How to Flatten Paper (Really EASY & QUICK)

[@VyvienneEaux]

Wow, that’s amazing! It’s hard to believe it works so well, and it’s clear that you know what you’re doing! Do you have any recommendations for a type of paper to use when doing multimedia art with watercolor and colored pencil?

[@TheDevonArtist]

hi, thank you very much. IFor multi-media art, I would possibly use a thicker watercolour paper. So instead of the usual 140gsm, I would go for more of the 300gsm ranges. I would also have it taped down as well. :-)

[@nonzerosum8943]

@@TheDevonArtist can you use any piece of Watercolor paper in first step of steps thus illuminate the " mounting card " that comes with a frame

[@TheDevonArtist]

@@nonzerosum8943 I would still personally use a mounting card stock for the internal part of the frame, to go over the edges of the watercolour. This to me will keep the watercolour from touching the glass, any condensation you get behind the glass, can damage the painting. 🤔

[@nonzerosum8943]

@@TheDevonArtist thanks 4 your reply

[@TheDevonArtist]

@@nonzerosum8943 You're welcome. 🙂

[@aijadawddaw]

This was great. I also tried to do some variation of the same thing. I used a stretching board, a heavy dictionary, a sheet of paper, a box of tools, 6. bullion gold bars, my neighbours jeep, a tablespoon of salt and a packet of post its. Worked a treat!

[@TheDevonArtist]

LOL, now that would be some weight on the paper, and if that doesn't flatten it, nothing will! 😁

[@janettepolt2815]

do u actually need a stretching board?

[@toni-tz6bt]

Top tip 👍I was waiting for a couple of wall bricks coming out at the end. Hehe

[@TheDevonArtist]

Next time maybe Toni! LOL Thank you for watching, Paul 🎨

[@hannahrose5739]

Not a painter, here , but can see how your instructions apply to adding watercolors to greeting cards. Also your musical-sounding voice with its lack of "um's" is a treat to listen to. I will come back when I need a break from harsh voices. :-)

[@TheDevonArtist]

That's very mind of you Hannah, thank you very much. 😊

[@michellewainer7419]

This works perfectly. It is amazing how the paper gets all dry and flat with stacks of books on it. Thank you!

[@TheDevonArtist]

You are so welcome Michelle, I'm glad this works for you. I need to do the same thing with another of my paintings today. Paul :-)

[@alandahlstrom7213]

This just randomly appeared today and although I am the furthest thing from an artist, I think this technique will be very useful. Also, regarding your painting - WOW! I have no particular interest in bird paintings, but found myself truly mesmerized by this one. You are an amazing artist and I subscribed just to see your other work.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you very much for subscribing Alan, that's very kind of you. 😊😊

[@Bearwithme560]

I've been doing this for ages, and it works beautifully.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you, I know some people do iron the paper as well, but not something I have tried and if I do would do so quite cautiously.

[@Bearwithme560]

@@TheDevonArtist Ironing worked well enough on slightly damp paper on low heat for me, but best just to wait a good long time under weight is probably safest: I.e. be patient.

[@scrapbagstudios]

This is basically how I do it and not just for watercolour work. Thanks for sharing

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you very much 😊

[@rosemarygilman8718]

Thank you, Paul. I had been trying to flatten my cockled paintings by puting them between the pages of a big book and then stacking heavy books on top of that. But even after leaving them for a few days the paintings would not be completely flat. I will try your method next time and I'm sure I will get better results!

[@TheDevonArtist]

You are very welcome Rosemary, an iron on a VERY low setting works as well. Try this on some cockled 'scrap' watercolour paper first, painting upside-down with a couple of sheets of printing paper over the top and then a tea-towel. Paul 🎨

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

Wow I would have never thought of wetting the back of the painting slightly to get those results. I usually just press between the stacks of things like you did without the water & sometimes it works. Thanks for sharing this little tip with us.

