I have struggled for so long with how to properly stretch watercolor paper that I almost gave up!
After many failures I put all my hope into watercolor blocks. Watercolor blocks hold together with glue several sheets of watercolor paper. They are marvelous to work with BUT when you apply to your paintings as many washes and glazes as I do, you still might get watercolor blocks to warp a little.
Of course using 300lb watercolor paper would solve this problem but imagine how much your wallet suffered ($$$)!
Determined to master watercolor paper stretching, I tried different ways and I practiced quite a lot. Once I finally figured it out there was no going back for me. Now I stretch watercolor paper of all kinds and sizes.
The beauty of a perfectly tight surface to paint on has no comparisons.
If you use a lot of washes on your paintings and re-wet your paper constantly, stretching it with gummed tape is the way to go. Let me show you how I do it.
Here’s a list of materials mentioned in the video: