Mastering XL Watercolor Paper Stretching: 3 Pro Tips for Flawless Results

I’m currently creating very large watercolours, about Ao in size and the challenge was to stretch such large paper correctly as the paper was too big to fit in the bath! The solution? Giving the paper a good shower! I recently put up a post about it on Instagram that got such a lot of queries about it I thought I’d share with you here too.

You can see my demo video on it here.

The watercolour paper challenge

When it comes to working on large watercolor projects, the challenge lies in keeping that delicate art paper perfectly flat and resistant to buckling under intense saturation. Over time, through experimentation and learning from mistakes, I’ve discovered three invaluable tips to achieve optimal paper stretching. Read on to elevate your watercolor art game.

1. Cold Shower Technique: For a successful paper stretch—give your paper a cold shower! Immerse it in water, either by placing it in the bath or exposing it to a refreshing shower (opting for the eco-friendly approach). This method ensures your paper becomes thoroughly saturated, setting the foundation for a flawlessly stretched surface.
2. Sponge It Flat: Armed with a fresh sponge, tackle any remaining paper kinks while it’s still wet. Gently smooth out imperfections, ensuring a pristine surface for your artistic endeavors. Though the sponge may be a humble tool, its role in achieving a perfectly flat canvas is indispensable.
3. Gum to Victory: Enter the final step in the stretching process—bring out your gum strip. Place the sticky end down on the sponge and glide it across, distributing an even amount of water. This method ensures precise adhesion to the paper and its surface. Firmly press the gum strip around the paper, and voilà! You now have a perfectly prepped, giant stretched paper ready for your masterpiece.

Like making your first pizza dough, it does take a bit of practice of doing it a few times before you get your watercolour paper perfectly flat and ready for action. If all goes to plan your paper should be nice and prepped and ready for anything you might want to throw at it.

Watercolour stretching Q&As

Here’s a few Q&As that have come from my how to video on Instagram:

• What watercolour paper should I use?: Best to buy high quality thick watercolour paper. Here I use 300gsm Fabriano Cold Pressed watercolor paper.
• Why do we need to stretch the paper? Is it bad to use paper as is dry?: No you can use paper dry but the more paint/water you apply the more the paper will buckle. For smaller paper masking tape might be enough to keep the paper flat if you don’t use too much water. If you don’t fancy stretching you can buy watercolor blocks up to A3 size which work really well.
• What is the tape you use? You have to use water activated gum tape/strip. In the video the brand is Artstat but its basically what they supply at my local art store. Any of that type should do. Make sure the tape doesn’t stay in the cupboard for years though as it may loose its sticking ability.
• Can you remove the tape without damaging the paper? I’d say its practically impossible to remove the tape without hurting the paper. I simply cut the paper away from the tape using a scalpel and a ruler (mind those fingers!). I have been told using a heat gun or hair dryer will release the glue from the paper and leave the paper unscathed but I haven’t tried this personally.
• What’s the surface your stretching the watercolour paper to? Here I am using 6mm plywood which works well. I have used 4mm ply too in the past which is lighter but can warp marginally. Most flat wooden surfaces should do.

Good luck with your watercolour adventures!

James