[@TheDevonArtist]

You're very welcome Colleen, remember to not soak the back of the painting too much, just lightly in order to soften it. 😊

[@jeannegow2144]

Thank you, Paul! I brush water on the back of the painting then put a cellophane a4 transparency on the back and another A4 size of thin absorbent softboard on the dry front...then put this sandwich in an old book...and more books on top.....when it's flat, I move it into a sandwich of 2 softboard sheets to dry out absolutely flat in the same book pile....I find the thick cellophane transparency holds the water longer, at first, and allows the paper time to smoothen itself out better under the weight of the books... works for me....thanks for all your wonderful tutorials🎨🖌️

[@TheDevonArtist]

What lovely advice Jeanne, thank you so much for sharing the way you prefer to flatten a painting as well. i do like the addition of the cellophane transparency as well. Paul 🎨

[@jalynefidler5613]

Thank you for showing how this is done! I appreciate learning from experienced artists! Your bird is lovely! ❤ Jalyne in Utah USA

[@TheDevonArtist]

You are so welcome Jalyne, thank you for watching, Paul 🎨

[@robinred1851]

It's the drying process I do the same with stamps after I've soaked them from the envelope. Works great. The only thing with stamps is you have to use a non-stick foil because there is always some glue rests left on the stamps.

[@TheDevonArtist]

I never knew you could do this with stamps Robin, a clever idea especially for those collectors out there. 😃

[@ideasareLIMITLESS]

WOW THANK YOU!!! !Just solved my problem! Spent two days on a painting that came out really well, but just started water colour so made the mistake of not stretching it as I thought the paper was thick enough not to buckle. This should definitely work.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Glad I could help with your paper issue. I have a painting from a couple of days ago that I need to do the same thing with. Have fun with those watercolours. 😀

[@merlinporterarts]

This is a brilliant technique and in a way its like reverse stretching paper. Stretch after not before and looks less hassle. Good for us plein air artists.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you for your kind words Merlin. 😊

[@watercoloradventures1995]

This was amazingly helpful and worked on my super super buckled paper thank you so much!!!!

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you very much, I'm glad my video has helped you with those wrinkly papers. 😁

[@spenny24950361]

Fantastic! Thank you.

[@TheDevonArtist]

You're very welcome. ☺️

[@kiwisunshine9631]

Fabulous tip! Many thanks for sharing! Love your Bird painting!

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thanks so much 😊

[@sharinglungs3226]

Great results and such a simple fix. Thanks.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you very much 😊

[@sharonsands708]

That looks like the most effective process I've seen or tried. Thank you. You are wonderful.

[@TheDevonArtist]

You are so welcome Sharon, thank you very much. Paul 🎨

[@chad4189]

Hey! Ive just started painting a week ago and some of ur videos helped me out real good! Thanks pal.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Great to hear Chad, I'm please I can be of some help to your learning process, keep going. 😀

[@kathleenwilkins4294]

Thanks I needed this. I want to peek in your painting box and see what's in there!

[@TheDevonArtist]

LOL, one day I will film it for you, however I have recently filmed my work space and most of the things I have within it. This is scheduled to be released on the 24th May so look out for it. 😀

[@Artsie2]

Paul thank you for your response I found a tape today made By Scotch. You may already know about it. it is called Scotch Blue / multipurpose painters tape. It works beautifully. It does not tear the paper off and it does not leak! 😅

[@TheDevonArtist]

I have heard of the Scotch tape but haven't tried it as yet, I will check it out though. It certainly sounds promising. 😀

[@moespana1]

Gracias por el video y por los subtitulos en español👏👏...con su consejo seguro que se solucionaran muchas acuarelas que de otra manera tendrían un triste final. No ouedo dejar de comentar que la acuarela del petirojo es peeciosa...realmente hermosa. Saludos desde España ☺️

[@TheDevonArtist]

Es hermoso decirlo, gracias. Siempre estoy aquí para ayudar con mis videos y continuaré filmándolos y agregándolos a los cientos que ya tenemos en KZbin. 😊

[@raymondlang]

After every painting I do, and has bad paper curl on edges, I simply paint the back of it with a well thinned down coat of my paint, As it dries, it pulls the curl back so the paper becomes very flexible. When dry I put a weight on it for an hour. I use Designers Gouache.

[@TheDevonArtist]

That's a good idea Raymond, thank you for suggesting it. This should work with watercolours as well. 👍

[@raymondlang]

@@TheDevonArtist Yes, as my gouache is more or less watercolour but more opaque..and more expensive damn it! Every painting I do has the corners of the paper curl up, as I never bother taping the art paper down. The paper then is very stiff and dry, but after painting the back, in a rough watered down coating, you can see the paper relaxing and straighten out. I use 300gsm paper..usually Fabriano NOT and sometimes HP surface. I paint from vintage Christmas cards from over 100 year old cards and postcards!!

