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Do you stretch your paper before painting? (Patreon)

Published:
2026-05-11 22:48:26
Edited:
2026-05-11 22:50:26
Imported:
2026-10

Poll

Do you stretch your paper before painting?

  • Always 72
  • Sometimes 117
  • Never 147
  • 2026-05-11
  • 336 votes
{'title': 'Do you stretch your paper before painting?', 'choices': [{'text': 'Always', 'votes': 72}, {'text': 'Sometimes', 'votes': 117}, {'text': 'Never', 'votes': 147}], 'closes_at': None, 'created_at': datetime.datetime(2026, 5, 11, 22, 40, 20, tzinfo=datetime.timezone.utc), 'description': None, 'allow_multiple': False, 'total_votes': 336}

Content

Hi everyone,

This month I plan to write a section in my book about stretching watercolour paper and I'm curious.......

Do you stretch your paper before painting?

And........

If you don't stretch it, what's the main reason?

I’ve noticed many painters struggle with buckling and wrinkled paper, especially when using lots of water, so I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks,

Louise

PS: Here is how I stretch my paper: https://www.louisedemasi.com/tips/2024/1/8/how-to-stretch-watercolor-paper

Files

Comments

Sylvia Crixell

I buy the Arches paper that is in a block. I don't stretch because I can be lazy. I have done it, but sometimes I need to avoid barriers to getting started on painting.

Tania

Hi Louise. Most of the time, I paint on watercolor blocks, so I don't need to stretch the paper. My apartment has limited space as well.

Terrie Tooms

I never stretched it before watching you’re video. The paper always buckled and was difficult to flatten after painting. Now I always use your method. Works every time.

Susan Dolan

If I’m doing a study I tape my paper to a board. When I’m ready to do a painting I stretch my paper. Really I should stretch it every time.

Elena

I occasionally use blocks but do not enjoy them as much as my stretched paper.

Mary Siegel

YES!!! It is easy to do. Now that I have done it a few times, I can get the boards ready fairly quickly. I do 2 at a time. The gator board was hard to find but Blick has them online in a variety of sizes at a reasonable price. The only issue I have is that the paper tape does not like to stick completely to the Arches cold press paper. But the staples make up for that. Also I made a big mistake in trying to remove the excess tape from the artwork (after I cut it off the board) by wetting it. What was I thinking???? Duh!!! It warped the edges and defeated the purpose of stretching the paper. Anyway, I will stretch whenever I do anything that I think might have some promise. I save the paper block and cheaper paper for practicing my washes and other techniques! Louise you are the BEST!!! Thanks for being such a great teacher!!!!!

Dawnkifer

Sometimes I stretch, other times I do a quick tape especially for practice or journal work sometimes I use a block so there's no stretching

Janice Herman

I hate stretching paper because I am impatient. When I want to paint, I want to paint NOW. But I do it because not stretching is like admitting "this Painting is going to be worthless, so I don't care if it buckles". And that's a very bad attitude! So I stretch. But I will take a shortcut and just tape to a board if it is just a study. If I am not painting at home, I splurge and use block paper.

Janice Herman

I should also mention that I live in extremely dry desert in Arizona USA, so if I don't stretch, I don't dare try to do any wet in wet painting. The paper drives so quickly here that re-wetting and spraying causes it's own problems with over wetting the paper. That almost guarantees buckling and warps if the paper has not been properly stretched.

Karla Sanford

Depends on what paper I am using.

Wendy Kelly

I usually use the blocks, but when I don't, I stretch.

Eilis Miller

I always stretch my paper. Curious if there are different results for cold vs hot pressed paper... or different ttotal soaking times.

Deb Lund-Tlumak

I stretch almost everything, I have a journal I made to paint in, and I regret not stretching that paper first. I won’t make that mistake again!

Simi

I just invert my painting, put a thin cloth on it and use a steam iron to smooth it out.

Nancy Guenther

I bought the gator board and the tape several years ago, but I have never tried to do it even though you have explained it before. I usually pain5 on blocks but they can lift off the block with a lot of water, so I should try it!

