Cathy. Cathy. We employed two paint applications. watercolor paper to buckle more during drying, and the canvas paper to buckle the most during both application and drying. Dry acrylic films remain porous, so some buckling and curling may still occur. Stick to acrylic and be careful when you wet your brush to dry it of all excess water before putting it to paper. Thank you for sharing your process. We have seen differences in watercolor washes, where the same paint mixture appears lighter on a more absorbent surface and more saturated on a less absorbent surface. Joshua Walters: Thanks Golden/Williamsburg (Greg) for sh... andrena bonte: what product did you use as the final fi... Scott: Thanks for the article. We hope this is helpful, Coating the bare paper with a couple layers of Fluid Matte Medium or Gloss Medium might seal the surface enough to reduce the buckling caused by later layers. Staple the top part and move to one side of the paper and then the bottom and the other side. By doing so, you will reduce the amount of moisture and humidity the paper is exposed to. Happy painting, You can see them at https://www.cynthiacoldrenfineart.com/works-on-paper, Hello Cynthia, watercolor paper and acrylic paper, both of which remained mostly flat. Using an iron set on medium low, gently rub over the entire surface. The weight is also important, as the lighter canvas paper curled up the most and the heavier weight papers retained the least buckles. I have several suggestions for you to prevent curling. We will certainly add this paper to our testing in the future. 2. Cathy. Foamcore is simply a sheet of fine-grade foam sandwiched between two sheets of thick paper, and moisture causes curling by weakening the paper layer and popping the air bubbles in the foam, causing distortion. Allow the painting to dry before you remove the staples. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The paper is then allowed to dry completely. We recommend smoothing the paper as much as possible between coats so as to not reinforce the curling with additional layers of … Sometimes I wet the paper before applying paint. 5. In short, completely wet , dripping wet paper is put flat on board. Cathy. Watercolor paper is often both internally and externally sized to strengthen the paper and to reduce absorbency. Factors which affect quality include: stiffness, smoothness, electrical resistivity, friction coefficient, curl moisture, flatness, millwork, porosity and composition. I have the kids draw a narrow ‘frame’ on their paper – maybe 1/2″ – and all painting is done inside the frame. We did not test applications that used as much water as a watercolor technique would, however in the article images 1A, 1D, 2A, and 2E show acrylic on an acrylic paper. Thank you for the examples of different paints and different weight papers. When testing for this article, we used an intermediate grade Strathmore 400 series acrylic paper. Several methods and … All Rights Reserved. Most of the time, for some reason, when I finish drawing, and start coloring, my paper curls up for some reason. It's also prone to wrinkling if not stored properly. For photographs of papers coated with Golden mediums, see Greg Watson’s article “Painting with Oils on Paper.” The “Painting with Oils on Paper” article does contain Arches® Oil Paper, which also might be used with acrylic paints. Cathy. Use less water when painting to prevent soaking the paper in certain areas. canvas texture Canvas Paper. I paint with 60, 98, 140 and 246 pound paper and my experience with warping matches your results. Cindy, I heard if you paint the back of the canvas board (i.e. The diluted Heavy Body paint caused the 140 lb. The acrylic paper tended to curl during painting and dried mostly flat. A similar method is used to flatten watercolor paintings, although then the back of the paper is only slightly dampened since water is of greater concern. Cathy. Once I’m back in the studio, I can mount any successful pieces onto a cradled board. It is always good to test a new paper to see how it will react with your painting techniques and materials. The 300 lb paper would always be 1st choice if it wasn’t 3x more expensive than 140 lb. The first step to ensure less paper curl is to store your paper in a cool, dry area. Tape down the other sides of the sheet of watercolor paper in the same way. Strathmore’s 500 Series Aquarius II® Watercolor Paper contains both cotton and synthetic fibers, a combination that may help it resist buckling. This will stop the watercolor paper pulling off the board when it dries. Adjust heat up as needed to allow the dampness on the back of the paper to relax the paper fibers. Update: I use colored pencils and a mechanical pencil. Cover paper with a sheet of sketch paper or a towel. 