[@TheDevonArtist]

@@raymondlang I can imagine it is more expensive, not something I don't often buy to be honest. Mind you, as you may know, I did record a little review on some gouache paints recently. bit.ly/39eGrBa This was just a little test I did, such lovely colours though. Paul 🎨

[@raymondlang]

@@TheDevonArtist Thanks Paul..will have a look. I usually buy the Winsor & Newton, or Daler Rowney brands on ebay or Amazon or online art shops. I did buy a box set of an unknown brand, quite cheap, and they were poor.

[@markfisher7962]

"Cockled" is a wonderful word for that type of problem! Not wrinkled, not warped...

[@TheDevonArtist]

It certainly it. 😊

[@karenleigh2786]

Thank you Paul that really helped....Your work is Gorgeous by the way...

[@TheDevonArtist]

That's very kind of you Karen, thank you. 😊

[@terrim2498]

Thank you for the information it looks like a very effective method. Also the bird painting is beautiful.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you very much Terri 😊

[@sayusayme7729]

Thank you

[@TheDevonArtist]

You are very welcome. ☺️

[@dallassukerkin6878]

Splendid stuff :) Artists have been taking a financial kicking for far too long considering the great talent they have, so it is good to see one putting their skills to use to make an excellent channel for we talentless ones to enjoy :D

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you very much for your kind comment. 😊

[@ShoshiPlatypus]

This is great. Must try it! Love your robin painting. I've just done one in coloured pencils.

[@TheDevonArtist]

I can imagine the CP work looks wonderful for this little Robin as a subject. 😊

[@lindawithers1917]

Beautiful work

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you Linda 😊

[@Newlinjim]

Thank you Sir, just what I needed to know.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Glad to help. Paul :-)

[@-theflea-4561]

Can’t wait to try this, just waiting for the photography book to arrive

[@TheDevonArtist]

Lol, thank you. 😊

[@craftykit2242]

Going to try this on a notebook that got wet, will update on how well it works I call paper like this “warbled” (mix of warped and wobble), i thought it was funny because at the start you’re painting a little bird

[@TheDevonArtist]

Give it a go and it will be interesting to hear how things went for you. I do like the made up word of 'Warbled' LOL.

[@ajungbara8464]

thank you very much sir. now all my artwork can be flattened 😊😊

[@TheDevonArtist]

Most welcome 😊

[@cmwHisArtist]

I just turn it upside down on something flat and iron it.

[@TheDevonArtist]

A lot of people do that as well, it's just not a method I've very had a go at. 😃

[@BrandonScottFox1]

Great vid!! Huge help!!! Thank you so much!!

[@TheDevonArtist]

I'm glad it helped Brandon. 😃

[@stephaniecarrow4898]

Excellent tip and amazing result ~ thank you!

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you Stephanie 😀

[@julianazhouchen3873]

This helped a lot thanks!

[@TheDevonArtist]

Glad it helped Juliana 😊

[@paulfogarty7724]

Many thanks, I'll try that. It's particularly annoying with a watercolour sketchbook - wavy pages ect.

[@TheDevonArtist]

I'm pleased to help Paul, thanks for checking out my video.

[@jeremydavidbrodbeck2454]

Thank u on my first really good waterpainting the buckled happened and I was totally worried about it. I'm not a watercolor artist my medium is oil paints so this was a tremendous help and can't thank u enough for making this video. My appreciation ✌🏻

[@TheDevonArtist]

Glad I could help Jeremy, it's just the way I do it. I know some others use a warm iron with the painting upside down sandwiched in-between a couple of pieces of paper. Not something I've tried, but I would test it out on some scrap watercolour paper first though, just in case...... 🤔

[@jeremydavidbrodbeck2454]

@@TheDevonArtist Thanks again ✌🏻

[@claudiaforrest6669]

Perfect and easy!