Gerry M

I always stretch paper except when I spoil myself with 300lb. That being said, some say 300 lb should still be wetted with a brush (not stretched) before painting. Do you do this Louise? I never have. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Shelly Solle

I like using the blocks so I don’t have to bother with stretching. There are times that I have to do it though.

Martha Baker

I don't stretch my paper because it is too time consuming and I am impatient. I use Arches and it does buckle if I do a lot of wet in wet work. But if I am happy with how a painting turned out and want to frame it, I wet the back side of the painting and put a board and weights on it to flatten it (overnight at least). This has worked well for me and is a compromise I can live with.

Linda Hutson

Since I don’t consider myself professional, i figure it’s not that important and I guess when I do get the chance to paint I want to get down to painting, Ive not familiarized myself with the process that well.

Louise De Masi

I stretch 300lb paper as well. Because I work very wet with lots of water, I find it doesn’t buckle as much as thinner paper, but it still bows and curves like a banana (slightly) if I don’t stretch it first.

Cheryl Bengtson

Stretching paper creates a reliable, smooth surface every time. Large painted areas worked wet-in-wet that buckle slightly always flatten out again when they dry. That makes glazing or adding detail to those areas easier. Stretching paper means there's never a need to flatten a finished painting before framing. I like the results so much I cut paper off blocks and stretch them anyway. I don't buy blocks any more.

Louise De Masi

Hi Eilis- In my experience I haven't noticed a difference. I soak the different textures for the same amount of time although I do soak the heavier papers a little longer.

Louise De Masi

I do that too Cheryl.....if I want a finished painting I'll take the paper off the block and stretch it first. If it's a study I'll do it while it's attached to the block. I find even the blocks will bow and pucker a little and the painting is never completely flat when I remove it from the block.

Ellen Moran

I didn't learn about stretching water color paper until I watched one of your tutorials. Then I looked further into the practice. I tried it once without the proper materials and decided that for now, blocks might be the way for me to go. Is it better to stretch?

Allan B

I always stretch my paper in the same way as you, minus the staples. It requires more planning so that a piece is ready to go whenever you feel inspired but the benefits are huge. At some point I switched my mindset from I “have to” stretch a piece to I “get” to stretch a piece and it has become an enjoyable little ritual for me

Gerry M

Okay! Good to know! Thanks

Louise De Masi

I do think stretching is better, especially if you enjoy working with a lot of water like I do. Even 300lb paper can bow when it gets really wet. I personally love painting on a completely flat surface and I find it makes the whole process more enjoyable and predictable. That said, plenty of artists prefer blocks because they’re convenient and ready to go when you are. As you can see from the comments here, not everyone wants the extra step of stretching paper, and that’s completely fine too. It really comes down to how you like to work and how much water you use in your paintings.

Kathryn Regier

Well I hate to admit it but I'm so impatient I never stretch my paper 😬 I tape 300lb arches to acrylic boards. Painting is such a joy for me that I can't wait to get into it. The prep part to me is tedious including getting the drawing on the paper. I guess I should really change my attitude 😉

j j

Anything on good paper and outside of a sketchbook gets stretched and taped onto an ampersand brand board from “that” online seller. Just be careful because their logo comes off on the wet paper. My leopard in a tree has a slight stain from it. Grrrr

Adriela Sakamoto

I am in Washington State, eastern side. Very very dry.. I tend to not work with in wet, escewing the lovely delicate work. Sigh.

Kay Balink

I never stretch. Sometimes use a block but if just using a single sheet, I wet the back about 5 minutes in advance of painting, then again just before I start painting. I then lay the wet back side of the paper to coroplast board. Before taping it to the coroplast board I dry the edges of the coroplast with a paper towel and lay down the tape on the coroplast. Could use plywood and other surfaces. The front side is dry but the paper is damp within. It allows longer painting time as the paper does not dry as fast and doesn’t buckle. I can do wet-on-dry, wet-on-wet and other techniques without issue. The tape holds because the front side has not been made wet so I still get that nice border. One however does not have to tape down the paper as its main purpose is the pretty border. The damp paper will adhere on its own to the board. If the paper does dry before I want it to, I just partially lift the paper and rewet carefully. This is especially great for PleinAir as the paper stays wet longer even on a hot and windy day. Several artists demonstrate this on YouTube.

