Stretching & Mounting Watercolour

Which to use and why. I will share how I stretch or mount my watercolors (finished or unfinished)
Arches 140lb cold pressed watercolor paper (slightly larger than desired finished size)
Wood Panel
Sandpaper
Large flat brush (synthetic - wash immediately after use)
Acrylic paint for edges (your colour choice)
Acrylic Gel Medium (gloss or matte)
Gatorboard or Watercolor board 1/2" thick
Workable Fixative Spray
Dorlands Wax Medium
www.shelleyprior.com
shelleypriorfineart
shelleypriorfineart
Standard Office stapler (make sure it opens up fully)
Regular masking tape (over staples after paper is dry)
www.shelleyprior.com
shelleypriorfineart
shelleypriorfineart
/ shelleypriorfineart

[@brendalazellestephenson2319]

I am using wood cradle panels. Love them though they do require a lot of work or play if you enjoy it.

[@lyndanoel2545]

the painting on here with the strawberry/silver/crystal is amazing!

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thank you very much Lynda :)

[@cassv350]

Can you do a tutorial on the crystal, How to paint it

[@cassv350]

Thank you

[@kerbear829]

Excellent!!!! Thank you so much! Have you used Mod Podge for mounting?

[@shelleypriorfineart]

@@kerbear829 thank you. I have not used mod podge as I need a permanent, waterproof glue to hold the paper. When I use wet washes, I don’t want the glue to soften or lift.

[@francehebert2403]

Hi Shelly! Thank you for this usefull video. Can you tell me where to buy Gatorboards? I live in Quebec. I search on your arts supplies stores list on your website and I did not found. Thanks a lot. I love your videos and your fabulous work!

[@francehebert2403]

Sorry, I’ve just seen the info below!

[@suel4269]

Did you seal with gel medium, let it dry then glue paper with more gel medium? Can I use just wax and skip the spray?

[@shelleypriorfineart]

I attached the paper with acrylic gel medium (acts as a glue). Then I wax the finished painting with Dorlands wax medium.

[@Flux_One]

Hi. Great video. What thickness gatorboard would you recommend for mounting stretched paper? Thanks

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Thanks. That's a good question as it does come in different thicknesses. I use 1/2" gatorboard which is sturdy and will take the depth of the staples.

[@Flux_One]

@@shelleypriorfineart great thanks a lot

[@ssilver1215]

Hi Shelley!! Love your videos! Would this technique work for a larger paper, like 24” x 36”? And would gatorboard still be a good option to staple the paper to?

[@shelleypriorfineart]

I generally only use pen in my sketchbooks but having said that, I would likely use a nib pen if working that large so that the pen lines have some variation. Certainly larger canvas would indicate larger pens. Yes, I always stretch on wood if working larger than a 1/2 sheet. Otherwise, gatorboard works just fine for stretching.

[@ssilver1215]

@@shelleypriorfineart thank you Shelley! I just want to make sure I understand correctly. I am doing a large painting, 2 feet x 3 feet. I’ve never paint this large! You would recommend stretching the paper on wood rather than gatorboard for such a large size?

[@shelleypriorfineart]

@@ssilver1215 Thanks. Yes the mounting technique is fine for large paintings as well. I recommend stapling paper to wood instead of gatorboard for anything larger than a 1/2 sheet (15x22”), especially if you will be using several wet washes in your painting process.

[@ssilver1215]

@@shelleypriorfineart thanks, Shelley! That totally makes sense. Should I seal the wood before I staple the paper to it?

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Yes I would seal the wood with anything permanent and waterproof so that the acidic tannins from the wood don’t leach onto your watercolour paper. It also keeps the board from soaking up moisture. Waterproofing your board on all sides will prevent warping.

[@CherylYank]

No mention in the description of the wax you use. Also, is there a better place to buy gator board? Thanks for the terrific demo Shelly.

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Oops - thanks for the reminder. Dorlands Wax medium is what I have used. Gatorboard or watercolour board (as it’s sometimes called) can be found at art stores. In Canada, try DeSerres or Above Ground Art Supplies. It’s also used by the sign making industry so you could also try a sign maker.

[@vincelivingston9027]

Shelly is it ok to cut Gator Board? I am buying to big sheets of it Didnt want to have them so big

[@shelleypriorfineart]

Yes I cut mine. I use a very sharp utility knife and I have to cut both sides. It takes several scores to get through the tough veneer.

[@vincelivingston9027]

@@shelleypriorfineart Thank You