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you Claudia 😊

[@patti3d]

Thank you for that technique to flatten paper. I will use a modified version as I don't own those specific blocks you have. I also love your painting. I haven't painted a picture except trying out some mixing of colors, so I can put together a palette of 18 colors for mostly wildlife. So many beautiful colors to use! LOL

[@TheDevonArtist]

You are so welcome Patti. Enjoy your watercolours and do what I do 'play'! Playing and testing out your paints without aiming to complete a painting is a good way to try them out. Try my new video on here on painting an easy watercolour galaxy painting with your new colours bit.ly/3nOD1qB Vary your colours as well and as I said, have fun! Paul 🎨

[@patti3d]

@@TheDevonArtist thank you! Will do!

[@edwardgyu7990]

Cool cool cool, nice and sweet, sir, thank you!

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you, I'm glad it helps you. 😀

[@jorgedieguez7342]

Excellent as always.! I will love to watch some video from you about how to paint white fur..It is very difficult for me since I paint on white paper.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you so much Jorge. I do have a few videos on painting both black and white fur if it helps.. Here is a little playlist for you. bit.ly/3qPGc3G 😀

[@sherryleggett1612]

A great way to add weight to the back is a 25# bag of dry rice on top of the flat board.

[@TheDevonArtist]

That's a good idea, thank you Sherry. 😊

[@nigelperry8863]

I sandwich my painting between two pieces of paper, pop on a flat surface and use a warm iron, without any spraying, as the paper already has enough moisture. After ironing,, I put a cake cooling rack upside down on the paper and leave for an hour. Done.

[@TheDevonArtist]

That does sound like a good method, thank you for sharing. 😃

[@GradKat]

Beautiful painting!

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you so much 😀

[@journalologyandcoofficial]

I'm obsessed with the background wash you've created for this beautiful painting? Do you have a tutorial?

[@TheDevonArtist]

Hi, sadly not tutorial one as it was a rare personal painting. 😊 I do have a playlist for painting backgrounds though, so if it helps here if the link. EASY Watercolor Backgrounds: kzbin.info/aero/PLKn1cBFaLRAA9LiWelDMOPuO0CFe5NgOr

[@journalologyandcoofficial]

@TheDevonArtist Thankyou so much!🤗♥️

[@UnusualElan]

very useful tip, thank you

[@TheDevonArtist]

Glad it was helpful. 😊

[@patrickmcdaniel8123]

Jolly good. Thank you ducky.

[@TheDevonArtist]

You're welcome. 😊

[@chantalrochon3566]

Thank you for this information 😊

[@TheDevonArtist]

My pleasure 😊

[@debbielowrey]

Lovely painting too!

[@TheDevonArtist]

Awhh, thank you Debbie. :-)

[@AllensTrains]

You could use a flower press!

[@TheDevonArtist]

That's very true of you have one at hand. A good idea. 😊

[@bpark10001]

It is much safer to use a humidor rather then spraying water. Get tray larger then paper, fill 1/4 inch deep. Put elevated grid in. Put sheet of paper to be flattened on the grid above the water. Tightly cover the tray & let sit overnight. 100% humidity will form inside & paper will take up water without risking water color running. Remove paper & promptly put in press to dry.

[@TheDevonArtist]

What a lovely idea, thank you for letting us all know about that method. Fortunately I've never had a painting run using the method I use, as long I use at least 140lb paper. But I can see that by using humidity instead could be a better alternative. 😉

[@dmpierson13]

Greetings from SW Florida. I discovered your channel from a recommendation from Paul Clark, who suggested you for tips on feathers and fur, and I want to say your video's are the best and easiest to follow for animals and birds. (just finished the American Robin video). The tip to mark the edges of tape to realign the picture is fantastic! I also just tried your above technique and will check in about 5 hours how it turns out. Thank you for providing these free videos on youtube; will be checking your website tomorrow. Thanks again! Stay healthy & safe.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you so much for your very kind comment, so nice and positive words which I both love and keeps me producing many more videos for subscribers such as yourself here on KZbin. I do hope the painting comes out ok for you, Paul 🎨

[@MelanCholy2001]

Oh. Well that makes sense: I did this method but without the water (my paintings aren't warped, but have a curvature I haven't worked out yet). I just had boxes of college texts over sandwiched mat boards with the dry painting inside. For days. _They're super heavy texts!_ ...but I suppose that wouldn't affect a real flattening no matter how long they're under weight! Just checked: they can stand up on their own, but still have that curvature, so I'll try the water. Thx!

