Why I Stopped Taping my Watercolor Paper - Try this instead!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ธ.ค. 2023
- ▶︎Free Downloadable Guide: 5 Steps to Plan a Successful Watercolor Painting www.learntopaintwatercolor.co...
Today I'm talking about taping down your watercolor paper and why I stopped doing it.
If you would like to purchase some of the brushes I feature in this video you can take a look at my Amazon Affiliate link: www.amazon.com/shop/m.white.art - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
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▶︎Free Downloadable Guide: 5 Steps to Plan a Successful Watercolor Painting www.learntopaintwatercolor.com/5steps
5 steps to watercolour
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I saw watercolor artist from Russia use a cheesecloth, wet it thorough, laid her Arches watercolor paper 140 lb. on top of it and it stayed wet the entire painting, which was a full sheet. And I do this myself but with a regular old cotton bed sheet! I wet my piece of the bed sheet and lay it on a gatorboard . Then, I lay my watercolor paper (usually Saunders Waterford 140 lb cold pressed) on top of the wet bed sheet and the back stays wet and the front stays dry and I'm good to paint for literally hours - if I wanted to. :)
Another tip:
I use a gatorboard that's been covered over with a piece of vinyl shelf liner - not really necessary but it makes my gatorboard surface so easy to clean after I paint! Enjoy!
I am lost. What are the arches?
Oh WOW
@@annamarielewis7078a brand of watercolor paper 😊
@@annamarielewis7078 I think it's a brand of paper!
A brand of watercolor paper. @@annamarielewis7078
When watching a new channel I always prepare myself for 5 minutes of self promotion, ad read, hyping up how important the topic is, and waiting until the last minute to really explain what the title hints at. This video is 100% the opposite. Straight to the point very clearly, excellent follow up information and demonstrations of how this looks practically, finished out with free resources? Excellent stuff man, thank you. Don't know if i'll ever be able to paint as skillfully as you but really appreciate you sharing the wisdom.
I have un-subscribed to self promoting videos. They were so aggravating!
Yes! Thank you!!
Excellent tip! I do this on a glass surface so the wet paper creates a vaccum against the smooth glass and doesn't go anywhere while I'm painting.
Another tip for working on larger paintings, if you need to work in one particular area for a long period of time and don't want your mop brush to mess up your previous layers of paint, you can staple the paper (thick weights only here, lol) to a wooden canvas frame and spray water onto the _backside_ of the paper to keep it wet. It won't disturb your layers of paint and you can work in one area forever if you want! 😊
cool idea
Very interesting. Thanks.
Thanks! ❤
Works with plexiglass also.
I use acrylic sheets, cheaper and lighter than glass but works well enough on paintings that are not too large
When I studied WC painting, I was taught to soak the paper and sponge wipe down, and then staple tightly to 3/4" plywood board. The staple line is 1/2" in from the edge. When dried the paper is taut like the skin on a kettle drum, and control is never an issue no matter how much water is applied. This takes time. The results are worth it for professionals. When staples are removed, a border line remains which can be utilized or a Matt can cover over.
that's what i usually do. but I'm gonna try Matt's method and see what happens :)
I just use water based gum tape.. I can't remember where I learnt that... seeing people use white masking tape without the soaking method seems like they miss out a step, as it might buckle when you first paint on it, like you say you have to soak first. Never heard of stapling, interesting. I see no advantage of painting without stretching the paper first, like the guy in the video is suggesting. I get that it dries flat, it suits him... so that's cool, but for myself I need that drum tight surface as I frequently use a hairdryer to dry the water colour as I'll use pen and ink a lot.
@@mikethebloodthirsty for larger sheets , I wet both sides - wait as it expands- then staple to a board. A very old technique but it works . Paper dries tight as a drum with a beautiful surface that will withstand anything you do to it . But the staples then rule out any deckled edges if that’s important to you
what kind of board do you staple it to?@@thomaswschaller
thin plywood@@aeastman59
Hi Matt! I'm an operating room nurse, so I consider myself well-practiced in thinking things through from beginning to end. I think such an ability is required in watercolors, too. I think it will help people to realize this is a skill that can be developed, and it's ok to move forward to a new piece of paper; the experiences will not be wasted!
