Painters Online Logo

Login/register

Studio

Paper residue when painting wet on wet.

Welcome to the forum.

Here you can discuss all things art with like-minded artists, join regular painting challenges, ask questions, buy and sell art materials and much more.

Make sure you sign in or register to join the discussions.

Hang on Studio Wall
Author
Message

Roger Green

  • Forum Member
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 12
Posted
I am trying to paint a landscape using the wet on wet technique for the sky to retain the softness of the clouds. However when applying paint to the moist paper surface I am getting a residue (paper pulp?) which I suspect is from the paper I am using. I have been removing this residue as much as possible with tissue dabs, which sometimes helps giving a soft result, but how can I eliminate this. I am using a mixed media pad so should I be using a more dedicated medium such as hot press paper? Or is this normal? Would appreciate any help.

Alan Bickley

  • Prestige User
  • Reputation: 11888
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 4488
Posted
You certainly don’t want hot pressed, that’s far too smooth to be successful. For wet in wet technique you do need decent quality, and decent weight paper, with Not or Rough being the best option.  If you’re using a mixed media pad, that should be fine but what brand is it, what weight and what surface, almost certainly to be Not but just check. Note that Not surface is also referred to as cold pressed. I’ll come back to you once you’ve answered these questions. The technique is relatively simple once you have the right paper etc…

Edited
by Alan Bickley

Sylvia Evans

  • Prestige User
  • Reputation: 16928
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 4788
Posted
Tis your paper I would think  this is one I use.
IMG_3630

Paul (Dixie) Dean

  • Prestige User
  • Reputation: 21316
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 6918
Posted
Definitely the paper , a good quality paper doesn’t separate like that. Often cheaper pads etc have a rougher surface put over the supporting paper and it’s this that separates and comes off when you work it . I’ve had several pads bought for me that do the same thing, my grandchildren use them now , and I select my own paper or specify which ones I prefer if they being bought for me. 

Roger Green

  • Forum Member
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 12
Posted
Thanks I am using Shore & Marsh mixed media pad A3 300gsm.
IMG_3630

Paul (Dixie) Dean

  • Prestige User
  • Reputation: 21316
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 6918
Posted
Go for a god quality heavy watercolour paper, I know yours says mix media but in my experience mixed paper is not particularly good for watercolour. Watercolour soaks quite deep into the paper as you know and that’s where any paper that might be made in layers or have a rough coat added it will inevitably separate the layers . It might cosy a little more but it’s so much better for what you want it for , there are a lot of good makes available I use Bockingford rough textured paper for my everyday work it will take a good soak , sometimes you can get a bit of cockling , it soon comes back once it dries out but don’t use a heater to dry it . 

Alan Bickley

  • Prestige User
  • Reputation: 11888
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 4488
Posted
I don’t know anything about this brand, available from Hobbycraft primarily, so it should be reasonable but more for the amateur painter I suspect. Paper shouldn’t separate, it will be machine made in a mould, but I suspect that it’s the quality that’s causing the issue here. Get yourself a pad, or better still, a block of Fabriano Not (cold pressed), or Arches. A block will be glued on the edges and help prevent any cockling, although if you get 300gsm, which is 140lbs, you may still find a bit of cockling, albeit minimal and once dry, will return back to flat. You should be fine then, let us know how you get on.

Roger Green

  • Forum Member
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 12
Posted
Thanks to all. I need to invest in some dedicated medium. At least I now know what NOT and HOT means. Will post back in due course.

Alan Bickley

  • Prestige User
  • Reputation: 11888
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 4488
Posted
Always here to help with anything art related, you’re very welcome Roger.