I like to start most of my paintings by staining the paper, in order to have a base of light values upon which to build my painting and to get rid of some of the paper sizing. Let me show you how I do it. By the way, in the video I mention that I am using Arches Cold Pressed 300lb watercolor paper but I AM NOT! I am actually using ArchesCold Pressed 150lb …. I misspoke! :D