I'm a retired Emergency Nurse, top speed, alla prima 😁
Well said!
Hi! I'm a hairdresser so me too belive in design beforehand. Cutting hair can't be just whimsical even if it seems so.
This is the best advice yet! I just tried the the damp on both sides... Amazing!
Thank you for solving one of my biggest problems when doing wet on wet painting--the curling edges and buckling overall as they dry. I even tried placing plastic over the painting and then covering that with a big book. I gave up for a while and went to fiber as an artist. But--NOW I'M BACK!
Returning to watercolour painting after several decades I really appreciate this guide. Thank you.
What you describe is one of the real qualities of watercolor that I admire, I'm new to watercolor so this is something I really want to learn and be able to utilize.
Thank you for your tip. I have always had my paper dry too fast. I will give this a try. Thanks again.
Such an intriguing painting approach, especially tailored to the unique painting technique you employed. Thank you for generously sharing your creative process and providing a valuable learning opportunity for many artists. Wishing you a truly wonderful day ahead.
You're a wonderful teacher! I'm soaking everything up like a spunge! 🙂
I just downloaded your 5 step guide. Thanks so much, it looks to be very helpful. Your videos in general are some of the most helpful for watercolor painting. Much appreciated! Dave
Nice work and useful points.watercolours are a delightful journey of discovery.glad to have found your channel.👍
Thank you for this tip. I can not wait to try this!
This really sounds interesting and makes sense for some of the problems I'm trying to overcome. I downloaded your plan and am excited to try this. Thank you!
Another great thing about this technique is that you can use cheap woodpulp papers almost as successfully as the cotton ones!
Cheap paper is the only paper in my budget. Thanks for letting me know it works in my range!
I heard this recently. Although, it was explained to wet both sides, let the paper dry completely, and then wet and paint. The initial wet and dry is supposed to even out the sizing in the paper which causes much of the difficulty with water beading / pooling, hard edges, and inconsistent drying. I haven't tried this approach yet as I've been playing with yupo the last month. I have no wood pulp paper to experiment on, but this is supposed to help on all sized paper.
Great advice. Looking forward to trying this. Thanks for sharing.
So happy watched this video . Thank you and all the best.
Thank for your technique. Love your work!
Thank you Matt for all of the information you have given us so unselfishly!!. I have already downloaded all that you have provided. I look forward to using it. ♥️🙏🏼🎄❄️
Glad to help!
Thank you for sharing your fantastic talent ❤
Thank you so much for all your videos and the time you put into them. I have to say that of all the watercolor artists/teachers I follow, you are the one person I most consistently review for any new content. You just explain things so clearly and well and I feel that I come away knowing something that I need to work on to improve my paintings. Your words just give me the confidence to believe I can get better at it! I'm am going to try this method on my next painting and see how it goes. Thanks again for all your time and effort here.
I totally agree Caroline. I found Matthew a couple of weeks ago and last week I joined one of his online watercolour courses and have learnt so much in this last week. I wish you well on your Watercolour journey. Happy Painting✏️🎨🖍️
Thank you! So kind of you.
I found that taping 140 lb+ paper (I like the 156 lb), requires a lot stronger tape than standard painter's tape, blue tape, etc. Even paper tape fails if the page is too large. This technique solves a lot of those concerns and gives you more time to wash if you're going bigger than a half sheet.
Matt, thank you for the free guide too.
Loved watching this Matt - And I've never tried painting this way - But now I will! Wish me luck:) And congrats on the 100K - You've worked hard
I live in Greece and the paper drying out can be a big problem.
Another fantastic thing about this video....your paintings!!!! Wow!!
Thank you, I've never heard of this technique before and I will give it a try!
Thank you that is very helpful . I have not painted in water colours for many years and I want to try again.
Beautiful tip, & simple.
Thankyou
Sounds interesting - will give it a try. Thank you for your willingness to share your ideas and knowledge.
My pleasure!