[@TheDevonArtist]

Hi Melan, thank you for the comment. Just remember to not use too much water so just a very light spray to dampen the back of the paper, plus don't move the artwork when you do this, you don't want the water going underneath to the painted side. Paul 🎨

[@Galbereth]

I have actually Ironed my Cockled paintings before - With teatowel above and below - But this is much Better! And safer for my fingers as well as the painting! I shall do this next time! Thank you 🖌️🎨

[@TheDevonArtist]

Glad it was helpful Galbereth, I've heard of using an iron but never tried it.

[@genevievedolan1288]

I have used a warm iron in the past, with a cloth above and below. It works pretty well and much faster.

[@janettepolt2815]

WOW! Beautiful job. I just wonder how does the water evaporate?

[@TheDevonArtist]

Hi Janette, it will just be to do with the temperature of the room plus the additional sheets of paper I place on each side of the painting. 😃

[@Galbereth]

Brilliant! Thank you very much!

[@TheDevonArtist]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😀

[@aidanhanson8749]

Dude your voice is great

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you Aidan, what a kind thing to say. Paul 😊

[@ShoshiPlatypus]

Really helpful tip! Thank you.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Glad it was helpful to you. 😊

[@sislertx]

I have this problem with some art worknthe grand kids did..thanks

[@TheDevonArtist]

Happy to help. 😊

[@rebeccalyons1327]

Thanks

[@TheDevonArtist]

You are very welcome Rebecca 😀

[@jocliff7387]

Great tip thanks

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you very much Jo. 😀

[@koolkutz7]

That technique seemed to work very well. I have plenty of heavy photography books that will do the job! Lovely Robin painting too.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you Steve! Paul 😊

[@sharit7970]

...and then my book..and then my board...and then my bowling ball...and then... Jk! Great tip...thanks for sharing!

[@TheDevonArtist]

LOL, exactly that Shari, get it flat. 😀

[@himmel-erdeundzuruck5682]

I would not have dared that for fear that the colour might start flowing again.

[@paulhopkinson9380]

I personally haven't experienced that problem Himmel. I can imagine it can also depend on the type and thickness of the watercolour paper. If you are unsure, trying testing this method out on some scrap watercolour paper you have used for testing your colours on, and see if this happens, before heading to your main painting. Paul 🎨

[@TheDevonArtist]

Oh, not forgetting that you can also thin it down a little, not too much though, otherwise it would soak into the paper.

[@carolforgues2519]

Great tip. 🥰

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you Carol :-)

[@kevinhardy8997]

That’s dank

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you Kevin 😊

[@TheDevonArtist]

Will you be using this method of flattening paper or do you have one of your own ways? Don't forget if you want a completely FREE, real-time video tutorial on painting a robin you need look no further - bit.ly/3mWUQ6k

[@jeanettecook1088]

I iron mine, then flatten with weights. Thanks for the ideas. 🎉

[@TheDevonArtist]

I've heard that methods works well Jeanette, thank you very much. 😀

[@Artsie2]

Do you have a video on how to paint the sun glow around an animal. That beautiful white or golden light it close around them I am trying to accomplish.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Ooh I haven't, but I know exactly what you mean, such as that beautiful evening glow photographers get around a subject. I've never tried that, but I would have thought it will be down to how wet the paper is, so how much the paint blends. Too wet, it will blend too much, so I would let the clean water soak in a little. Practice this on some scrap watercolour paper though. Paul 🎨

[@jeanettecarnell8933]

How about Bristal board..? Did a neat painting, but my home is so damp,my boards have bent.thought about putting heavy object on painting,but creates ,Crack s

[@TheDevonArtist]

I've never tried Bristol board, but it's worth a go with an old piece just for testing out the idea. 🤔

[@martink8080]

Is see where the two wooden boards spread the clamping force evenly over the whole surface of the painting but why the book and the empty paper pad and under the top board so that their contribution was not spread out. Was the tool box not heavy enough?

[@TheDevonArtist]

Hi Martin, there's no reason really other than putting as much weight as possible on the paper, but yes, my art box was a bit on the light side, plus I do prefer to go overboard, just use whatever you have got at hand. 😊

[@FreshSmog]

I suppose that similarly applies to wet books?

