How Do You Stretch & Staple Watercolor Paper?
If you are planning a painting that will require lots of water, or an uneven application of moisture, this is the best way to keep your paper flat. This method is called “stretching” the paper. Soak: Slide you sheet of watercolor paper into the tub, making sure that it is covered with water. Soak for about 25 minutes. Handling only by the edges, (always a good policy) pick up the paper and allow the excess water to run off one corner. Place directly onto your support board, centered. Allow to rest and expand for 5 – 10 minutes. Stretch & Staple: Working from the outside to avoid bruising the paper place 3 staples tight together on one long side of the paper about ¼ inch from edge. On the opposite edge, grasp paper and pull gently, placing 3 more staples. Repeat on the short sides of the paper, tugging gently as you go. Now tug each corner and place a staple. Place a staple ½ way between center staples and corner. Repeat on each side. Fill in spaces with staples as close together as pos