Such a great idea,thanks for sharing.❤️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
that's so neat, I'm going to try this next time I paint
Thank you. I love your tutorials
Thank you for the download much appreciated
Thanks so much. You've inspired me! I'm gonna have a bash at this..
😊
It is allways good to Learn from tha WISE master! Greetings from Brazil!
Thank you Mathew. Love your tutorials.
Glad you like them!
Sounds ds like a great idea, have to try that myself, thanks!
I was taught to soak and staple but i am sooo impatient LOL will definitely be giving this a try soon!
I liked your channel, it is wonderful, and your explanation and drawing are also wonderful. Keep it up❤
Amazing tip!!
Thanks for that. I'll give it a try.
I fully wet both sides of the paper 👍 then start. ☺️ ❤ painting that way. You’re the first person who has described this that I’ve seen.
Thank you for this tip. Helpful
Thanks for the info. I will try that.😊
So cosy. I love it ❤
Great video, thanks for the free resource!
Thanks for this really helpful video. ❤
Thanks Matthew for sharing this great video. I tried your method recently after watching your previous videos. This technique for wet-on-wet definitely worked and always kept the paper flat. I had better results. As I live on the prairies in western Canada, our weather tends to be very dry winter or summer, which affects the paper. I apply a little more water to compensate.
Glad it helped!
Most helpful- thank you
Great tip!! Thank you so much for share!
I’ve done that and really like the result. I saw an artist doing that on a piece of acrylic. I’ve done it on acrylic and on a metal painting panel. Painting edge to edge looks cool. I’m still learning how to tweak it on the next washes.
Traditional methods! Some of my first studies included this method. Thanks!
Interesting suggestion. Ill give it a try.
Wow this sounds great, I am going to try it, thank you!
Great tip - I never liked masking off paper!
Great info,,,,in depth explanation!
Thank you. I am a beginner.This sounds very helpful. :)
I love the idea and will try it today! I will admit though that I seldom tape down a painting. Usually it still on a block or pad and again ‘usually’ on heavy enough paper that curling isn’t an issue. Except last night when I did a NY dragon and tore it out and used a hair drier, at which put it curled and I had to sit on my dragon😂 thanks very much for this idea! Happy New Year!
Wow! Thank You!!!
Thank you very much!, greetings from Bogotá, Colombia!
I can try this…it will urge me to get that board I’ve been wanting because I would hate to damage any tables with water if I go ahead and try this method. 🙏🏽🙋🏻♀️👍🏽
Great tips my friend.
This makes so much sense to me and you're the first I've heard it from all the videos I've been watching while trying to learn watercolor painting. Taping the edges has been driving me mad. Thank you!
😂That is so smart! Thanks for the tip.
Lovely!
I offer this idea: use this technique, but use a drawing/Gator board to be able to move your paper to make putting your colors down easier. Working on a desk might be ok but being able to change the aspect of your painting surface is so important!
Any smooth sealed board/ works. I use the a dry eraser /chalkboard stock sheets from Home Depot and cut them to size. Gatorboard can become quite expensive.
@@eagrinstead1 Plexiglass works well, too, and there are plenty of sizes to choose from.
@@CarolinaCarolina-ph9mx where do you find the plexiglass most affordable? I like it too. I went to buy some on Friday for alcohol ink work and 16x24 was $22. This was extremely thin cheap Plexiglas not good 1/8 or 1/4" stock.
@@eagrinstead1It has been years since I bought mine, and I bought it at Lowes and Home Depot. Big sheets weren't cheap, I do remember that, but I feel like I paid not much more than what you are quoting for a 24x32 sheet of plexiglass. Corporate greed has jacked the price of everything up so much it is ridiculous. I know that during Covid a great many people did housing projects, which gave that industry a great 'not enough supply to keep up with demand' excuse to increase prices, which is understandable short term. Problem is, none of these greedy companies ever seem to back up a quarter, much less the extra $$$ profit they stick on their products once the crisis is over. Sorry, I am going on a little rant because I was thinking earlier today about how just a handful of companies have taken the past few decades to take over most products and industries (they trickle it down through many brand names, however, so it is harder to pick up on), and how nice it would be to see all that broken up so prices could actually be competitive. Well, I can dream. But back to the issue at hand. You can attach the thinner plexiglass to a thin board or even a thick piece of cardboard to give it more support. Alternatively, since the real goal is to have a nonporous surface, if you an find a good glue for plastic, you could potentially even glue plastic to foam board or cardboard for an inexpensive support - and make different sizes and even have backups. If you have a heavy duty garbage bag and a spare foam board, you could try that option for next to nothing, and then decided if you even need to bother with the plexiglass. 🙂
Great tip thankyou! And that looked like the village of my childhood, Staithes, that you were painting in your example!?? 😊
This is the way I learned to paint in the 70's. Still use it on large paper projects.
