I have been losing my mind trying to make this work. All the other watercolor channels either completely ignore the stretching process or just skim over it like it ain't no big thang. It's freaking everything! So you are now my favorite watercolor channel. Without proper prep work there is no point. Liked and subbed. Thank you!

@GoblinSlayer43

2 жыл бұрын

This is the first I have EVER EVEN HEARD of "stretching" the paper. I can't believe I haven't heard it from any other artist on KZread! I'm grateful to have stumbled upon his videos! He is my new favorite as well! 😁

@nadageorgi7819

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much

@nonzerosum8943

Жыл бұрын

@@nadageorgi7819 Can I use regular low/med tack masking tape..hard to order that wide paper tape does it matter you're just preventing the paper from. wadding or buckle up during this wetting process am I right ?

@orieldel

Жыл бұрын

@@nonzerosum8943 Actually, if you have wet your art paper, masking tape wont stick to it. some people do soak the art paper and then attach it with staples. I haven't used this method ever, as I was lucky to find a huge roll of glued tape that has lasted me for many years. Depending on the art work, to save tape sometimes I have cut the 2inch/ 5cm tape in half lengthwise, make sure you fingers are dry before doing this!. I found my tape at our local printers, however printers mightn't be using it anymore but it's worth a try. I'm sure Amazon or eBay would have supplies as well. Hope this helps.😀

@personalgrowthcourseskmf5443

7 ай бұрын

Agreed@

I can't believe that I went 11 years without knowing this... I heard some random comments here and there in college, but nobody took the time to actually explain this to me... the amount of paper I wasted. The amount of money I threw away without knowing this. The hours upon hours, upon hours of frustration, thinking I was too stupid to properly paint with watercolors...

My tutor taught me how to stretch watercolour paper over 40 years ago, a little different to yours, but in my opinion simpler, so here goes. I only use 300gsm (140lb). I buy full sheets of Arches paper which I was taught to keep tearing into into halves, quarters and so on. I use the glued Kraft tape to tape the paper down. All quality watercolour paper will be suitable, I just prefer Arches. I have 3-4ply board from the hardware shop for my backing board. I was taught to paint the board with a stain or acrylic paint to stop the wood from leaching into the paper. Depending on the size of the paper I decide to do my painting, I soak it in tap water in either the bath, laundry tub, or a suitable container, my cleaned kitchen sink works just as well. I soak it for about 3 minutes, then lift it out and hold to drain for a few seconds. Then place it on my board, sometimes I need to lift it a couple of times to get it centered, I smooth the paper with the heal of my palm. Once I'm happy, I have my glued paper, already cut to size, which I run a soaking wet NEW kitchen sponge over the glue side, and place it on the edges of the paper. I like to do, long sides first, then short sides. I don't worry If there are some bubbles in the paper, once the paper is dry, at least 8 hours indoors, they will disappear. Now you are ready to paint. I have used this method for all sizes, the largest being a half sheet of 300gsm Arches. After a few trials and errors of getting the finished work off the board, I settled on this method. I use an old art brush that is the same width as the Kraft paper. After I've finished the painting and left it for a week or so, I paint the Kraft glue paper with water, being careful not to get water on the painting, this isn't difficult, than I wait about 5 to 10 minutes till the glue has softened and I simply lift the edge and it just lifts off, sometimes I have to use a thin knife to start the lifting, then, if it has soaked long enough the glued paper comes away easily. The times I mention depends on where you live and the time of year. I live in Central Queensland, in Australia, where we have very hot dry summers, ave 34deg centigrade, and mild winters 7-8 deg cent. Regarding bowing/ buckling boards, this can happen, usually if the boards haven't been sealed, stained/ painted etc, but it doesn't affect the paintings. I have also used a bowed Masonite and as long as the smooth side is painted with acrylic it will work in a pinch. This has been a very long detailed 'how to' but I don't do videos and I've seen many people wanting to know how to prepare their watercolour paper for painting. If you only want to do a small painting about 10x8 inches, there really isn't any need to soak the paper etc. If you use quality paper the small sizes held down with Washi, masking, house painters tape and many others, all will be fine. I know there are many other ways of preparing for watercolour painting, but this is the way I was taught and I still prefer it. As they say 'each to his own'. Thank you if you have persevered for reading this LONG instruction.