[@TheDevonArtist]

I've never tried this with books, but I can't see why not though, depending on the printer ink used and whether it is waterproof.

[@lilyotv9767]

Wish I knew this technique before - I tried to fix a buckled painting & made it worse!

[@TheDevonArtist]

There are other ways Lily, but I've found this one works really well, you just have to leave it overnight. 🙂

[@jennyc5132]

That was brilliant thanks so much

[@TheDevonArtist]

Glad you enjoyed it Jenny C 😀

[@nonzerosum8943]

@@TheDevonArtist how about using Elmer Extra Strength Glue stick and hinge art paper back side up to a cheap foam poster board (88c) water proof and spread glue all over foam board and lift up art paper straight up with one hand and with art brayer or hard squeegee slowly lower art paper & firmly squeegee the art 140lb watercolor paper to foam poster board. I never have had wrinkles or buckles avoiding water stretching.

[@TheDevonArtist]

@@nonzerosum8943 Thank you very much, not a method I've heard of or tried. 😀

[@nonzerosum8943]

@@TheDevonArtist thanks for reply. I also have used the elmers that comes in liquid form and spread out the glue making sure everything is covered. A cheap foam brush throw away works too. Didn’t mention it ...but I liked your video. Paolo

[@leerag]

Thank you. Just one question can i do this and not tear page out from pad

[@TheDevonArtist]

You probably could, but you will need to place a sheet of thick acid free paper between the painting and the new sheet underneath, just to be sure.

[@margaritasilva708]

Marvelous tip!!! Thank you! 👏🏼

[@TheDevonArtist]

Glad it was helpful Margarita 😁

[@emanCipator77578]

Thank you so much, this is a beautiful advice ! I was just wondering, would this work with acrylic painting ?

[@TheDevonArtist]

Hi ad_07, to be honest with you, I don't honestly know as I don't work with acrylics. Maybe some of my subscribers here may have the answer? I would have thought it may cause the paint to crack, with it drying to a non-soluble state once a painting has been completed. Watercolour is basically coloured water (sort of), so it mostly dries within the surface of the paper. Hope this helps, Paul 🎨

[@mintyhobbit]

What would you consider acid free paper? Could you use grocery items like wax paper or tin foil instead?

[@TheDevonArtist]

Hi Rebecca, to be honest I've never tried those items. Acid free paper is always labelled as such when you buy art products. I would be interested in the results, if you do try the other options. Paul 🎨

[@leahcalabro2787]

Thankyou! I'm fairly new to watercolour. Can I use this method as a substitute to stretching? 🙌🙂

[@TheDevonArtist]

Hi Leah, sadly not really, You will need to dampen or wet the paper first and tack it flat to a board whilst wet, leaving it to dry. This method is really for a painting that ends up a little warped, and for me works well. Below is a link to a video I've made on stretching watercolour paper, just my own way of course. Paul☺ bit.ly/3QK8d8X

[@leahcalabro2787]

@@TheDevonArtist Thankyou kindly.

[@creativecolours2022]

The easiest faster and safest way to flatten your papers is by ironing them. And it is done as following. Place a bed sheet folded in four on a flat mosaic or marble, cement or similar floor. Not on tiles and not any expensive parquet. Or on a marble table, thick glass table, metal or something similar that it can't be destroyed by heat. Then take the iron, remove the water from its tank ( if it is a steam iron) set it on medium temperature and wait for the iron to heat and dry. ( if it is a steam iron press the spray button a couple of times to empty this in advance too). Then place the painting face down, spray the back of the paper lightly, wait a few seconds for the water to penetrate the paper and then iron the paper starting from the middle and going to the edges. Press it down hard until the papers dries completely and flattens, ( that is the reason why you iron on a hard surface) and that is all. Ironing flattens all kind of papers and on top of that removes all kind of humidity from the paper and sterilizes it from any kind of thing that can harm the paper. Mold spores or whatever it might have. Just pay attention to start with medium temperature depending on the iron you have. Start the first time with low temperature and increase it in order to figure out what is the best temperature for ironing papers with your appliance. You can iron and flatten your papers even in between painting sessions if the paper buckles a lot. Let the paint dry, iron it and start again. Papers can withstand heat and don't forget that HP papers are actually pressed into hot cylinders. Ironing the back side doesn't change the texture of the painting surface though unless you press it with two irons simultaneously. That is the reason why they flatten the HP papers by passing them through two heated cylinders and not just one. So ironing is completely safe.