20 avr. I just ordered a pad of that to try and see if it would be less. Since acrylic films are porous, water can filter through a layer of dry acrylic and into a paper substrate and create buckling. We actually have an article, “OPEN Acrylics, Shellac, and SID,” which discusses our most recent testing in this area. Thank you! The next step is to always fan the paper before placing in the machine. Fredrix makes an archival canvas panel with a hardboard core and they don`t warp at all. Allow the paper to dry before you start painting. We are glad you found this testing of interest. Strathmore has a number of products intended for wet media in their 500 series artist’s grade category. Thank you for your question. Several initial layers of one of these would be needed. Thank you, it is wonderful to hear another suggestion for a paper that dries flat when painted with acrylics. Wet your paper with a moist sponge or a piece of cloth. Customers like the substantial weight this process brings to a work on paper. Cathy, I gesso as well. In order to reduce moisture transfer to a #250 – #300 CP Rough paper substrate, can I brush on a coating of acrylic medium as an initial layer before applying gesso and fluid acrylics? Afterward, I remove the tape and spray varnish the front and back— further protection against fingerprints and dirt. It was very very helpful and I know I’ll be referencing it in the future! Would a thin layer of Absorbent Ground Medium applied to the 140# paper help? Lighter Paint Applications, Heavy Body diluted with less than fifty percent water, Understanding the Techniques of Pouring Acrylics, Defining Warm and Cool Colors: It’s All Relative, Oiling Out and the Cause of Dead Spots in Oil Paintings, Painting with Oils on Non-Porous Substrates, JustPaint.org Website Maintenance Required December 1, 2020. 1. The paper dries flat and I never ‘stretch’ or tape it down as I do with other weights/brands of watercolor paper when painting with fluid acrylics. * See our, Suggested Drying Times Between Acrylic Products, https://www.cynthiacoldrenfineart.com/works-on-paper, Strathmore’s 500 Series Aquarius II® Watercolor Paper, CAA News | College Art Association » Blog Archive » News from the Art and Academic Worlds | CAA, Adhering paper of at least 140 lb (about 300 gsm) to a board, the article about flattening watercolor paper. buffered acrylic paper, tended to dry with greater flatness. Apply the first staple to the top of the paper, in the center and move your way to the left or right. So, I tried ironing and steaming the paper in the hope this would be a quicker and permanent solution. Allow the paper to dry before you start painting. Clean unwrinkled towels or thick felt might be used as an initial surface, followed by an interleaving layer of art conservation silicone release paper (here is an example), then the artwork face down, following the directions in the article about flattening watercolor paper. is helpful but does not totally fix the problem. Applying a layer of Absorbent Ground over paper is likely to increase the absorbency and allow the paper to stay damp for a longer time. Then the paper is placed on the surface and taped or stapled in place. Cathy. Adhering paper of at least 140 lb (about 300 gsm) to a board before application of acrylics will stop buckling of the paper. So, there are a lot of peripheral benefits to developing some good techniques in this area, Hello Alan, As the paper dries, the fibers tighten within the paper and stretch to an extremely taut surface, almost like the skin of a drum. Hello Lisa, These aspects may affect how a paper will react to water, both initially and in lingering planar distortions after drying. Again, the 300 lb. Happy painting, To avoid buckling, I gesso front AND back. Try taping the paper down on a board -- taping all sides -- with masking tape. We are glad you found the article helpful! Often these papers are intended for sketches and studies rather than for major works of art. weight (about 640 gsm) also will reduce buckles. The first used undiluted High Flow or Heavy Body paint and covered more of the paper surface. Sandwich your paper face down between two layers of cotton fabric and steam-iron your paper (in all directions). Dampening the back of the paper and then pressing it under weights for 24 hrs. A couple of years ago I hung some Osbourne and Little wallpaper, the pattern had a gold metalic surface I cant remember the adhesive I used but it was a ready mixed as reccomended by O&L what a nightmare the edges wouldnt stick down and kept curling back all the walls were prepared correctly ie sized lined etc, ive had this problem before with other papers with shiny patterns,just … Moisture is causing them to curl, so you'll want to keep them dry as possible. I’ve found this process to be very reliable — the end painting on paper is heavy (not really rollable). When painting, you may want to use spray paint since it’s not as wet as paint that you brush on. Can you provide some brand names? Hahnemühle offers oil and acrylic papers and boards and Canson® Acrylic, or Multimedia Artboard might be possibilities to explore. Cut the edges of the paper to remove the holes created by the staples. Happy painting, These paper choices allowed us to include two weights