Rebecca Swingle

I always stretch my paper after sketching the design... learned from you, Louise. Inevitably I regret not soaking when the paper buckles, and it always does if I don't stretch it. Even blocked, I'll stretch.

Kristin Mosher

If I’m using the Arches blocked paper I don’t stretch it. It doesn’t buckle. But, all other papers I stretch.

Jocelyn Swanson

I too buy either Arches or Swathmore that is in a block.

Maria Braverman

Hi, Louise. I always stretch loose paper. Instead of gator board I use white 1/2” foam board (from Hobby Lobby in the US), apply 2 coats of gesso to each face and tape around the edges. It’s inexpensive and I can have several sheets ready for use in one “stretching session”. I follow your method using tape and staples.

Kathy

I do all my paintings as study with watercolor paper block, I would stretch my paper when start working on a big project, your video was very helpful as I’ve never knew this is necessary for watercolor painting.

Sammie Bryant

I have stretched paper and it still buckles. I’ve wondered what I’m doing wrong. I’ve not both stapled and taped like you do so maybe that’s the problem🤷🏻‍♀️

Dr. Daphne Hobson

I buy blocks of paper. However, I also paint in a journal but I’ve never taped. I’m new to all this

Martina

I have found that Arches paper does not flatten out well on the block after drying. I use paper from Hahnemühle—specifically "The Collection." While it is slightly more expensive than Arches, it is equal in quality, and it flattens out perfectly on the block. This way, I can skip the step of stretching the paper.

Kate

I have only stretched paper twice so far. First, I didn't stretch because I couldn't find the right material to stretch my paper onto. Through some luck, I got hold of exactly the right plates and I have them here with me, but...for me it's still easier to grab a block that's glued on all 4 sides. If I, let's say, stretch a paper in the evening - I have no guarantee, that I will paint in the morning. Then I have boards laying around, waiting to be stretched. I would probably stretch my paper if it didn't require so much pre-planning. Also, I am terrible at cutting the finished painting off the board - it ended up all crooked. I am also terrified of cutting into my a2 arches papers - I can never get it straight and I worry about wasting paper.

Den

I am new to watercolour, only started this year, but I’ve just bought a Ken Bromley paper stretcher and it’s fantastic. Not sure if only available in the UK.

Amanda Rush

For paintings that don’t use a super wet washes etc I use a Fabriano watercolour paper block but always stretch loose sheets from a pad using your technique Louise.

Jennifer J Inskip

I use cotton rag, heavy weight. Unless I am going to use copious amounts of water I do not have a problem with buckling.

Bev Witts

I did stretch my paper at one time but I found it ok but for me not necessary.

Kimberly Rombaut

I do studies in my little sketchbook before doing a big painting. Usually I stretch it because it stays nice and flat and if I want to frame it I don’t need to fight any warping 😊 I learned the stretching process through you, Louise, and I am so happy with my flat as pancake work area and paintings now!

Patricia Maraia

If I’m going to paint the background, I stretch my paper, however, I do it a little bit differently. I put the staples on first, then the brown tape over the staples. Once it’s dried, I add masking tape 1/2 on the paper and 1/2 on the brown tape, so the watercolor paint doesn’t leak under the brown tape. Once everything is removed, the paper is stiff as a board, no buckling and I am very happy with the results. If I have time, I’ll stretch the paper even if I’m not painting the background. Hope this was helpful.

Lana

My favorite surface is a Arches 300 pound block, but Stretched Arches 140 or Saunders 200 are a very close second. I do a lot of layering and the heavier paper seems to results that appear to have more depth.

Dee

I’m a beginner & I don’t know anything at all about stretching watercolour paper.

