This week I made a short video to show you how I stretch watercolour paper.
There are numerous professional grade, watercolour blocks on the market. (See my last post.) But when I use single sheets, I stretch it myself, on board. This method makes it possible to work even on low quality paper in watercolour.
- First, I cut four strips of water-activated gummed paper tape at the correct length.
- Then, I moisten the water colour paper with a sponge.
- I leave it to absorb the water and to fully expand.
- I stick the wet paper onto the board and let it dry. In summer this takes an hour, in winter more than double that time.
- Once dry, the paper is tightly stretched.
- Once finished I cut, with a sharp knife, around the painting cropping the paper.
Now I can make my watercolour painting with no problems. The paper will not wrinkle when it comes into contact with water.
