How I prepare watercolour paper

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.

  1. First, I cut four strips of water-activated gummed paper tape at the correct length.
  2. Then, I moisten the water colour paper with a sponge.
  3. I leave it to absorb the water and to fully expand.
  4. 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.
  5. Once dry, the paper is tightly stretched.
  6. 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.

Portrait in watercolour
Another portrait I made this week. 35 x 40 cm