Claire

I feel the same way Sylvia below does. I never take the time to stretch the paper because I just want to get started paining.. I'm a novice painter and when I'm ready to paint I just want to start painting. I have been buying Arches blocks lately which reduce the buckling effect. If I were more experienced and a better painter who makes fine art I would take the time to stretch and treat the paper. I'm not at that stage yet. So I guess the difference for me is beginners just need to get started painting while more experienced painters will take the time to make each step perfect. Hope this helps. Claire

Sharon March

I often am using a watercolor block. But if I am using loose paper I do stretch it.

Lamm Anita

I stretch paper just using the gatorboard or Grafix board and staples. I have not used the tape because I'm not sure I can get that off the board easily. The staples work really well. I use a lot of them, and they are not hard to get out since they are just basic desktop staplers.

Novella Gouldsborough

I stretch most of my paper sheets with paper tape and staples for “insurance” especially if there’s going to be a lot of water. I often paint on blocks that usually don’t require stretching. That being said, I’m currently painting a flower on a block and the paper is warping a lot. The sides have popped off the glued edges in spots. There aren’t any large areas of wet wash, so I’m surprised it warped so much.

Gina Squitieri

If I want my paper to lay flat and dry flat, I put a piece of wetted cotton sheet or muslin behind my paper, wet tge back and front of the paper, and towel off the front if I'm working wet on dry. I saw who I think was a Russian painter do that with her painting and when I tried it, I loved it. She used cheese cloth, though, so I improvised with an old thin cotton bed sheet. Mind you the fabric must be fully, 100 percent cotton or it won't work.

Louise De Masi

I usually just tape it well but if it bowed a bit when finished. I spritz the back and put a couple books on it. Flattens out very well.

Amy

I’m too impatient and when I feel like I want to paint, I like the fact that a block is ready to go. I also feel like my work isn’t good enough to go to all that effort!

Lindsay

I live in Florida but will be moving to Texas some time in the next year or two, so this is *very* good information to know! I’ve never had an issue with paper drying too quickly because, well, Florida. Watercolor is the one thing this crippling humidity is good for, I guess. That, and my curls. Those things *love* humidity. I’m a bit nervous to move for both my painting’s and hair’s sake. 😅

Lindsay

Yeah, my executive dysfunction would lead me to never, ever actually painting if I stretched my paper beforehand. I’m willing to do it for gifts, but for my every day painting? Nah. It helps that I live in Florida, so the high humidity keeps my paper wet way longer than for people in drier climates. I don’t really have an issue with buckling, even when I absolutely drown the paper in water.

Lindsay

Ooh, that’s a really smart idea for homemade journals. I’ll have to do that once I finally fill up this colossal monstrosity that I created last year

Colleen

I only buy paper in a block

Donna Riggs

I usually use block paper

Julia Borden

I usually use Arches block paper as well. I tried stretching paper once (after watching several videos), but failed. I have all the tools to do it, but haven't tried to attempt again.

Mark Herrick

I can NEVER get the packing tape to stick to the arches wet paper! Staples is the only that works

Patrica Clarke

Regardless of size or weight I always stretch my paper onto gator board. I leave the paper to soak for about 7 minutes, let the excess water drain off briefly, then staple edges (no taping). It dries overnight. The staples leave holes which can be cut off or hidden under a framing mat. The whole process takes less than 15 minutes and is well worth the effort.

Angela Carroll

I always stretch and use Arches paper and gator board. I don’t use the paper tape. I just use the staples and it works perfectly.

Linda

I mostly stretch mine , I don’t always if it a smaller piece

Stella

I buy the thicker cold press sheets which don’t buckle and holds the paint and water better

SandraMarie

I dont ever stretch my paper, I tape it down on a board. That's it. My reason is its a step that takes too much time. When I want to paint, I just want to do that, Not add extra steps to infringe on my painting time. I feel I got lots to learn so, I just want to paint.

Debbie Baker

I’m going to try the “just stapes” method

Bee Bee🐝🐝

I buy Arches Block 300Ib Rough and NOT paper it takes a lot of washes and excellent for removing paint if needed and also buy Blocks of Baohong Rough 140Ib Masters Choice, excellent for taking washes without buckling. Having tried many other watercolour papers, these two are perfect for me.

