Question 1

How does one stretch watercolor paper? I've been painting with watercolors since elementary school, but never heard of this technique till now!

Accepted Answer

Stretching watercolor paper allows your paintings to stay taut, and therefore dry flat.  I start by soaking the paper, just holding it under the faucet and let the water run over both sides until all the surface is covered.  Lay the paper down on your art board and rip strips of paper tape (gummed tape you can find at art supply stores) long enough for each of the four sides.  Use a spray bottle to lightly wet the gummed side of the tape one strip at a time.  Start with one long edge and tape it down.  Pull the opposite edge slightly to stretch the paper a little (too much stretch at this point could make your paper pop out from the tape when it dries, so pull gently) then tape down that edge.  Tape the remaining 2 edges.  A little buckling/bubbling of the paper is okay, it will flatten out as it dries.  To prevent mineral stains (which will resist paint) gently blot the paper with a paper towel to remove excess water.  Lay the board on a flat surface and allow to dry completely before painting (I try to leave it overnight).  After you finish your painting, also allow to dry completely before carefully cutting the tape with a knife to release the paper.  If you want to trace a sketch onto the paper before painting, you can either trace it on with a light board before stretching the paper (remember, though, that water sets pencil, so you won't be able to erase) or transfer the image with graphite paper after stretching.

Question 2

Is this the same as gatorboard?

Accepted Answer

I use it the same as I would Gatorboard.

Question 3

can you mount paper with staples?

Accepted Answer

I've never tried stapling on this board.  I do sometimes stretch watercolor paper with staples and for that I use homosote board which I also got from Amazon.  For homosote board you can just use your regular desk stapler and don't need a staple gun and it is easy to remove the staples.

Question 4

What is this made of, and can I staple watercolor paper on it?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can staple watercolor paper to graphix boards. They are reusable many times over, particularly if you staple a little removed from the first staple marks. Don't forget to soak your watercolor paper as you normally would. The product works very well.

Paint Type	Watercolor
Material Type	Foam Board
Item Dimensions L x W	24"L x 16"W
Size	16"x24"
Item Weight	0.74 Pounds
Color	White

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Graphix Incredible Light-Weight Moisture Proof Art Board, 16 x 24 Inches

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