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Warped Watercolor Paper? Here's a Great Solution.

Severely warped paper
Severely warped paper

Prior to starting with acrylics, I was exclusively working with watercolor. Like most watercolorists, I also often use #140 watercolor paper. I sometimes stretch the paper before beginning work, but oftentimes the final is still warped. Those "wavy" areas are not acceptable and it cannot be framed properly. So, I did some research on this common problem and can offer a solution...one that works really well for me.

 

These images show a before and after using a badly warped sheet of #140 Arches.

 

I carefully iron the back side with a steam iron, protecting the paper with a completely smooth, clean bedsheet. Gently rub the iron back and forth, over the entire surface. A gentle spray of water also helps. Wait a few second after spraying to iron.

 

Then, I stack a several large, heavy books (coffee table-type books) --- or use a few books as a base, and supplement with whatever else I can find for some additional weight (even hand-weights) and let the piece completely cool for an hour or so.

 

If you take to an art or frame store, or similar, to frame, they will not take out any ripples that are in the piece. So, my advice is to take the time to check over your piece before you head out for framing and follow the above procedure if not completely flat and ready for matting, mounting and framing.

 

Severe watercolor paper curl

 

Same piece after ironing

 


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