Tess Walker

I don’t but will start when I use 140lb/300 gsm. I have been using 300lb/640gsm mostly. Is it beneficial to stretch the heavier paper?

Louise De Masi

You don't have to stretch the heavier paper. I do though because it bows slightly when I paint on it (especially larger pieces) and I prefer it to remain flat.

Lindsey Jewell

No stretching for me! Only reason is Im too lazy to do it. Lol.

Pam Stewart

I nearly always paint on 640gsm paper blocks, or 640 cut from full sheets. I never have problems with buckling.

Linda

I tend to not stretch the A5 size as I usually do spur of the moment paintings, just having fun but always stretch the A3 and A4 sizes as I plan these to be thought out paintings, and I always stretch my paper when I follow your tutorials, Louise.

Christina

I have a few gator boards that I always fill up and stretch my paper on and then I can paint for a week and then repeat the process. Nothing worse, than feeling pround of a painting, but it is on wrinkled paper. Paintings look automatically better if they are on stretched paper.

Jeanette

I always use 300lb paper to avoid stretching. Pure laziness on my part.

Hotflash Vickie

I’m old and lazy. But more than that, I just hate the whole 2-day process of turning my kitchen into a paper-soaking, dog-hair-picking festival (“Who stole my tweezers??”). And don’t get me started on those aggravating staples and then taping over the staples! But first I had to buy many, many sheets of Gator board, because I don’t have the patience to stretch a sheet when I want to paint something and then - oh, no! - wait overnight for it to dry all by itself?!! Are you joking?? No, ma’am! I’ll do this like an assembly line and have some all ready!! But storing 10 sheets of Gator board in my house? Another problem. Also, Gator Board is very hard to find (and very expensive in the U.S. to boot!) I kept thinking there had to be a better way, so I tried every shortcut I could find, but alas, Louise was right, as usual: You just cannot take shortcuts if you want professional results! And if you just don’t do anything and skip the stretching altogether, you are left with a moonscape surface which no painter wants - that is, unless you’re painting the moon and are willing to let your paper and its “Go-ahead-surprise-me” wet and drying process decide for itself where your moon craters are going to be. So I switched to 300-pound Arches rough or cold press in large sheets and cut it myself as needed, or Killamanjaro rough (love it). Now I just paint and blow dry and never worry about stretching. Yes, I know it’s expensive, but so is Netflix. It all works out in the end.

Kathleen Smith

I'm probably too lazy as well to stretch. I use quality 300gsm paper, which does not buckle much, but it is easy to flatten the paper later if needed. I do like painting on paper with wet back, placed on acrylic sheeting with no taping, I like to absorption of the colours with this technique, and easy to rewet the back as required.

Kathleen Smith

I did purchase a gator board, but too scared to use it, it is very costly and I felt the use of staples would ruin it over time

Kathy Robben

i am interested in stretching my paper because i would like to make some larger paintings. my first attempt at stretching didn't go well. i need more practice

Robin

I started out with 140 lb, just because I had it. But I hate on wrinkled paper. And the 140 lb just would not stay flat.

Robin

I've tried stretching. But even if it looks wonderful before I start painting, as soon as I begin it starts to wrinkle up and pull loose. So in frustration I got a piece of 300 lb. I love it. No wrinkles. I'm planning on only using 300 lb as soon as my 140 lb stash runs out.

Susan Luus

I have no idea how to.

Louise De Masi

Hi Susan, There is a link at the bottom of the post that explains how I do it.

Bob

Had an interesting experience this morning when I mounted a 9x12” piece of Arches hot press on an mdf (Masonite) board. I only taped 1/4” of the paper and the paper has shrunk on the long side 3/16” by this evening. I can see my mark I made for the tape. Lesson learned: if the board is too hard for staples better allow more tape to adhere to the paper. This amount of movement over 12” is amazing!

Deborah Monninger

No, I don't but I am going to give it a try as I love wet on wet and buckling is a problem, even when painting on a block. I did purchase some gator board so will use Louise's technique which was very clear and helpful. I really love Louise's tutorials and her use of lots of water. Really appreciate you, Louise!

