside of a larger pad of watercolor paper.. Then placing that on a flat surface. I placed a wide drawing board on top and two heavy stones on top of that. I let it sit over night and the next day it was dry and perfectly flat again. I was concerned it would affect the painting negatively but it didn't at all. I'm very happy with how easy it was. 🎨 Happy painting 🎨

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks for the information Lisa. I might have a practice doing that with some of my earlier paintings. 💜

[@lisaprentiss8599]

@@LouiseDeMasi I was surprised how well it worked... The paper was like new again. No lumps at all :) Thank you for all of your tips and information... You inspire me! 😊

[@awendaawenda8011]

Did you try ironing it with a clean, dry dish towel on top of it?

[@koolkutz7]

That's the method I used when I used some Winsor&Newton watercolour paper recently. It wasn't even a really wet-in-wet technique but it still buckled badly as I hadn't stretched it beforehand so I wet the back, placed it on a board, put a pile of heavy books on top, left it overnight and now it's totally flat :-)

[@pdrobbins2725]

wow I love that you showed your beautiful paintings.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you! 😊

[@jeannemartens4210]

Ohmygoodness!! Please be safe and may God watch over your family and home. Thank you for sharing during this difficult time. I’m in love with your giraffes.. I was a giraffe docent for a bit. They are similar in some ways to a horse and a dog. We had this one, Hodari, he stole my keys off me, he dropped them in the animal exhibit next to us which was the wolf’s den. Their noses are the softest thing you’ll ever touch💕🦒 . Thank you for making your videos available to us to learn.

[@maryalgar8779]

Thank you for your thorough instruction on paper-stretching. Hope the bush fire is not putting you in danger.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks Mary. We're ok where we are. ❤️

[@sandisloan7003]

Thank you for taking the time to explain all these important steps...your so wonderful and we all love you

[@karenann1768]

I use a wide brush to wet the back side of my paper, then lay it down on my board, and wet the front side. I do make sure to brush gently so I don't disturb the sizing. Then I staple it in place. When the paper is dry I tape the sides going over the staples. For me, soaking the paper sometimes removes too much sizing. Maybe I'm doing something wrong. Also different paper is sized differently. This method works for me. Great video. Thank you!

[@pattyscotter2077]

I stretch wc paper this way also!

[@g.k.g.k.6417]

I do the same when using large scale papers. Small ones I soak BEIEFLY in water. I use staples too, the gummed tape got on my nerves.... 😂

[@annewatman677]

This is helpful for me. I want to try stretching my paper, and I’m not selling mine so this seems a lot easier (and I’m lazy!). Thanks!

[@snarkleparkle]

Why do you bother taping once your paper is dry?

[@parsleybrain]

Louise, I recently learned that the paper on the glued blocks isn't actually pre-stretched paper. It's just glued all around and it'll buckle. I think it will flaten after painting better than the unglued or unstretched paper.

[@margmcgill1645]

Love the giraffes behind you. Love your videos.

[@TheArtfulAddict]

Im still new to watercolor and have so much to learn. It looks like I'm in the right place. This is the 2nd video I've seen and I appreciate your clear instruction so much that I'm now a new subscriber!

[@cherylberry1613]

Your way of preparing the watercolor paper is almost exactly what I was taught at university. We used a bass wood board that was big enough to do a full sheet of Arches watercolor paper. We soaked in warm water for half an hour then using the gummed tape (like your white tape you had to wet first) we tape down the paper and let dry. I still do this today when I paint. Now when our paper was dry we would use a large cutter to cut into whatever size we needed. This is where we part paths because we would re-tape the stretched paper to the size bassboard we needed using the glue backed tape. Then we were ready to paint. I like the idea of how you used multiple tapes and staples. I enjoyed watching this video. I will try your taping technique. Thank you for sharing.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

My pleasure Cheryl. Thank you for letting me know how you do it.

[@agggienice]

I truly enjoyed your well-done video tutorial. I have never stretched my watercolor paper. When I have any buckling afterwards I lay it flat , place a clean paper and a rigid board over the finished work, and lay heavy books on top and leave it alone for a few days and it flattens out to my satisfaction. Hope this is helpful . Your art is exceptional!! Thank you for sharing.

[@emilyhill7622]

I do the same only I wet the back first. I wonder though if stretching will help the painting process.

[@trustinyeshua5966]

This is one of the BEST Art channels on KZbin... Fantastic.. Thank You!

