This entry was originally posted on Monday, January 30, 2012.
Stretching paper is not a necessary thing to do but some may wonder why it is done.
Here is why:
First of all, sometimes the paper will buckle and warp if you get it too wet. Some artists like to make sure it won’t do that as they paint.
The other reason is that there is sizing (which is a gelatin) in your paper that is there to protect it.
Sizing inhibits the paint from flowing too much. Soaking the paper will remove the sizing and your paint will now be able to flow more.
I will only stretch my paper depending on what I am doing.
For instance, I stretch my paper when I am doing my pours and my portraits.
Even if it is 300lb.
For everything else, I usually just tape the paper to a board.