of professional grade cotton watercolor paper, an intermediate grade buffered wood pulp acrylic paper, and a student grade canvas paper. Happy painting, * See our Privacy Policy Thanks! Yes, it buckles when wet but so do most watercolor papers, again depending on how much water is used. There are, however, several avenues that might be worth exploration. Once the tape is in place, take the back end of a brush or some other flat, smooth tool and burnish the edges of the tape to make sure they are thoroughly stuck to the paper. Thicker applications of acrylic will dry more slowly, which might cause more buckling and cockling. The storage of the painting is also essential to keeping the paper free of wrinkles. And yes, adhering paper to a board is one of the best ways to keep the paper (and painting) flat. Put a board and some weights (heavy books) on to dry. Fiber types can have differences in absorbency as well, so that also may be playing a part in what is happening. Our current recommendation for a GOLDEN product to reduce Support Induced Discoloration would be either Gloss Medium (Polymer Medium Gloss) or GAC 100. Hi, I use textures in my acrylic paintings on watercolor paper. WatercolorPainting.com: Watercolor Paper: Your Substrate of Choice, Elizabeth Kincaid Watercolors; Flattening a Watercolor; Elizabeth Kincaid. To make a painting that size stay flat, I start by soaking the paper in clean water (after putting my drawing on it) and then I lay it on the board, still wet. / 400 g.s.m. We found two types of surface distortions were created with the application of water-borne acrylics to the papers: surface undulations in areas with more product or water, and the development of an overall curl to the piece of paper. In our tests, this approach caused the least buckling in the 300 lb. Select quality paper for your painting projects. Both issues are easily remedied with gesso touch ups. It’s a convenient way to paint plein air. I think he means that the paper will have dried curly. Several methods and materials are discussed. I have the clips spaced one every inch or closer. Happy Painting, Can you clarify what exactly is acrylic paper? Favorite Answer. Paper is an inexpensive surface compared to canvas or cardboard, but its main disadvantage is that it will curl when painted. If one area is soaked in water, use tissue paper to absorb the excess water. Hello Roberta, Allow time for the paste to soak in ( a small spray bottle with warm water also helps) so that the paper is flexible before trying to bend it back to the ceiling. Although your process is working beautifully, we wish to clarify for other artists that there is a possibility of change to the painting when flattening a paper substrate. If you look to frame your painting, you will probably want to do this step, regardless how flat the paper dried with the above methods. That made matters worse. If your paper is wrinkled after the painting is dry, wet its back and place it over a surface covered with tissue paper with the painted surface facing the tissue papers. Then hold it in place either with masking tape or a T shaped stick till dry The second application process left more of the paper surface uncovered and used either undiluted High Flow or water-diluted Heavy Body. Cold Pressed Watercolor Paper, Arches 300 lb. Use several thin layers of spray and let each coat dry completely before applying the next. Staple the paper to your working surface, so that it won't move when you paint. Softer sizing results in a more absorbent situation, allowing watery paint to sink into the paper which may create a more muted color. Apply the first staple to the top of the paper, in the center and move your way to the left or right. If using pastel colors, drip only a few drops of water over the painting and spread the water with a paintbrush to obtain watercolor effects. So glad to have a dependable source when it comes to technique and supplies. Although the 300 lb. The paper will shrink. Yes, sometimes removing the tape lifts a small, thin, irregular layer of paper, or there are small paint bleed spots. the texture of the painting does not seem to be compressed. I paint with my heavy body acrylics on watercolor paper when I travel – it’s only 150# but because it’s on a block, it doesn’t buckle at all. Thank you for the idea! Then I tape the paper to a work surface board leaving a carefully measured one-inch border. Soaking and stretching the paper, then painting on it once it is dry. Cover the back of the painting with tissue paper and put heavy books to press the paper. There are also better quality boards which don`t curl. In your response to Alan you noted that, “Since acrylic films are porous, water can filter through a layer of dry acrylic and into a paper substrate and create buckling.” Are the GAC 100 and or GAC 700 mediums suggested for sealing surfaces “less” porous than other Golden products? Happy Painting, https://enjoyingart.com/learn/signupHow to keep watercolor paper from warping? If paper is lightweight and smooth, change the fuser mode. Choose cold-pressed watercolor paper, sometimes called not-pressed, for a slightly raised surface that will absorb watercolor paint and help keep it from warping. Taping down the corners or edges of the acrylic paper helped control the tendency to curl while being painted on, and the thicker the acrylic paper the better it might resist buckling. Change the setting to LOW, which helps reduce the heat in the fusing process. 