Ashley B

I either do the work and stretch it! Or I use a block! I need to watercolor more! I’ve been in oil and mixed media land! lol I need watercolor back in my life!

Sanne van Zwol

This and It seems time consuming. I figure if i really like it at the beginner stage I am in I will wet the back after and let it dey under a lot of weight. Maybe in the future I will give it a go since even fabriano on block buckles

Elizabeth J. Cullina

I always stretch, its parrt of the process, makes the paper ready for water & paint & because Louise said to🙃

D. Todd

I don't stretch my paper. It might just be my imagination, but I like fine details in my work, and I feel the stretching process removes some of the sizing, making the details less crisp. I use 140 lb. Arches, 100% cotton, 10x14" or 12x16" pads. I remove the paper from the pad and tape down to a piece of verithane covered board with white artists tape. When I work wet into wet, it's usually smaller, manageable sections. I seldom have problems with buckling, perhaps because I live in a humid coastal area in the Pacific Northwest. If the paper does buckle, I put a pile of books on top after it has dried, and it flattens out quite nicely.

Susan

I do not stretch my paper because I don't know how, Also, no one has ever explained the important/advantage of doing this

Louise De Masi

Hi Susan, I have a link on this post (down the bottom) where I have written about how I do it and the advantages of it. I hope it helps.

Erin Carlson

I don't stretch partly cause I'm lazy and partly because I don't have the proper tools. I am able to "flatten" my final painting out ok by wetting the back of it with a damp towel and then pressing it between two acid free sheets of art paper and heavy books for a few days.

Marion W. Tilson

I just stretched my paper for the first time, using your instructions. My owl, bunny and raccoon for a friend's nursery are perfectly flat and ready for framing. I will now stretch my paper for paintings I plan to give away. A good paper cutter is helpful.

Carol J Bodily

I wet the back lightly the lay it in my board and then tape the front of it all around the paper. Then I spray the front and let it dry.

Camellia Collection

I do now.. I had avoided it as I felt it took time from painting, but is part of the whole process. I do it like our instructor Louise 😊

Margaret Hunter

I haven’t yet, maybe someday I will paint well enough to try it. I use the heavy book method.

Tatiana

I sometimes stretch my paper, especially if I see that there is going to be lots of work on wet. I stretch the day before and let it dry overnight. I actually like this part - preparation, anticipation... I am probably a minority in this:) I don't staple the stretched paper because I have a board made of some material that would be damaged by stapling, so I only use the gummed tape to hold it in place and sometimes it doesn't seem to be enough, the paper still buckles (presumably less, if I didn't stretch it at all). Lately, I try to buy blocks, and they seem to be a good compromise. The main reason for NOT stretching my paper is kind of funny: I don’t have lots of space. We live in a condo, and I use our (small) dining table for painting. My board is quite a bit larger than my paper, so by the time I place all I need around the board (including my laptop to follow the tutorial), there is so little room left and it feels cumbersome to work on a board. With a block, it is better. Otherwise, I think I would definitely prefer stretching my paper.

Lori DiPaola

I don’t have a good board to staple my paper to … I usually use painters tape and if it buckles I flatten it later in a press.. not the best I want to work larger do I’ll have it I think ! Maybe get gaterboard ..

Stephanie

I stretched for the first time today and wow there is a difference. It does not even compare to the blocks. I will now take out and stretch it before painting big projects, not sure about little doodles ...

Yvonne Stanley

If I am going to do a lot of wet on wet work over a large area, I will wet the back and the front. Otherwise, no, I do not stretch my paper.

Joyce Wicks

I usually stretch my paper (per your tutorial) when I am painting most of your tutorials which I consider realistic, and the finished product always looks nice and is very flat when finished. I actually enjoy the process. However, when I am working on 1/4 sheet (11 x 15 inches) landscapes and using plenty of water in a looser style, I just taped the edges down to my gator board with contractors masking tape. Although it buckled while painting, I used a blow dryer between various stages of applying paint and glazing and it always flattened out well. I use Lanaquerelle 140# Cold press most of the time. Arches some of the time. Blocks are ok if I paint pleinair or don’t have a place to stretch it.