Warped Watercolor Paper?
Sep 08, 2023So you've finished a watercolor painting and notice a few ripples on your paper. Sometimes this happens even while using good quality watercolor paper. I always recommend using 100% cotton watercolor paper that is at least 140lb or (300gsm) in weight. I also recommend taping your paper to a board in order to keep it flat while painting. Especially when using the wet into wet technique.
However, sometimes buckling or warping still occurs, especially when working on larger sheets of paper. In this short video, I explain how to flatten watercolor paper the easy way with minimal effort.
Here is a quick overview of how to flatten your finished painting.
- Make sure your painting is completely dry first
- Then using a large brush or spray bottle, wet the entire back of your painting with clean water. Be careful not to get any water on the front.
- Then carefully dab any excess water off the back of your painting with a towel, so that it remains damp but not soaking wet. (note: your painting might curl a bit at this stage. It's ok, the water just relaxes the paper fibers bit, allowing it to flatten with the next few steps.)
- Then place your painting between two sheets of paper. I use any inexpensive art paper. I avoid using computer paper since it contains chemicals that might affect the pH of your painting.
- Then place several heavy books on top of your painting and let it dry for two days.
And that's it! Check your painting after a few days and see if it's dry and ready to frame. Make sure to sign your painting too!
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