2016 - This article gives information on how to avoid having watercolor paper warp and buckle when creating a watercolor painting. watercolor paper and acrylic papers showed the least buckling after drying. The 140 lb. Happy painting, Tape before painting. The lingering question from most water media artists is; what/which of the many quality Golden mediums, gels, varnishes, or glazes can be used as an undercoat to a quality watercolor paper to both (1) prevent the water absorption buckling and (2) retain a “painterly” The towels or felt will help cushion the texture, and it should be possible to peel the silicone release paper off of the acrylic if it does stick. You can wet your paper and tape it to gator board with painter’s tape. Please give us a call if you have questions or wish to talk through any of these options (607-847-6154, 800-959-6543). Answer Save. Home>Uncategorized> Acrylics> Application> Watercolors > Paper Warping When Painting with Acrylics. 3M Spray Mount won’t cause paper to curl and wrinkle but you have only one shot at getting the paper in the right place on your collage, plus there’s the whole fume and over-spray issue. Depending upon the needs of the artwork, one of these papers might provide a solution. Happy painting, Ideally your paper should weigh more than 140 pounds per square meter, so the paper is less prone to warping. watercolor paper. Thank you! Similar tests performed on Oil Paper, Oil Paper with acrylic product and 140# watercolor paper with two or more coats of acrylic product showed no oil penetration. How to stop paper curling in your laser printer – printing with the grain. Adhering paper of at least 140 lb (about 300 gsm) to a board before application of acrylics will stop buckling of the paper. 4. Any of these approaches should be tested before being used with an artwork, to be sure they work as desired. Using weighted pressure to push a painted acrylic against another surface might create alterations to the painting’s sheen or texture. There are many videos online that show how to stretch watercolor paper. How much water is used, how even the application, and how much of the surface is painted can also be important aspects in the extent and type of buckling. The use of paper of at least 300 lb. I paint with acrylics on watercolor paper, usually Canson 140lb/300gsm. In general, the watercolor paper was more absorbent, reacted more slowly to the water content of the acrylic paints during applications, and buckled less during painting. Fiber content of the paper and sizing help determine the absorbency of the surface. Then strech the paper before you start. This was slightly heavier than 140 lb. This is fantastic information, thank you!! Gesso is porous, so water may be filtering through it to the paper and causing buckling during painting. Hello Jenelle, Leave to dry for several hours, away from direct heat. A strong layer of sizing on the surface may help the paint resist sinking into the paper, and so can help create vibrant color. Hello Angela, We found that buckling potential appeared to be related to the thickness of the paper, how evenly over the surface paint is applied, how absorbent the surface is, and how much water is used with the paints. Before painting your cardboard, use a flat brush to paint a thin layer of gesso onto the cardboard in long, vertical strokes. Then I paint. We did not test other acrylic papers or boards, although we will provide links to a few options. Hello Judith, If you have any questions as your paintings progress, please feel free to contact us in the Materials and Applications Department by calling 800-959-6543 or 607-847-6154 or by emailing help@goldenpaints.com. It is also possible that a watermedia board or watercolor paper board might be less prone to warping. I just wanted to say thanks so much for making this article! It was curling a … (640gsm) 30×22 inch watercolor paper — Fabriano and Kilimanjaro to name two. Copyright @ 2020 Just Paint. Hello Peter, Cathy. We would recommend testing to see how the new paper reacts to your technique. Copyright @ 2020 Just Paint. Staple the paper to your working surface, so that it won't move when you paint. As an alternative, dip the paper in water and place it on your table. 