My existential art crisis averted... What is Watercolor Paper Sizing & How To Identify Bad Sizing

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[@jonisolis9645]

I read somewhere online that watercolor papers have a limited shelf life and one should try to use up their supply of water within a year's time or the sizing could go bad.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Interesting! That probably deserves some more research!

[@adadavis6388]

Anyway we can tell before hand? Had no idea Arches could do this. Thanks heaps. 💕

[@rachelparkervarner]

Unfortunately not that I know of

[@Metal_momma]

I had no idea this could even happen! I’ve never heard anyone talk about it. Thank you for pointing out how to recognize it!

[@rachelparkervarner]

I'm glad it was helpful!

[@GaPeach2018]

Who knew! Now that’s not something that ever would have occurred to me. Very good tip.

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank goodness it doesn't happen a lot!

[@irismaguire]

This is very helpful info. Thanks for making this video.

[@rachelparkervarner]

I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@viviandibrell849]

Excellent! Love the info. And your style!

[@rachelparkervarner]

Much appreciated!

[@Marcblur]

Arches has really changed over the past few years. For a little while, they had moved manufacture to China, and then back to France. Since moving back to France, the paper is not as good as it used to be. For gouache, it ends up streaky if you work thin and the pigment tends to sink in too much. Maybe if I try a coat of gelatin sizing, it might fix it. We'll see.

[@rachelparkervarner]

I know, it's SO sad, it's not what it used to be. It used to be SO amazing. But it's still good. Why is it so hard to find good cold press? I wouldn't mind paying extra money if someone would do it right.

[@dbald8]

Maybe try a little paint on the back of the paper or another sheet from the same pad and spray it and see what happens

[@rachelparkervarner]

Yes, that might work!

[@joys4524]

Thank you, Rachel. Is there a way we can resize the paper ourselves?

[@rachelparkervarner]

I think so. I've never done it bit there are KZbin videos about how to do it if I remember correctly

[@LeighaLeighton]

So pretty 😍

[@rachelparkervarner]

Thank you!! 😊

[@kathleengwalker]

Do you have a video how to paint loose. Peacocks??

[@rachelparkervarner]

Are you talking about the peacock I just finished?

[@meridadiane]

Can you tell somehow before you start painting if it has appropriate sizing?

[@rachelparkervarner]

Not that I know of unfortunately

[@PaintAndDrawTogether]

Yes. If you wet the paper with clear water, let it soak in, and then wet it again, the paper that has week sizing will start to look darker at the hills of the fiber and quickly soak in the water. If the sizing is particularly week, the water can even pass through on the opposite side of the paper as small darker dots. Once it dries it returns back to white, however such paper will cause difficulties in painting. This could be fixed with a 15 seconds paper soak and stretch in gelatin + lukewarm water solution, which could be repeated if needed. I hope it helps.

[@TranquilityinArt]

What is that brush your using please?

[@rachelparkervarner]

It's one of my favorite brushes, and cheap and generic to boot! It's a bamboo calligraphy brush - LOVE them!

[@nerdnam]

Why no captions?

[@rachelparkervarner]

Not sure why they're not working on this video.