Preparing your paper before a watercolor painting is an important step to ensure that your paint will apply smoothly and evenly. Here are the steps to prepare your paper for a watercolor painting:
– Choose the right type of watercolor paper: The best paper for watercolor is a thick, heavy paper, specially designed for watercolor. Look for paper that is at least 140 lb (300 gsm) weight, and has a textured or “toothy” surface that can hold onto the watercolor pigment.
– Stretch your paper (optional): If you’re using a lighter paper or plan to use a lot of water, you can stretch your paper to prevent it from curling or warping. To stretch paper, wet it thoroughly with clean water, then tape it down to a flat surface with painter’s tape. Allow the paper to dry completely before beginning your painting.
– Mask the areas you want to keep white (optional): If you want to keep areas white on your paper, use tape or masking fluid to cover those areas before you start painting.
– Wet your paper: Using a clean brush or a spray bottle, wet your paper thoroughly with clean water. Be careful not to oversaturate the paper, as this can cause the pigment to bleed and create unwanted effects.
– Let your paper sit: After wetting your paper, let it sit for a few minutes to allow the water to soak in and the fibers to expand.
Once your paper is prepared, you’re ready to begin painting!
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