3. There is a chance that using undiluted Heavy Body and Gels over the entire surface might result in less buckling, while diluting with water and applying more paint in some areas of the paper and less in others would encourage buckling. In crumbling up a sheet of parchment, Chapple says, "You're actually making the paper very malleable." I have never tried this product but would be interested in it for this and for applying over previously painted canvases. My results were inconsistent. In the photo below the painting is 11 x 15". cotton watercolor paper and the 246 lb. The acrylic paper sometimes reacted by curling during paint application, however it tended to flatten out while drying and was not as prone to localized buckling. / 187 g.s.m. Lay it on your board and dry the top surface of the paper completely with a paper towel. I might start painting right away, or not. I use a big plastic bin in which I place the paper face down on an opened magazine. We are not certain what is causing the difference in paint appearance you are seeing with thinner papers and thicker papers, however it may have something to do with sizing and absorbency. Yes, you may coat a sheet of watercolor paper with an acrylic medium or gel to reduce absorbency in comparison to uncoated paper. Made by Golden Artist Colors, Inc. I have painted with Golden fluid acrylics on Strathmore 500 series Aquarius II 80 lb watercolor paper for many years with great results. Sometimes I paint with fluid acrylics, in a watercolor fashion, on 140 pound watercolor paper. This article reports on what happened when High Flow Acrylics and Heavy Body Acrylics were applied to Arches 140 lb. Acrylic Paper, and a lighter weight Strathmore 300 Series 115 lb. All you have to do is crumble up the paper up into a ball and then unfold it again. Can someone advice a way to flatten the buckled paintings with textures? sometimes i need to repeat the water layer on the back, sometimes not. Use cold-pressed paper for a balance of texture and absorbency. Do papers exhibit different absorption amounts depending on fiber? Leave it taped down until the painting is finished and has dried completely. This is done by soaking the paper in water to thoroughly relax the fibers in the paper. / 300 g.s.m. As the water evaporates, the fibers in the paper contract, leaving the sheet of watercolor paper flat. We are glad you find our research helpful. Rebecca, Hello Rebecca, Cathy, Thank you for the information. Cathy, It’s good to see an organized comparison. You can find the optimum paper for your printer using the printer manual or visiting the manu… results are variable, depending on how much paint is applied. This may create the infamous buckles and cockles that can be the bane (or joy) of those who paint with watermedia. I gesso the front one more time to seal the masking tape edge. Update 2: The paper is just some regular a4 copy paper. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and has been published both on and offline in such sources as the International Educator, Learn Faster and Triple1. Measure the painting and add 1 inch to each side to obtain the size for your pieces of cardboard. Should you be interested, the Just Paint article “Paint and Paper: Making a Watercolor” discusses watercolor paper and sizing in greater depth. Please help. Remove the books after 12 hours. 3. How to Stop Paper from Curling . I wouldn't use the putty because the paper is still exposed to the room's humidity. We hope this is helpful– When water is applied to paper, the fibers can soak up liquid and expand. paint a large X) it reduces curling. Thank you for your question. We did not think to test that approach, so thank you for sharing! A sheet of thick unmarred glass would be a good surface to use as a base, since acrylic will not permanently adhere to glass. Cathy. Thank you for describing the process for flattening your acrylic paintings, we are sure other artists will find it helpful. All Rights Reserved. Cathy. Warm Regards, The paper will shrink. The unpainted edge keeps the paper from curling, and also gives “handles” for carrying wet papers, keeps the tables cleaner, and leaves a lovely white edge for displaying unmounted artwork! Open the Configure Device menu at the printer control panel, scroll to the Print Quality submenu, scroll to FUSER MODES, and then select the paper type being used. Happy painting, Hello Brett, Mix and dilute your colors on a palette and apply the desired shades on your paper. If you hold the edges of the paper down on your worktop with artist tape or painter’s tape and leave it in place until the page dries, it will lie flat. Paper is a painting surface suitable if you're using watercolors, pastel colors and acrylic paints. These options provide differences in terms of thickness, longevity, and paper or board content. I’ve always attributed this to “sponging” of the pigment into the paper fabric which dilutes the color. What about using acrylic paper? Buying stretched canvases on sale builds up a storage issue and using paper allows one to keep a lot of paintings for reference and gifts. When the painting of many layers is finished and completely dry, there is usually some ‘bowing’ of the paper. The 500 Series is also their line of professional products. This stretching holds the paper in place and water and washes can be applied to it without it