It's important to stretch your watercolor paper to keep it from wrinkling.The first step in paper stretching is soaking the paper.You can staple or glue the paper to the board.You can stretch out the paper with a canvas stretcher.
Step 1: You should wash your hands first.
You transfer oils to the paper by washing your hands.You can wash your hands in warm water with soap.
Step 2: The paper should be submerged in the water.
The bathtub or plastic tub should hold about 10 to 15 cm of water.The paper needs enough water to float and be submerged in the water.Put the paper in the water.Cool water helps the paper hold its shape.The paper's absorbency is reduced because the watercolor doesn't soak through it.
Step 3: The paper should be soaked in the water for 5 to 10 minutes.
The paper should be soaked enough to be checked periodically.To check the paper, bend one corner down.It's soaked if it stays in that position.It needs more time if it doesn't.It has been soaked too long.If it's too wet, you can stretch it, but the paper may absorb more paint than you want.
Step 4: The extra water should be taken off.
The paper needs to be pulled out of the tub.Let it hang over the tub.You can help it release the water by giving it a shake or two.
Step 5: The paper should be on the board.
The board you use is up to you.You can use foam core.It should be bigger than the paper you're stretching.A traditional wood drawing board can be used.
Step 6: The paper needs to be stretched and smoothed out.
To smooth the paper out, use your hands.Take it easy and gently stretch it out.To stretch it out, you don't have to pick it up.You can expand the paper by moving your hands out from the middle.Extra water can be smoothed out by taking this time.
Step 7: The paper can be stapled to the board.
All the way, open a stapler.Put the stapler in from the edge.Take the staplers away from each other and place them all around the paper.Start at the center of the edge and move to the corners as you staple.
Step 8: You can use butcher's tape as an alternative.
If you prefer, you can use butcher's tape.Put a sponge in the glue on the tape.Attach it to the paper with glue.Press it down with your hands.Move the excess water to the other sides.Tape all four sides together.The butcher's tape is usually brown.
Step 9: Cut the paper in half and dry it.
To dry the paper, lay the board out flat.It might take a day or two to dry.You can cut the paper off the tape using a craft knife once it is dry.If you want to use the board again, remove the tape.Cut around the edges of the staple to make a smooth edge.
Step 10: Place the paper on the towel.
Take the paper out of the tub and smooth it over the towel.You don't want to end up soaking the canvas stretcher if you Blot off excess water with another towel.A canvas stretcher is a frame made of wood.You use canvas or paper to stretch it out.The paper you want to stretch should be slightly smaller.They can be found at arts and crafts stores.
Step 11: The stretcher should be placed on top of the paper.
The frame should be on the paper.The paper should come up around the edges of the frame.
Step 12: Adhere along the top edge.
When folding the paper, place the staple along the top edge.Add a staple every 1 to 1.5 inches along the top, leaving about 2 inches at the corners.
Step 13: Continue until you reach each side.
Start on one side and fold the paper in half.Adhere down the edge, leaving about 1 to 1.5 inches between the two stapled objects.The corner between the top and the bottom should be folded over to form a triangle.It's a good idea to staple it down.The sides should be finished the same way.Make sure you are stretching it flat as you turn.Some people prefer to do opposite sides first.If you want to fill in the other side, you can staple the center of each side.
Step 14: Let the paper dry.
The paper should be left out to dry.You don't have to dry the paper flat.The best way to prop up the frames is with your hands.
Step 15: Pull out the stapler.
To remove the staple, use a staple removal product.Cut the paper at the fold after removing it from the frame.The paper can be used for painting.