Great tip and I will give this a go. Just wondering if this will also work for small pieces of paper and working on details over a long period of time...
Hello Matthew. Exellent video, can't wait to try this techniques ☺ I have a question.... when you do the first wash your colors are altready mixed and ready to use or you create new colors along the way?
Hi Matthew, Thank you for this informative video. I look forward to putting your ideas into practice. I do wonder one thing, what would you recommend as a preferred working surface for the paper? Thank you for considering my question.
Thank you for your kindly sharing of knowledge. I was wondering what surface material you like using behind your paper?
this is a very common method in Russian watercolor academy. We used to just put paper under the sink and let it run for sometime underwater before we would paint(and add water with a brush on top of that, dripping colors into some elements rather than brushing them), I never really mastered it rather hate watercolor to this day, but did paint a pretty bird once that was sorta hazy but surprisingly clear with just enough information for your eye to play around with the image, often times the sharper details of darks and lights when its a bit more dry is in much less concentration than presented so your eye can jitter around, although I think its a fairly outdated look especially when it comes to concept art or actual use outside of the piece itself.
Matt, does the finish of the board you are resting you paper on make a difference in how long the paper stays wet for??
Great video! Question: are you using hot pressed or cold pressed paper?
I have a lot of HP paper bought by mistake. Would this method help to make the paint flow more freely on HP paper? Thx
Thank you! I will try this right away! Do you think it will work on smaller pieces (4x6, 3x4), too?
Thank you.
Hi there, Michael, I’ve watched a few of your very practical and very informative videos, and I just watched one where you wet both sides of your paper for your first wet into wet wash. I just have a quick question for your second layer, your mid tones, I’m guessing that as a general rule you wouldn’t wet both sides of your paper again? And you definitely wouldn’t do that for your final layer and details? Am I right in thinking this? Kind regards J 🎨🖌️
I didn't know I had to wet the back of the paper as well as the front. I found out the hard way, as my paper got lumps on it. Thank you
What has the wetting of the back got to do with taping? I always wet the back, tape it down and then wet the front. If you paint with really thick paper like 600 g you don"t need the tape, otherwise you really do for it to dry flat.
I've shied away from wetting both sides. In the past I've had the paper "glue" itself to the work surface and I couldn't get it loose without soaking the paper and ruining the piece. Maybe it was the brand of paper but it caused me to stop using the technique. Also I like the clean lines around the edge that tape gives.
I love this!! I teach beginner workshops and want to introduce watercolors. My concern was having to get boards and tape etc. Does it matter what the surface is below the paper? Will plastic tablecloths be okay? Also if I pre-print a design on the paper with waterproof ink can I still use this method? Thanks in advance for any help
I also wet the back instead of taping. I do, however, use a strip of gummed paper to adhere the top edge of the watercolor paper to a piece of black gatorboard. It's light and dent/water resistant.The technical illustrator in me habitually rotates the page to get the most efficient shoulder/elbow angle 😁
I know you said that the back of the paper will be flat if the back is wet, but it's going to go wobbly. Mounting your paper onto board whilst it's wet will keep the paper way flatter than just taping or just loose. It will stretch the fibres so they don't have the room to expand once wet again.
I do it the way he said and my paintings always dry flat. No wobbles. I use Baohong artist grade 100% cotton paper.
Ha!! For years I’v tried and failed to tape watercolour paper down… its always pulls back up!! I finally got a page taped down and to stay and was going to start today and then I see this video!! :)
Thanks for the tip though! I’m going to try it out next painting!
