Tips for Using Gatorboard to Stretch Watercolor Paper

The following are some quick tips on how to properly use gatorboard for stretching watercolor paper:

1. Sketch out your final drawing on dry paper.
2. Soak the watercolor paper with clean water. You can use a 2" wash brush, a clean sponge, or you can soak it in your tub.
3. When paper is thoroughly soaked, lay it on the Gatorboard. If any bubbles or buckles appear, simply lift on the side of the paper to the buckle. Now, slowly lay the paper back down on the Gatorboard while applying gentle pressure with your wet brush to remove the buckle.
4. Once it is completely flat, lay paper towels over the entire surface to remove the excess water. The paper should be damp to the touch, but no glisten to it.
5. Now is the time to put down your washes.
6. Use a household stapler and staple the four sides of he paper to the gatorboard.
7. Allow the paper to dry or use a blow dryer to speed up the process.
8. You can use a letter opener or a dull kitchen knife to pop out the staples once the painting is completed.