[@carolsalisbury3452]

best demo on correctly stretching water. She's very thorough....works perfectly

[@jm-ux2yn]

it's super helpful to see the entire process explained down to every detail, thank you for sharing!

[@mollypbfitz]

Thank you so much for the detail you go into for learners. It is incredibly helpful. I too love the way you paint and am now am going through all your videos (I've seen many) and join Patreon in the summer. You are professionally trained but it would be fun to see your early work because it encourages people like myself - it lets them know that they can get where they want to be. I suspect you don 't have any 'bad' paintings! Thank you again!!!!

[@edieh393]

Absolutely love your giraffe behind you. Just found your channel, I want to try water colors on small scales. Your voice is so soothing, and relaxing.

[@qasimjavaid4429]

This is my first time on your channel and I am amazed of how sweet you are I am a young artist and new into the art community you helped me out alot may the god bless you

[@brendalazellestephenson2319]

Thank you for your very detailed demo on how to stretch paper. I have been attaching my watercolour paintings to cradle wood panels which saves a lot of time and glass breakage from frames.

[@bagpipes978]

I stopped pursuing watercolour because I hate stretching the paper and it always buckled no matter what I did! But your video here shows me exactly what I was doing incorrectly! So away I go - back to trying to emulate your beautiful watercolour techniques and their results! Thank you very much for showing us exactly what to do. It was all very confusing throughout the usual online "resources."

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks very much Jennifer. I'm glad it helped.

[@suresh.karthikeyan]

Your paintings are out of this world !!!

[@alisonhendry2928]

So a year after watching this I am reporting that I have tried this method many times and am totally hooked on beautiful super flat paper!!! It is worth the effort.

[@KerryBroughton]

Thank you Louise l am learning so much from your tutorials. You are definitely right about the gum tape strangely sometimes it works perfectly then others it doesn’t.

[@sscotty48]

Hello Louise, Blick art supplies in the US sells watercolor boards.

[@diannadiatz1140]

I just discovered your channel. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers during the challenges of the bush fires. In addition, I will visualize unexpected rains quenching the fires. May you be blessed and protected from all danger. Best wishes, Dianna (Maryland, US)

[@AF-xt6xk]

I love your voice as well so soothing, I often feel sleepy and relaxed 😌

[@UriValdez]

Your paintings are truly amazing!

[@ArtistWizardry]

Thank you for showing us your process!! Great video. I hope you're all safe from the brush fire.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks Zarah. It's still smoky but we're safe. ❤️

[@MaryHeartsPogo]

This was so eye opening and helpful to me. Thank you! I also wondered if u could explain what u do with the gator board after cutting the painting off. In other words, how do u prepare it to be used again? I’m so grateful to have found your channel and Skillshare classes! Thank you for everything!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Hi Mary. When I cut off the paper I soak the board in water to remove the gummed tape and then it's ready to be reused.

[@dorothyanntalbert7070]

You are my favorite KZbin artist. I have recently become interested in watercolor. The medium that I am used to using is acrylic paints. I love your paintings and your techniques. Thank you for sharing your art and techniques.

[@Linda-kh6rl]

You or so calm wirh your artwork an your art is BEAUTIFUL ❤

[@amandasymon4363]

You did very well not to panic about the fire outside! I found this video to be very informative and helpful - thank you 🙏

[@gwenharrison6752]

Louise....can't say how much I enjoy your helpul instruction. Love your work....I have learned so much.

[@sherylpiche9878]

As a beginner, I tried several ways to stretch my paper. Time is valuable, and I'd rather paint than stretch paper. 😆 I have been painting for about 4 years now. I found that I can mist the back of a finished painting after it is dry, then weight it down with heavy books and such. The trouble I have pressing with this method is when I have larger paintings, I need a large surface and larger weights. I will be trying your method for my larger paintings. Thank you so much. I have never soaked my paper. Although I have seen the gummed tape method, I have never tried it. Thanks for all you do. Best wishes to you!

[@gusefulbeauty]

Wonderful tutorial! Thank you for being so generous and thorough!

[@marciakorda7181]

Excellent demo on stretching watercolor paper. One question I would appreciate hearing you answer is about how to determine size of your finished painting so that it can be matted and framed using "standard sized" mats and frames. Custom sizes are just too expensive. It makes sense to work backwards from size you want when finished, then add to that the white edge you cover with the washy tape so you get nice white boarder, then add width needed to be covered by the gummed tape and staples (that is eventually cut away). This should total the size of paper to soak/stretch, right?

