Three Ways To Stretch Watercolor Paper

Prevent Watercolor Paper From Buckling

All but the heaviest weight watercolor paper will buckle when painted on. The best way to prevent the buckles is to stretch the paper before painting. The process requires soaking the paper with water so that the fibers become saturated and expand fully and then securing the edges in place to prevent the paper from shrinking once it dries.

There is more than one way to stretch paper although some are more effective than others.

Supplies For Stretching Watercolor Paper

The video below shows three different methods. Depending on the method you choose, you will need a few supplies. The most important is a support board of some sort. Gatorboard is used in the video for all three methods. Depending on the method, you’ll also need staples and a stapler with a bottom that folds away, artists tape, or spring clips.

Flattening Buckled Paper

If you didn’t or don’t stretch your paper, it is still possible to flatten it before framing. We have a post and video with that method here.