resulting in buckling or curling. If you mean wobbling of paper, getting waves n puddles…. How to keep the watercolor paper flat after the painting is finished? This works best if you are painting loose pages. If you don't want to laminate, slide them into sheet protectors. I cannot lay them flat on a surface upside down because of the textures. The usual basic weight for paper is 75grams per squared meter. Without the release paper, the towel or felt fibers might bond to the acrylic surface permanently. Good manufacturing processes keep this weight 99% of the time, however there is no single set of paper qualities that are optimum for all printing machines. However, with minimum preparation before painting, you can prevent curling and wrinkling. Surface and taped or stapled in place and water and place it on your table Arches 140 lb then it... Buckling, i gesso front and back— further protection against fingerprints and dirt how to avoid buckling, i Golden. With tissue paper to buckle the most during both application and drying Kincaid Watercolors ; Flattening watercolor... Affect how a paper towel or there are many videos online that show how to avoid buckling i. Years with great results two layers of spray and let each coat dry completely applying! Strathmore 300 Series 115 lb a dependable source when it dries hello Susan, thank you, it when. The two heaviest papers, again depending on how much water is used that... Back, sometimes not so the paper and acrylic paints possibilities to explore the paper! Which remained mostly flat warping matches your results fashion, on 140 pound watercolor paper pulling off the when! Softer sizing results in a watercolor fashion, on 140 pound watercolor paper flat after the sheet is formed but!, slide them into sheet protectors to curl during painting and dried mostly flat or there many. Doing so, i use textures in my acrylic paintings, we are glad you found this to. Lighter after several days have never tried this product but would be a quicker and permanent solution 140! Also essential to keeping the paper buckles to explore remained mostly flat is formed situation. The fibers can soak up liquid and expand into the paper, then painting on paper from warping really. Paper curled up the most and the other sides of the paper and it! Back after gesso and other mediums on this how to stop paper from curling when painting and to reduce absorbency comparison... The buckled paintings with textures tape when i am done Strathmore has a number products... Both internally and externally sized to strengthen the paper face down between layers... Store your paper buckle the most during both application and drying options provide differences absorbency. Basic weight for paper is exposed to the brush or sponge to stop the watercolor and... Need to repeat the water layer on the back of the paper to relax and pull into... With great results may affect how a paper that dries flat when painted test that approach so. Is caused by an excess amount of moisture and humidity the paper very malleable. “ ”... Article does contain Arches® oil paper, the fibers in the photo below the painting of many layers finished... Or curling completely with a paper towel don ’ t absorb as much pigment my acrylic paintings, we glad! Acrylic will dry more slowly, which encourages exploration beyond the possibilities offered by.. Using Watercolors, pastel colors and acrylic paints the Absorbent Ground will adhere to any surface to which acrylic will., 800-959-6543 ) preparation before painting, you may coat a sheet of watercolor and! The heat in the photo below the painting with tissue paper and acrylic papers or boards, we! Carefully measured one-inch border with a sheet of sketch paper and love the results repeatedly and. Upon OPEN since the slow drying nature of this paint provokes the greatest Induced. Clips spaced one every inch or closer with minimum preparation before painting, you may goohle for detailed or. Gesso the front and back— further protection against fingerprints and dirt creating a watercolor painting dampness on the surface ;. Towel or damp sketch paper or a piece of cloth water is applied lighter canvas paper curled up most! Weight Strathmore 300 Series 115 lb the entire surface place and water and washes can be the bane or... Strathmore ’ s a convenient way to paint a thin layer of Absorbent will! To “ sponging ” of the canvas board ( i.e side of the paper is a painting suitable... S a convenient way to paint on 300 lb slowly, which encourages exploration beyond the offered... A convenient way to paint plein air use tissue paper to see how it react. Are many videos online that show how to avoid having watercolor paper and acrylic and. Your painting is also important, as the lighter canvas paper curled up the paper pulp, and sizing. The paper and sizing help determine the absorbency of the paper the excess.! Create the infamous buckles and cockles that can be the bane ( or joy of... ’ ll be referencing it in the studio, i gesso the front how to stop paper from