[@TheDevonArtist]

What a cracking comment, thank you very much. I have heard of people ironing their paintings but haven't tried it as yet. Excellent advice though, but I feel it may be worth testing this on a failed painting to begin with, just to ensure, as you say, you get the temperature about right. Thank you again, Paul 🎨

[@creativecolours2022]

@@TheDevonArtist I paint watercolours on extra large sizes for exhibitions and ironing them is the only way to keep these large papers flat even in between sessions if I haven't mount them on panels. It is perfectly safe to iron your papers. Just start with relatively slow temperature at least the first time in order to figure out which is the appropriate temperature on your iron because iron appliances are not the same after all. But it is perfectly safe and particularly on all cotton papers that have similar properties to all cotton bed sheets.

[@adrielrowley]

Paul, happened on your channel when searching about masking fluid (wonderful presentation by the way) and based on the two so far, looking forward to going through the other videos, despite being a mostly self taught landscape painter. I have tried all sorts of methods with little to no success, prepared a landscape with masking fluid so defiantly try this. I have a challenge that maybe you could help? My Opa was very frugal and rarely liked a painting he did, so paint on the back. One lovely landscape painting he cut in half and did studies on the back. I would like to scan the landscape, put back together in Photoshop, and have printed on textured paper. I doubt it, though will ask, any way to flatten without damaging the studies on the back and eliminate distortion? Thanks in advance.

[@TheDevonArtist]

Hi Adriel, thank you so much for your very kind comment, I do hope you continue to enjoy my videos here, as you can image they take a lot of putting together. Regarding flattening the painting, there is a way you could try, but please test this out on some scrap of painted paper first (on both sides, rough pencil studies as well) that is also cockled. That would be by trying an iron on a VERY low heat. Do this by placing a T-towel over the painting first and very lightly go over the top in a slow, single continuous pass. I personally have never tried this method, but I do know many artists find this successful. Remember, test first! 🙂 I hope this helps, Paul 🎨

[@adrielrowley]

Paul, well deserved. Yes, do understand take a lot of work and it shows. Do appreciate the help. I too paint on the backside, however, both sides practice, so can try on one of those. Right now working on color, however, Opa's unlabeled pallet, except some with some with a letter and number which don't seem to correspond to any of the tubes, isn't helping so be a few to practice on. Ha. I just can't stand to wash all that paint down the drain especially when doing it for fun and paint is expensive. Cheers.

[@englishatheart]

Why are you so defiant about it? That *definitely* isn't good.

[@lucygoosie7726]

@@englishatheart What are they being defiant about? They are asking how to flatten their grandfather’s painting, which he painted on both sides, without ruining it. I’m just assuming here, but it sounds like their grandfather may have passed or can’t paint anymore and they want to preserve some of his art. How is that defiant?

[@kae-jg]

Thx for the video! I used to do this, and let it dry overnight, even more sometimes like 24h, but when I remove it, it's still a little damp, and starts to buckle again a little... Maybe I am missing something? I work on small pieces and I put them between 2 pieces of paper towel, before putting a heavy weight on top could it be the cause? Thanks!

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you J G. I'm wondering if the reason your paper isn't fully dry after leaving it overnight, is that for some odd reason it may hold the moisture within the paper, rather than allowing it to dry out. A couple of pieces of printing paper or card work well for me, one on either side of the painting. Obviously a warm room as well and then as you do, leave it overnight to dry out. I wonder if you are making the back of your painting too wet as well, may be worth considering. Paul 🎨

[@katelee7752]

This looks really great. Quick question about the acid free mounting card you used. What if you don't have any of that to hand? What's the important bit of it? Why acid free?

[@TheDevonArtist]

Hi Katie, many papers and card that is made will contain acid within the paper can cause it to age and disintegrate much quicker, particularly when subjected to heat and light. Some papers and cards that is called 'Acid Free' are made to last and help prevent wear with age, so basically they last longer and help preserve a painting. Paul 🎨

[@r0un33te8]

Thank you so much! Im actually doing this right now, but does it necessarily have to be 5 hours? Would the time be reduced if i were to put heavier items on top?

