May 22, 2019

Stretching Watercolour Paper

My favourite paper is Saunders High White, NOT surface and either 300lb or 200lb weight. Even though this is a heavy paper, I like to stretch it on a board as it makes carrying and working on it much easier, especially painting outdoors.

Apart from the standard full sheets, I cut larger sizes from a roll. I usually stretch about eight boards at one time and with a range of three sizes.

Now that I do not have the use of a bath, I made a trough from off-cuts of wet wall. I made it big enough to soak large sheets, or two standard sheets. I soak the 300lb paper up to 20 minutes, 200lb for 15 minutes, before laying on a board to tape. I also avoid touching the painting surface of the paper once soaked.

Once taped I leave the paper to dry overnight naturally.

This is Saunders 200lb NOT paper on a roll.

This is the trough I made from off-cuts of wet wall, and it does the job well.

Once soaked for the correct time, I hold the paper from one corner to allow excess water to drip, then lay the paper on a dampened board.

I wipe only the edge of the paper to remove excess water before taping.

Each board is kept horizontal and left overnight to dry naturally.