Use gummed paper tape. Masking tape doesn’t stick to wet.
Yeah it was gummed paper I was using! It was actually masking tape that finally kept it down for me!! :)
To be honest though I think I was way off with my process.
I was soaking in a bath tub over night, taping down and then leaving to dry till I worked on it. I didn’t know about how you should work on it wet through.
Lets be real though… I’m also just not great at watercolours!! Ah well… just keep trying!!
Thanks for the tip :)
Yeah it was gummed paper I was using! It was actually masking tape that finally kept it down for me!! :)
To be honest though I think I was way off with my process.
I was soaking in a bath tub over night, taping down and then leaving to dry till I worked on it. I didn’t know about how you should work on it wet through.
Lets be real though… I’m also just not great at watercolours!! Ah well… just keep trying!!
Thanks for the tip :)
Yeah it was gummed paper I was using! It was actually masking tape that finally kept it down for me!! :)
To be honest though I think I was way off with my process.
I was soaking in a bath tub over night, taping down and then leaving to dry till I worked on it. I didn’t know about how you should work on it wet through.
Lets be real though… I’m also just not great at watercolours!! Ah well… just keep trying!!
Thanks for the tip :)
Yeah it was gummed paper I was using! It was actually masking tape that finally kept it down for me!! :)
To be honest though I think I was way off with my process.
I was soaking in a bath tub over night, taping down and then leaving to dry till I worked on it. I didn’t know about how you should work on it wet through.
Lets be real though… I’m also just not great at watercolours!! Ah well… just keep trying!!
Thanks for the tip :)
It depends on what paper you use...try to consider that there are artists who can't afford very thick cotton paper that don't move a lot compared to thinner paper that's why taping is a must in some cases.
I have done it woth dollar store watercolor paper. It still works. I use a glass cutting board underneath. Then if I want to move painting around or tip it, I can, eather than stuck to a desk (that I don't have anyways) or my family kitchen table.
I tape my paper down to create a border at the end, and also to keep the paper stationary.
Thank you soo much, for the advice and the guide. I ' m gonna too subcribe too your channel. Greathins form 🇨🇷.
This is a cool technique and I've yet to try it out but I want to ask, does this have any benefit over stretching? I guess it's convenient since you don't have to do anything ahead of time but you can achieve the same effect with both ways right?
I was taught to wet thoroughly my paper...leave for a couple of minutes to soak in then tape the paper with brown gummed paper tape. When everything dries it is as tight as a drum. Can be used on any type of paper. For acrilics gouash and pencil or ink drawings.
Hi Matthew, Cheryl here to ask a question about wedding your paper and skipping taping the paper. After the first wash, do you wet the surface again before beginning.the second wazh.
I do this on a board that has Formica adhered to it. Zoltan Zabo used to teach this method.
Wonderful! Can you do this with acrylic paint? Thank you!
I like your idea!!! I've been taping my paper and sometimes I don't mind the clean look of the border, I don't always want it. For example, last year I painted a watercolor of the Black Pearl ship. I taped the paper down leaving the white border. This was fine until I put the painting into a rustic wooden frame. The top and bottom white border shows. :(
You could hide that border with a mat
@@JPinBrooklyn It already looks like a mat. The top and bottom of a white mat.
You could use a dark colored mat to cover it.
@@sandrajohnson2489 you can find mats of varying sizes to cover the white edges, which l've also done.
Thanks Matt for the tip. If doing a watercolor in multiple sessions, do you re-wet the back each time?
Just for the first wash.
I used to wet both sides, but the paper would buckle as it dried. I would really get it soaking wet though, that might be the problem. I wanted it really wet, because the paper would tightly stick to the smooth board and I would have tons of time to work. I did also tend to get nasty back runs at the edges if I didn't regularly remove excess water while it was drying.
Since you don't seem to be suffering from either problem, I'll give it another go with less water.
Great video, this is the method Andy Evansen uses as well. I think your paintings are really dynamic because you use vibrant colors, too, not just grays!! Thanks!!
Thanks!