There are many methods of preparing watercolor paper prior to beginning to paint, including:
- Tape the dry paper to a board and paint.
- Soak and then staple the wet paper to a board and let dry, then paint.
- Soak and then tape wet paper to a board and let dry, then paint.
- Soak on a board, sponge off, and then start to paint on wet paper.
- Soak on a board, dry the surface with a sponge and a towel, then paint.
Most watercolor painters prefer a flat, dry surface to work on. Since the paper expands when wet, and shrinks when dry, method 1 usually results in paper with "waves" once wet watercolor is applied. Some artists don't mind this, but for those who do, methods 2 - 5 address this problem.
Methods 2 and 3 are called "stretching the paper". Method 2 is very robust, but requires a sturdy board and lots of heavy-duty staples. Method 3 is simpler, but I've never been able to get the tape to stick adequately to hold the drying paper taut. A problem with both these methods is that one must wait quite a long time for the paper to dry, so the paper has to be prepared beforehand. Method 4 is very simple, but only suitable for people who like to paint very wet-on-wet, and it can take a long time for the paper surface to become dry enough to hold hard edges.
I prefer method 5. I first put my paper (with the drawing completed) face down on my watercolor board (I prefer Gatorboard, which is light, rigid, and waterproof) and soak it with a sponge. After a few minutes, I turn it face up and soak it again. After another few minutes, I sponge off the excess water with a sponge, and then pat the surface dry with a regular bath towel. This leaves me with the paper wet internally and on the back surface, and sticking to the board with no tape or staples, but with a dry enough painting surface to hold hard edges. Another advantage of painting on "damp" paper is that I find it easier to get smooth washes without dry areas and blooms.
Before the paper begins to dry and lift from the board, usually after 15 to 30 minutes, I apply 4 bulldog clips to hold the paper flat while I complete the painting.
Choosing a paper-prep method is an individual thing, and not all watercolor artists proceed in the same way, but if you If you have never tried this method, I encourage you to do so. I'd be happy to answer any questions posted as comments here, or you can contact me at jim@jimoberst.com.