[@laurakinsey4515]

I discovered that I can safely iron the painting. New to this so might be frowned on. But works for me!

[@afifaam]

Thank you for your advice I am happy that I chose watercolour medium to paint with and I have such good tutor to teach me

[@afifaam]

And it's you

[@anne-mariesassenak9204]

Thank you, Louise for doing this video seperate from the sunflower video! This video is so helpful and I'm sharing it with my beginning watercolor group.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

My pleasure Anne-Marie and thank you for sharing. ❤️

[@sherribk1]

God Bless you and keep you safe through the fires. I have seen a few videos on how to stretch paper after it's been painted, and I think it might be worth a try on something that was done long ago to test. Love your work!!! Thank you for the video.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Yes for sure Sherri. I'll try some of the different methods that people share here on KZbin. Thank you!

[@greenfoxart676]

Thank you so much for this video. Just like you, I struggle with getting my paper flat at times, as the tape fail me. Also, love your art and style. Such an inspiration. Hope you have a great day! :)

[@ZzulfadliNasir]

You deserved subscription from me, congrats for nice and informative videos

[@CarloS-dc9zm]

your contents are gems!

[@janemerves7682]

I agree about the block. Half the time mine buckled, so now I prefer sheets of paper.

[@shirleymaurer8031]

Louise, your information is invaluable. I appreciate the information regarding paper and weight of different papers for watercolor! All new information for me!

[@cathymikequimbyquimby7315]

Thanks for this information. Very helpful. Yikes that fire is too close. Be safe.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Cathy! ❤️

[@meetkaur1000]

Thank u louise for such a detailed information about stretching paper. I love your watercolour paintings .

[@miikeday5976]

Thanks for the nice, clear tutorial Louise! Beautiful watercolour work too!

[@Djbobo1260]

Gorgeous birds

[@paulinesagnol7108]

I belong to a few different watercolour groups on Facebook. As Louise demonstrated unstretched watercolour paper can and will buckle. What many off the artists recommend when this happens is one your painting is dry turn it over and thoroughly wet the back of the paper. Leave if for a few minutes to allow the water to soak in then turn it back over, protect the painting with a clean sheet of paper then place a heavy weight ( a couple of bricks covered in fabric works well) on top and leave for a couple of days until the paper is completely dry again. Viola..flat paper! In regard to the block paper buckling, I find it flattens out as it dries, but this could be that I don’t wet my paper as much as Louise does.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

I've heard that trick works well, but I prefer stretching my paper as the painting stays flat while I'm painting.Especially when painting wet on wet.

[@monsoongirlnyc]

Stay safe. I live in California, so I know a bit what it’s like. I hope the fires aren’t too near you. Smoke and ash are bad enough. Thanks for this video.

[@paulalbert3433]

Very clear and informative video on stretching watercolour paper

[@sharicarpenter3332]

Hi Louise, I’m a watercolor newbie and you are my inspiration. Your talent is awesome and I love every minute of the information you share. Thank you so much! I live in So. California and we are in constant threat of wildfire so my thoughts are with you and hope you, your loved ones and your home remain safe. Best wishes!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you very much Shari. What a beautiful compliment. I have seen the Californian fires on the news. They are devastating. It's the same over here now. The ground is so dry from lack of rain. You stay safe too. ❤️

[@patty8232]

My gosh a lot of work! However your paintings are stunningly beautiful...oh how I wish I could paint like that! Thank you! Love your videos and thank you for sharing with us. I have watched stretching videos before but haven't heard anyone in a long time talk about it.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you so much!

[@blkcat93]

You may have sourced the boards already but I found them at Art Supply Warehouse in Westminister California. Never tried them (as I'm a beginner) but perhaps if I get better I will. Your skillshare and you tube videos are very helpful indeed! thank you for sharing!

[@Fluffylilly22]

How refreshing to hear simple information delivered in an informative way! Thank you x

[@colleenlapinski3165]

Just tried this method!! Game changer!!! Thanks

[@sherrybyars4490]

I love your work. You are so inspiring.

[@carolynbailey8854]

Wonderful tutorial, please stay safe. I am in NSW and watching the news am horrified by the scope off these fires.

[@carolynbuchanan1245]

Great tips & very comprehensive. Watched it with boys over breakfast. Thx Louise 💙

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks Carolyn. Lol....I hope you had a yummy breakfast.