@watercolorish

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this detailed response! I’m sure those perusing the comments will find it useful! 🙂

@markleeks1116

Жыл бұрын

I use much the same technique, but the bit where you say it may need a knife to start the lifting is my issue. I tend to cut the inside of the gummed paper to then lift out the painting. Sometimes it will come away perfectly, sometimes a knife is needed and it will leave some of the underside of paper stuck to the board. Normally no real issue. Problem with my last decent painting was it was totally stuck around 25mm around the perimeter after cutting the tapes perimeter. It was NOT coming off. I didn't do anything different! I m careful to always put the gummed paper on intially so no glue gets under the paper. Is this what happens? It's as if the paper was glued to the board

@MsPepperpod

5 ай бұрын

This is super helpful @orieldel! Thanks so much. Just a quick question re removing the glued paper afterwards. Do you only remove it from the board and leave it on the watercolor paper? Do you then cut it with the Rota trimmer?

@bunnytoes7200

4 ай бұрын

School of design 52 years ago and subsequent teaching position at college level. Same method! Works for me.

@dawnmcnaughton1550

3 ай бұрын

I do exactly what you do!

Detailed people are the best teachers. Thank you

@watercolorish

Ай бұрын

Thank you for your interest!

Perfectly said! I don't always stretch my paper, but I realized with my first block of Arches that is it NOT the same as stretched paper! It's just cut up and glued on the edges. I thought I was so smart, painting while waiting for dinner to be served out on the patio and that paper buckled and made waves. It was not pleasant to paint on. It did return to flat when dry, but when you stretch your paper, it stays flat the entire time! The difference while painting is like night and day! You can have pools of paint that do not disrupt that paper! I had a teacher for a summer school plein air class demonstrate stretching paper during the first class. He then tossed it in the back of his car and we all went to paint. When he arrived, his paper was dry and tight! What a difference it makes! It was interesting to me that he liked the same size of paper to paint on, and he just cut the un-taped part of the painting out and left the tape accumulate. The next sheet was placed on the old tape and stretched, and so it went. He would clean it off after it was over an inch high. The thing that fascinated me about this was that that air beneath the paper allowed the paper to dry so much faster. That was a fun summer!

So thankful that successful artist share their time, experience and tips to such a global audience. I was told by many that stretching wasn’t necessary but once you’ve painted on stretched paper you can go back!

@billinrio

6 ай бұрын

You can, but do you want to?

Thank you! I have watched a number of these over the past 2 years and this one is the best. You even talked about cleaning it up at the end - which most videos skip.

I’m just beginning…. (well, since high school art class). I was getting so frustrated that no amount of tape would keep the buckling at bay. I even saw a video that said the paper could be too old. My washes were puddling! Now I know why. Thank you so much. Hopefully with stretching my paper will behave. My husband works in bath remodeling, and I have asked for sheets of shower acrylic leftovers to use as paint boards. Currently I am using cookie sheets. Lol I am looking forward to seeing more of your videos!

@watercolorish

Ай бұрын

Thank you!

I know this is an older video but I just wanted to tell you I really appreciate the last part about how to get the tape off! The whole video is great, but I was hoping to find out how to clean the board afterwards and I wasn’t disappointed! :)

@watercolorish

Ай бұрын

I'm glad you found it helpful, thanks!

Thanks thats how i remember being taught stretching paper when went to college just needed a recap was so long ago now. really need to get a decent piece of wooden board now

This is the best paper stretching video I’ve seen. Exactly how I was taught in college.

That’s an excellent demonstration. Thank you. Subscribed.

Excellent! Thanks for showing this and all the details.

So helpful, thank you!

Beautiful job, thanks. I also like your artwork, it’s really amazing!

Thank you for this.. especially the cleanup! Love your work, very excited to have KZread link me up.

Great tips and easily demonstrated. Thank you!

Great tutorial! I'm happy I found your channel. Thank you!

As an entomologist, naturalist, and beginning (but serious) watercolor artist, I LOVE your work!!

@dudleybarker2273

2 жыл бұрын

looking forward to seeing some of your work

@randalllaue4042

Жыл бұрын

As a Ectomorph, I respect his skills... 🤣

@postalcanary

Жыл бұрын

Do u have any ECTO paintings we can see yet ?

Thank you for posting this vid! Your explanation really helped me

First time attempt today, thanks for the video! Also loved the hummingbird at the feeder at the beginning of the video!

Very nice demo ! Thanks !!

Very very helpful! Thank you!

Thank you! What a clear explanation !

Thank you, you are so detailed. It helps a lot.

Thank you thank you thank you sooooooo much!! I am so grateful to have found your tutorial!!

Thank you sooo much for sharing the full process of stretching the watercolor paper!!!! 🙏🏻

Thanks so much, perfect !

Excellent demonstration.🙏🏽🤗💖✨💐

Great.Really helpful.You have saved me a lot of time!!

thank you. this is very helpful

Super interesting. So much incredible information that I hadn't heard before. Thank you so much.

