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Description
Hey folks, so if you've ever seen my work in person, you've probably noted that I don't like to put my watercolor paintings under glass, and rather, I have them as a panel, stretched in the same fashion as regular old canvas over stretcher bars. I am frequently asked how I go about making this happen, so here's a tutorial!

Here is a video on my process: [link]

And here are walkthrough instructions:

1. Acquire stretcher bars, join them, and then seal the wood. I use gel medium for now. You can also use gesso. The wood is acidic and over time, will damage the watercolor paper if not treated.

2. Soak your watercolor paper for 5-10 minutes. I recommend 140lb/300gsm watercolor paper. Anything less will rip too easily, and anything too heavy will not form to the frame well.

3. Lay the paper out on a towel and set the frame on top allowing at least 2 inches extra, depending on the depth of the frame.

4. The stretching process is the same as stretching canvas, just be careful not to rip the paper. It needs to be taut, but don't force it, since it'll shrink as it dries. Work quickly! It becomes more difficult as the paper dries.

5. Evenly space your staples.

6. Wait for it to dry naturally. Using a hair dryer or anything that causes one part to dry faster than the rest will cause the paper to be uneven, so just prop it up and flip it over every 30 mins. Voila!

Note: when you are finished with your painting, make sure you varnish it so that it is protected from UV rays and can be cleaned if needed. I use Golden acrylic archival varnish in aerosol form.

I'm happy to answer any questions you might have. Enjoy! <3

Description
Hey folks, so if you've ever seen my work in person, you've probably noted that I don't like to put my watercolor paintings under glass, and rather, I have them as a panel, stretched in the same fashion as regular old canvas over stretcher bars. I am frequently asked how I go about making this happen, so here's a tutorial!

Here is a video on my process: [link]

And here are walkthrough instructions:

1. Acquire stretcher bars, join them, and then seal the wood. I use gel medium for now. You can also use gesso. The wood is acidic and over time, will damage the watercolor paper if not treated.

2. Soak your watercolor paper for 5-10 minutes. I recommend 140lb/300gsm watercolor paper. Anything less will rip too easily, and anything too heavy will not form to the frame well.

3. Lay the paper out on a towel and set the frame on top allowing at least 2 inches extra, depending on the depth of the frame.

4. The stretching process is the same as stretching canvas, just be careful not to rip the paper. It needs to be taut, but don't force it, since it'll shrink as it dries. Work quickly! It becomes more difficult as the paper dries.

5. Evenly space your staples.

6. Wait for it to dry naturally. Using a hair dryer or anything that causes one part to dry faster than the rest will cause the paper to be uneven, so just prop it up and flip it over every 30 mins. Voila!

Note: when you are finished with your painting, make sure you varnish it so that it is protected from UV rays and can be cleaned if needed. I use Golden acrylic archival varnish in aerosol form.

I'm happy to answer any questions you might have. Enjoy! <3