[@annewatman677]

This helped me a lot. I don’t know why I’ve resisted stretching paper for so long; maybe because it seemed like too much work, but it really isn’t. I’ve done two painting now on stretched paper, and it was so much nicer and easier. I already had gator board (I think I got mine at Menard’s or Home Depot.), and it’s not very expensive. If you are trying to decide whether or not to do this, just try it to see for yourself. I stretched mine for exactly 5 minutes, picked it up on one side to let the water drain off, then I laid it on the gator board, and then used a paper towel to sop up the extra water. So easy!!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

It is easy to do Anne. It takes no time and it makes for a much more pleasant painting experience. I do a few sheets at a time so they are ready for me when I want to paint.

[@peterdixon502]

Hi Louise always great videos, try Jackson’s for your board, great selection and London based.

[@MrsKravitzz]

So glad I found your videos. Very informative.

[@chriswright7608]

I had no idea you could stretch watercolour paper - thanks for the tutorial!! Excellent!

[@sharmilachakraverty6439]

Fantastic painting for your very first one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@maryalgar8779]

Re-watched this May 2022 as I think it's time for me to do a "serious" painting (I consider what I've done so far as practising). So I know I should stretch the paper and I will follow your method. I had a question, but I think from re-watching this video the answer is this: I can put my pencil outline/sketch on the unstretched paper before the paper gets soaked. I had feared the pencil marks would wash off, but it is clear the pencil marks you used did not wash off. So big thank you again for such a thorough video on paper stretching.

[@heidikaplan5110]

Thanks Louise! I’m looking forward to your upcoming tutorials! I’ve learned so much from you, and you have given me much inspiration. I’ve seen definitive progress with each subsequent painting.

[@6862211]

Great video! Thanks for sharing!

[@homeschooledaroundtheworld4660]

I hope you stay safe from the fire. Thank you for another great video!🌸

[@LouiseDeMasi]

My pleasure. We're safe here. Thank you!

[@Waterpopgifts]

I love how particular you are! I can always count on your instruction to be perfect

[@lindenjenesse5078]

You're so very thorough; thank you!

[@frances7885]

I always learn something new from your videos, thank you.

[@FuriedHearts]

OMG. The color green used at 18:39 in those leaves is absolutely spot on. Stunning. 😍 I would love to know what colors you used or mixed to achieve that color green. You are so talented.

[@heidikaplan5110]

Thanks for the advice Louise! I too think my paper was still damp, even though it didn’t feel like it was. I’ll try again for sure!

[@beedeewest]

Thank you for your informative tutorials. I am a beginner in water colour so have found your preparation and wash information very useful.

[@cactus1739]

Wow, i ever seen a 650gsm paper before... thanks for your teaching... teacher... have a nice day...

[@lindamarsh6711]

I’ve watched different videos and I like your ideas. I will try your technique and see how it goes. I’m a newbie! Thanks!

[@karensuesmith7588]

Thank you so much I learned a lot from your video ,being a newbie to watercolor 🙏🙏🙏🥰

[@susanjerrell9220]

Wow, do I appreciate this video. You answered every question l would have about stretching paper. Thank you so much! 💖

[@LouiseDeMasi]

That's great Susan. I'm glad. Thank you! 💕

[@francou.aquarelle]

Thank you Louise. This video will be very useful for me. Your videos are just perfect. Thanks again to share with us.

[@cherylbigger2806]

I have stretched and gummed my watercolour paper for years, but it always annoyed me having the tape still on the paper when I cut it off the board. Your idea of leaving extra area around the edge and then cutting all the gummed paper off is brilliant. Have not seen it done before, thank you. Love your style of painting as well, very inspiring. I live in the far north in tropical Queensland, and a big problem here is trying to keep your paper from deteriorating over time with the moisture in the air. (I don't have the luxury of air-con). Some time ago I bought on line a ten pack of very good quality A3 paper and now I find that it does not take washes or soaking evenly. Very disappointing. I will contact the manufacturer to see if there is any way of resizing. Will let you know.

[@ishwarsagar249]

Your work are so good .

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Ishwar!

[@susanmerila4958]

I watched your video on how you stretch your watercolor paper on gaterboard. Now I'd like to know how you clean up your gaterboard so that you can use it again. Also, when you cut the tape away, does it damage the gaterboard? How about damage from the holes from stapling? How many times can you re-use your gaterboard before you feel it is worn out? Gaterboard is fairly expensive, so I want it to last as long as possible! Thank you for your excellent, well thought out videos. I have been enjoying them for several years now. 😊