I love the sponge you use

Totally understandable 💯!! Great ! The best guide !! Thank you thank you! 😅🎉

Excellent!

Thank you so much for being so thorough in your explanation! You’re an awesome teacher.

Excellent video! Just what I was looking for to prepare a large sheet for watercolor painting! Awesome!!!

This is the BEST video I have ever seen on stretching watercolour paper. Thank you very much for the great, clear instructions! Brilliant!

This video taught me everything I've been wanting to know. You cover things that other videos don't mention. Thank you! 🙏🏼

Outstanding!

Thanks for showing this.... very few do and it's so important to know.

Thank you so much!!! Finally someone who knows how to stretch paper.

thank you for this!

Wow brilliant detail from skill and experience thankyou

I've been wondering HOW to do this for so long! This video is so cool, you're very clear and also funny, you seem to be a very good teacher, I'm impatient to watch your others videos!!

Thank you! Ive come back to this video a couple times to help me when i need to stretch my paper. Very helpful video!

Thanks for this video.

Thanks for helping to put an end to the watercolor block lie! 😆👍I will attempt my first watercolor background with way more confidence thanks to your channel

His art is so pretty😍😍😍

Thank you for a great video, very informative. W-O-W, what a great picture with fish,, brilliant !

Very informative, thanks!!

Thank you so so much‼️❤❤

Very good information!

Fantastic video thank you!

Thank you so much for this!

@watercolorish

Ай бұрын

Thanks so much for your interest!

Thank you so much for this! You are amazing!!!

@watercolorish

7 ай бұрын

You're welcome. And thank you!

Thank you so much for this video!

@watercolorish

11 ай бұрын

You are very welcome!

Beautiful.

You do beautiful work. Thankyou

@watercolorish

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Much appreciated!!

Thank you. Your art is amazing ❤

@watercolorish

6 ай бұрын

You are very kind, thank you!

Such a fantastic video! I've watched it before, together with some other videos and started my journey in stretching papers... Now that I have some experience I've came back to this video and can appreciate it even more! The best method and so informative! Thank you 🙏

I learned a lot of info I'd never even thought about. Thanks buddy.

@watercolorish

5 ай бұрын

You're welcome! 🙂

This is the first demo to show from beginning to end steps. Thanks

Thank you for this very informative demonstration on stretching paper. It’s so helpful. Your artwork is stunning.

@watercolorish

Жыл бұрын

You are very kind, thank you!

Thanks so much! Im transitioning from acrylic and really needed this knowledge.

Thank you!! First time stretching, and messed up a few sheets trying to wing it. but once I watched your video, I got a perfect stretch!

your tutorial is extremely helpful and your art is incredible, thanks so much :)

@watercolorish

9 ай бұрын

Thank you for your interest and feedback!

Great demonstration! I needed a refresher course in the, taping down watercolor paper. Great demonstration. I love your realistic paintings.

@watercolorish

Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Thank you for this video !☺️ - no other tutorials talk about cleaning the tape of the board after painting.

This is how I was taught to stretch paper in my graphic art class eons ago. This method works. 👍🏼

Thank you very much for this video. I didn't know how to do it.

Very helpful video, thank you. And I have to add, nice hat!

@watercolorish

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Lisa Lisa!

Thanks. Very informative

@watercolorish

5 ай бұрын

You're so welcome... I'm glad you're finding it helpful 🙂

Thanks, this was very helpful to me!

@watercolorish

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching, Annemieke, and for your feedback!

This video was well done and very helpful. Thank you. I LOVE your style of watercolor art! 👍🏼👍🏼

@watercolorish

Ай бұрын

Thank you for your interest and enthusiasm! 🙂

Fantastic video! Recently started using watercolors for my art and didn’t know about having to stretch the paper first. Thank you for the video and the channel

I have been trying to stretch paper since I began practicing watercolor over a year ago. I finally gave up and bought 300lb paper but damn, it's just out of my budget sometimes. No technique for stretching has been as helpful as what you show in this video. Thank you so much!

@watercolorish

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Karl… I’m so glad it was helpful!

You have such a warm demeanor. Thank you for sharing your expertise.

@watercolorish

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Esther!

WOW! This has been so informative. You brought up many details others don't mention. I am guilty of never stretching my paper, just using it right off the glued paper block. Now I know the error of my ways. I am definitely going to use your method. ANd by the way, your art work is incredible. I'm almost tempted to hang up my brushes but I realize, your talent comes with constant practice. God give me patience.

@watercolorish

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks starlight gazer B for your very nice note! Patience might be my one real superpower, but I think it also can be cultured with practice. Please don't hang your brushes... Good luck!

