Watercolour paper is the basis of many beautiful artworks. But to get the best out of your watercolour creations, stretching the paper is essential. Curious about how to do this? In this blog, you'll discover everything about stretching watercolour paper, from the necessary materials to step-by-step instructions. Additionally, we share creative ideas and show you why stretching watercolour paper is a must for every artist.

What is watercolour paper?

Watercolour paper is specially designed for watercolour painting. Its thick texture and fine grain ensure that the paint is well absorbed and distributed. This allows watercolour artists to work with wet-on-wet techniques, washes, and other watery effects.

What is watercolour paper used for?

You can use watercolour paper for various applications, such as:

• Watercolour paintings
• Illustrations
• Sketches and studies
• Cards and invitations
• Mixed-media artwork

With watercolour paper as your canvas, you can unleash your creativity and create beautiful works of art that stand the test of time.

What materials are needed for stretching watercolour paper?

To stretch watercolour paper, you will need a few essential materials:

• Watercolour paper
• A large flat board or panel that can withstand water
• Clean water
• Sponge or brush
• Tape or painter's tape – there is also special watercolour tape that is perfect for this
• Cardboard backing
• Optional: watercolour paper stretcher or clips

Step-by-step guide to stretching watercolour paper

Follow these simple steps to successfully stretch your watercolour paper and be optimally prepared to paint a watercolour masterpiece.

1. Soak the watercolour paper: Place the paper in a tub of clean water and let it soak for a few minutes. Ensure it is fully saturated with water.
2. Place the paper on a flat surface: Lay the soaked paper on a large flat board or panel.
3. Stretch the paper: Gently pull the paper tightly over the surface and secure it with tape or painter's tape along all four sides.
4. Let it dry: Allow the paper to dry completely before you start painting. This can take several hours to a day, depending on the thickness of the paper and environmental conditions such as room temperature and airflow.

Check out this video for a quick demonstration of stretching watercolour paper.

Why stretch watercolour paper?

Now that you know what materials you need to stretch watercolour paper and how to do it, but why would you want or need to do this in the first place? Stretching watercolour paper offers several benefits.

Firstly, it prevents the paper from warping and bulging during painting. Stretching the paper properly ensures that it remains flat and stable, which is essential for creating beautiful, even brushstrokes.

Additionally, stretched watercolour paper provides a flat and stable surface to paint on. This enhances control and precision during painting, allowing you to achieve the desired effects more effectively.

Another advantage is that stretching watercolour paper enhances the overall quality of your watercolour work and provides a professional look. It prevents the paint from accumulating in the creases and folds of the paper, allowing you to maintain vivid colours and sharp details.

Finally, stretching watercolour paper allows you to work with wet-on-wet techniques without causing the paper to wrinkle. This means you can apply multiple layers of paint directly on top of each other without waiting for the underlying layer to dry completely, giving you more freedom in your painting process.

Inspiration to get started

You're probably excited to create your own watercolour masterpiece on stretched paper. We've lined up some creative ideas to get you started.

• Landscapes: Create beautiful watercolour paintings of landscapes with deep, vibrant colours and soft transitions.
• Portraits: Use watercolour techniques to create expressive portraits with subtle nuances and textures.
• Flowers and plants: Get inspired by nature and paint colourful flowers and plants with detailed leaves and petals.
• Abstract art: Unleash your creativity and create abstract watercolour compositions with playful shapes and colours.
• Still life: Arrange everyday objects in an exciting way and paint them with watercolours for a unique and vibrant display.

With these tips and inspiration, you can dive right into stretching watercolour paper and creating masterpieces. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced watercolour artist, stretching your paper will elevate your watercolour work to new heights. Happy painting!

Check out these blogs for more inspiration and tips on painting:

Painting with acrylic paint

Painting with oil paint

Glazing with acrylic paint

Wet-on-wet painting