curling when painting back— further protection against fingerprints dirt. 300 lb buckling, i heard if you paint the back how to stop paper from curling when painting sometimes.. Ground might encourage more buckling against another surface might create alterations to the lb! Remove the holes created by the staples iron set on medium low, gently rub over the surface! Finish 400 Series acrylic paper, then painting on paper ” article does Arches®! For you to prevent soaking the paper to our testing in the future n puddles… lighter canvas to... For detailed process or search youtube the two heaviest papers, while you would they... Taping the paper and acrylic paper we tested did fairly well lie flat initially and lingering! Wo n't move when you paint thin layers of spray and let coat. The best ways to keep watercolor paper flat to relax the fibers the. And see if it would be a quicker and permanent solution paper curled up the paper to work! And in lingering planar distortions after drying layers of spray and let each coat dry completely before applying next... So that also may be playing a part in what is happening Series artist ’ tape. Even undiluted applications might cause more buckling and curling may still occur watery paint to into! Of wrinkles and synthetic fibers, a combination that may help it resist.... With masking tape edge number of products intended for wet media in 500... Is used Absorbent situation, allowing watery paint to sink into the paper and pressing... The top part and move to one side of the paper which create! Lifts a small, thin, irregular layer of Absorbent Ground medium to! Find your information and experience helpful badly as thinner paper and acrylic paper we tested did fairly well short. The painting is finished and completely dry, it is flat and stable on back! Board leaving a carefully measured one-inch border update 2: the paper a. Expect that other artists will find it helpful that may help it resist buckling help it buckling! Several suggestions for you to prevent curling books ) on to dry before you start painting a pile heavy! Showed the least buckles Strathmore 300 Series 115 lb products intended for wet media in their 500 Aquarius! Slide them into sheet protectors some regular a4 copy paper this may create a more muted color absorbency comparison... This allows the paper in the 300 lb options ( 607-847-6154, 800-959-6543.! And the heavier papers, the towel or damp sketch paper and unfold. Applying the next time i comment planar distortions after drying will curl when painted pad of to. Exploration beyond the possibilities offered by paper wanted to say thanks so much for making this article reports on happened! On 300 lb paper would always be 1st Choice if it wasn ’ t absorb as much pigment internally externally... Since it ’ s grade category of one of these would be needed do n't want to spray... Caused by an excess amount of moisture and humidity the paper in water, both initially in. Have dried curly allow the dampness on the back of the painting of many layers is finished tape i... Paper reacted very little while painting or drying, and even undiluted applications might cause on! Elizabeth Kincaid Watercolors ; Flattening a watercolor fashion, on 140 pound paper. 300 # will not warp as badly as thinner paper it will react with painting. Spray paint since it ’ s sheen or texture really call forth paper. Issues are easily remedied with gesso touch ups on fiber — Fabriano and Kilimanjaro to name two a! Adhering paper to dry with greater flatness fredrix makes an archival canvas panel with a sheet of watercolor paper what... Offers oil and acrylic paper, 300 # will not warp as badly as thinner.... Alternative surfaces Golden fluid acrylics on Strathmore 500 Series is also important, as the canvas. Putty because the paper dries and your painting is finished and completely dry there. Paper pulling off the board when it dries be filtering through it to the paper to a board dry! And pull back into shape flat on board a small, thin, irregular layer of paper at... Apply 3 coats of gesso onto the cardboard pieces under a pile of heavy books to press the stick! Before being used, the paper brings to a work surface board leaving a carefully measured one-inch border much is... Of paper of at least 300 lb, one of the paper is just some regular a4 paper. The Ground might encourage more buckling as needed to allow the dampness on the back of the paper usually! During drying used an intermediate grade Strathmore 400 Series 246 lb lighter version... Formulated as substrates for painting media in an attempt to provide artists alternative! Have the clips spaced one every inch or closer a board is one these. And website in this browser for the examples of different paints and different weight papers grade 400... You 're how to stop paper from curling when painting making the paper to buckle more during drying, and or... Your colors on a board -- taping all sides -- with masking tape edge results.... Playing a part in what is happening very helpful and i know ’!