[@TheDevonArtist]

It would also depend on how warm the room is, to be honest with you. I don't see any problem with checking the paper after just a couple of hours and see if it's both dry and flat. You will know if it's dry by placing the back of your hand on the reverse side of the watercolour paper, if it's quite cold to the touch it may still be damp. Replace the books for a further one hour if it is. Some people do iron the reverse with a thin towel over the top and the iron on a low setting, I've never tried this method and if you do, try it on scrap watercolour paper first.😀

[@r0un33te8]

@@TheDevonArtist Thank you so much for your advice! I just woke up and your technique actually worked, it'll be really helpful for my future watercolor paintings ❤️

[@TheDevonArtist]

You're very welcome 😀@@r0un33te8

[@ennelle2024]

Cockled. Never heard that word before. lol

[@TheDevonArtist]

LOL, I know, but it is a word used within the arty world out there. 😁

[@janmay6455]

Hi Paul and thanks for your terrific tutorials!! When using the Bockingford pad, do you paint while its still in the pad and THEN remove it? Thanks

[@TheDevonArtist]

Yes I do Jan, that's the idea of the'block pad' in that it's glues most of the way around to help prevent cockling of the paper when I wet it. With it being glued down my paper will be very warped. Paul 🎨

[@vansh6038]

Hey, I am new to your channel and subscribed your channel and I want to know painting from picture or going outside and painting which is best ?

[@TheDevonArtist]

Hi Vansh, I prefer to paint from a photograph mainly because I paint wildlife as you know in fine detail. This would be impossibly for me to do, unless of course I had a photographic memory.....which sadly I haven't. LOL Paul 🎨

[@vansh6038]

@@TheDevonArtist thanks :D

[@TheDevonArtist]

@@vansh6038 Not a problem. :-)

[@JohnnyDIles]

Do you think this would work with a graphite pencil drawing as well? I had a piece that got a little cockled in shipping.

[@TheDevonArtist]

It should do, but if you have some off-cuts of the same paper, I would give that a test first before doing this to your artwork. Paul 🎨

[@leob4403]

Do you think this method will work on buckled photographs?

[@TheDevonArtist]

Hi Leo, sadly I don't know the answer to that, but I certainly wouldn't recommend it. 🤔

[@michellekemp3104]

I just pop mine between clean cotton T- Towels and iron.

[@TheDevonArtist]

I've heard of people ironing the painting that way Michelle, another good option. 😀

[@pandamant666]

Do I have to spray the whole back of the paper? Or I can just spray the part that not flat?

[@TheDevonArtist]

I personally spray the whole of the sheet of paper, just to keep everything nice and flat. To be honest, I've not tried spraying only part of it, so it may be worth a try.

[@pandamant666]

@@TheDevonArtist thanks for the quick reply

[@vansh6038]

Can we iron paper

[@TheDevonArtist]

It can be done on the reverse to flatten it, something I have not yet tried though. But place a thick piece of paper either side first and have the iron to a low heat. Paul 🎨

[@joyceamend4314]

Love this solution! Can I do with hot press as well?

[@TheDevonArtist]

I've never tried it with hot pressed paper Joyce, but personally I can't see why not. I would still test it out on some scrap watercolour paper of the same type first, just to be sure. 😀

[@joyceamend4314]

@@TheDevonArtist Wow! Tried it with hot press last night and it’s flat as a pancake today. Works beautifully and is so easy! Will tell my students about this! Thanks!

[@TheDevonArtist]

@@joyceamend4314 That's brilliant to hear Joyce, thank you for both trying it out and letting me know how it went. Paul 🎨

[@Patrik6920]

..done som sketching and might just add my 2 cents ... when done and u attempt to flatten the image, use fixation spray first, depending of technique and pigments u can get smears or pigment transferance ... u do not want that

[@TheDevonArtist]

Thank you for the excellent suggestion Patrik. 😀

[@tinawisooker6640]

Do you seal your painting first ?

[@TheDevonArtist]

I don't Tina, to be honest in all the years I've been painting in watercolour I've never sealed a painting. I've personally never had the need to do so, to be honest with you. Paul 🎨