Comments on: 4 ways to stretch watercolor paper

By: Jeff

Jeff — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 01:44:18 +0000

Thank you! I have learned new techniques with your article. I will try and use canvas frame!! I really hope it work since I’ll be able to work with many different sizes

By: Anthony

Anthony — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 07:05:54 +0000

In reply to Sylvia McPherson. Happy to help Sylvia!

By: Sylvia McPherson

Sylvia McPherson — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 05:44:34 +0000

Hi Anthony
Really appreciate the level of detail in your articles. You cover all the bases thoroughly. Thank you.
Sylvia

By: Anthony

Anthony — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 08:31:52 +0000

In reply to Steven M Shapiro.

Hi Steven
It’s a classic problem trying to stretch paper without damaging the deckle edges. You could try the staple method if you have a good staple gun. To avoid having to put staples everywhere you can fix only the corners and maybe the halfway point of the longest edge. And to avoid the staples themselves damaging the edges of the paper, use a strip of thick cardboard or thin wood (like a popsicle stick) as a buffer between the staples and the paper. Put two or three staples in each strip. Let me know how you get on 🙂

By: Steven M Shapiro

Steven M Shapiro — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 15:40:55 +0000

Thanks for all the great explanations. I of course for years was practicing the one method you didn’t like, but i never had any problems , I think because I was working very small and tend to work with less water more opaquely then most artists. Now though I am working on hand made paper, and more significant washes and want to preserve the edges. The tape I’ve been using unfortunately pulls some of the fibers away when I remove it. The wood stretcher bar method is intriguing, but it would defeat my desire to maintain the handmade edge , I think. seem very good. I am going to try the pin method or look for much heavier paper. The I am open to other suggestions though if you have any. Thanks again for a really informative article.

By: Vivian

Vivian — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 17:18:38 +0000

Thank you for this great advice. I have painted for years with oils and acrylics and pastels on paper but I am new to watercolor so it was very helpful. I am going to get the plexiglass and gum tape today.

By: Nancy Krohn

Nancy Krohn — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 20:11:49 +0000

Very helpful for this newby! I do believe I will pick up a sheet of plexiglass. I like the idea of using it to transfer patterns as well.

By: Anthony

Anthony — Fri, 04 Sep 2020 08:42:54 +0000

In reply to Carolyn.

Hi Carolyn
You could try staples or drawing pins to fix the damp paper to a board. Otherwise you could try removing the gum tape very carefully (by soaking it when you want to remove it).
Hope that helps

By: Carolyn

Carolyn — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 19:01:26 +0000

Hi
I like the look of paint right to the deck le edge of the watercolor paper. I can’t get that if I tape it. Any other solutions?
Carolyn

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 07:21:23 +0000

Hi Anthony, Just found this article, Not sure why I am only seeing some of your articles now since they seem to have been online for some time.