Thank you very much for letting me learn the very valuable lesson of stretching the watercolour paper before drawing!! Thanks again!!!

@watercolorish

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your interest! 🙂

Found this video after considering buying an expensive commercial stretcher. I will definitely try this. Considering doing a full sheet for first time.

I was taught this 25 years ago, it’s brilliant.

Loving the hat my friend 👍🏼

@watercolorish

4 ай бұрын

Thank you!

perfect, thank you

I discovered your channel today through this video and became a new subscriber. Thank you for the excellent instructions on how to stretch watercolour paper correctly.

@watercolorish

10 ай бұрын

Many thanks for your interest! 🙂

Great video ... I was taught to do it like this at college back in the 60s and still maintain it is the best way to do it. Never fails. Thank you for sharing and reaffirming that it's not just old 'old school guys' that do it this way.

Oh my gosh! I love you art! It reminds me of Lauren McCracken’s watercolor art.

@watercolorish

3 жыл бұрын

A very nice compliment, thanks! Our black backgrounds are definitely similar.

Many many thanks for this great vid, just amazing!! Like it a lot 🤩 Thankful to you for all the useful and helpful tips and tricks you've explained during the process of stretching the watercolor paper, I found that very and once more time, very helpful! Thank you for sharing your experience with us 🙏🏻 BIG & HUGE LIKE 👍🏻 🧡

@watercolorish

2 ай бұрын

Many thanks for your interest and the nice feedback!

Many Thanks for your most excellent demonstration it was extremely helpful. Your work is wonderful and inspiring . Have a great week.

@watercolorish

4 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for your interest and feedback! I hope you’re having a good week too!

Thank you very much!

This was great to watch. when I first began watercolour painting i was taught to stretch the paper but friends now say it is in a block you don't need to stretch. I am now old but i still prefer to stretch so it was great to see you reinforce what my dear teacher taught me many moons ago.

@watercolorish

4 ай бұрын

Thank you, and yes a watercolor block is a convenience and time saver, but the paper on it is not stretched and it will wrinkle if it gets wet enough. But for artists who paint en plein air or who work very quickly , using a block might make more sense than spending the extra time stretching their paper.

Wow! Thank you! I’ve watched this several times. It really helped me correct the mistakes I was making trying to stretch my water color paper.

@watercolorish

11 ай бұрын

I'm so glad it was helpful -- thanks for your interest!

I'm just seeing this now and this is so cool! I have all sizes of WC pads but I recently bought 2 - 300lb large cold press sheets (Fabriano Artistico), one smooth and one rough, I'd definitely love to try doing this with them and I'm definitely saving this - thank you! 🤗💖🕊️🌹

"That's the flattest peice of paper your ever gonna see in your life"!

I have watched multiple paper stretching videos and your's is the only one that exposes the lie of paper on a block! As well after one uses half the block or more, there is no more "block"! I found it interesting as well that you sense a difference in Arches sheets over the rolled paper. Thank you, Diana

I use Arches blocks most of the time, but needed to stretch a piece today. Thank you for the tips.

@watercolorish

2 жыл бұрын

No problem, thanks for watching!

Thanks for the video! This is the first time I've seen a video on this subject on u tube! The gummed tape I've used was a brown paper rolled strip which smelled like bone glue and was perfect for the job. Later these tapes came with some other odourless glue which didn't work so well. Competitors from artist families always stretched their paper and sometimes used random color wash to wet the paper! Of course most were winners!

Thanks Paul. I've been confused about this for the longest time. Everyone says blocks are best, but I realized I need to try stretching.

@watercolorish

Ай бұрын

No problem. I have nothing against watercolor blocks -- they're very convenient, especially if you're traveling or painting outdoors. But a lot of people believe the paper in a block is stretched, and it's not true 🙂

Thank you!!

I didn’t learn any of this in school…so nice to be an adult able to watch and do things properly. What if I’m traveling with a little pad, paint and palette? Has to be done the same way? Well thank you…I would be called a dabbler at this point 🤷🏻‍♀️🙏🏽🙋🏻‍♀️👍🏽Mia

@watercolorish

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Mia. Yes of course, a watercolor pad or block is a great convenience for traveling or painting outdoors. The trade-off is that the paper is more likely to buckle or ripple if it gets super wet. I was just in NY for a week, and I painted in a watercolor sketchbook for the first time in ages... It's a very different experience from painting on stretched paper, but I was doing mostly drybrush and so the paper stayed mostly flat. But the paint also beaded on the paper surface more than I'm used to... Stretching makes the paper a little more absorbent.