Comments on: Watercolor Paper Sizing (Explained!)

By: federico

federico — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 18:12:09 +0000

In reply to Anthony. thank you very much!!

By: Anthony

Anthony — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 13:20:27 +0000

In reply to Federico.

Hi Frederico
Yes, besides age, things like humidity, temperature changes, and long-term exposure to light and fluctuating air conditions can affect sizing. If the paper was mounted for months, it may have gradually lost surface quality—especially if it wasn’t covered or protected during that time. I’ve seen this happen with older rolls, too. And yes, stretching can sometimes affect sizing, depending on how it’s done.
If the paper starts behaving oddly, you can try a light layer of gelatin sizing to restore some surface control – though it won’t feel exactly the same.
Best prevention is cool, dry storage.
Hope that helps!

By: Federico

Federico — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 02:43:48 +0000

Hello Anthony, the article is very useful. I’ve been looking for this information for years.
I ask you: is there another factor, in addition to the age of the paper, that can deteriorate the sizing? Something related to storage? Humidity? Temperature? Exposure to ambient air? , I made some large watercolors (more than to meter) that took me more than a year to make and at first the paper worked correctly and the last months no longer, is it possible that being mounted on the work table for so long, the paper has breathed a lot and that changes its properties?
it happens in STRATHMORE and on BEE PAPER. both papers buyed in rolls like 4 years before using. also do you think, as you wrote, that stretching the paper could damage the sizing?
Thank you very much!

By: Anthony

Anthony — Sun, 09 Feb 2025 09:49:03 +0000

In reply to John. You’re welcome John

By: John

John — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 13:55:23 +0000

Great article! Useful and knowledgeable, thanks for providing this information and sharing your experience.

By: Anthony

Anthony — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 06:55:25 +0000

In reply to Ntombi.

Hi
Yes, you could try this but it might take a bit of trial and error. And I don’t think you’ll ever get the same handling properties of specially made watercolor paper unfortunately.

By: Ntombi

Ntombi — Sun, 03 Dec 2023 13:10:45 +0000

Anthony, I have a question. I haven’t started watercolour yet. I’m an amateur oil paint artist. Watercolour paper is too expensive in my country…could I buy thick board paper and size it with gelatine to get the right measure of absorbancy, more or less, of watercolour paper?

By: Anthony

Anthony — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 06:20:36 +0000

In reply to Sherri. Hi Sherri Definitely something to include in future articles :-)

By: Sherri

Sherri — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 08:06:14 +0000

Anthony, I love your articles. I find them thorough, clear, and to the point. The one thing missing is advice for artist’s that want to be cruelty free. It took me a long time before I finally found a high quality paper that was not sized with gelatin. The same for brushes and paints. I never suspected that paints might contain ox-gall. Just something you might want to keep in mind if you revise your articles or when you create new ones.

By: Anthony

Anthony — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 07:48:20 +0000

In reply to Laura A Brito.

Hi Laura
I don’t think you have to worry about the sizing degrading over time. This is rare unless you store it poor conditions (extremes of temperature). You might come across paper that has patchy sizing on the surface, with areas that seem to absorb more than others.
If needed, you can always try to restore the surface sizing with gelatin (even food-grade gelatin can be used). Mix up the gelatin with warm water and apply using a soft brush so you don’t rough up the surface fibers. You can also touch up patches and use the brush to blend out the sizing at the edges of the patchy area. Dampening the paper beforehand can also help. Do some testing on a small area first. The more gelatin you apply the less absorbent and stiff the paper becomes! Hope that helps 🙂