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question on waxing a board before stretching watercolour paper
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Message
Posted
Hi Folks,
I need to purchase a new board for stretching paper (larger than what I already have)...
so my question is, if I buy a board that isn't already prepped for stretching, does anyone have any advice on what type of wax/sealant to use please, to prevent the wet paper from sticking to the board ?
Thanks in advance for any thoughts.
Edited
by Gerry Mellor
Posted
Thanks Andrew. I use gum paper too, and usually use paper around 300g, (but varying brands), so I'm hoping it's not going to be a big issue for me, but I just got a little concerned over what some board manufacturers were saying regards seal or wax, so thought I'd seek some opinions if there was experience, here, on 'sealing' . (I do have some untreated mdf, so I may just experiment with that as well). I soak my paper in the bath for 5mins so it's not exactly 'wringing' per se, so maybe I'll be brave and just give it a go. Thanks again
Posted
Just to throw in my twopenn'orth - my board is a thick sheet of plywood, which I wipe down with kitchen roll after use (and before use, because ply can trap bits of gunk, for want of a better word, which can stick to the back of the paper; not disastrous, but not welcome).
However, while gummed tape sticks to it, masking tape doesn't (or at least, it's a lot easier to peel off). You could use a laminated surface if this is a concern to you; a sheet of hardboard; or, as stated, MDF. You can even use glass, or a polyurethane material. What I ask of a painting or drawing board - my large bit of ply serves as both - is that it doesn't warp, and provides enough tooth for tape to stick, if I should use tape at all.
Posted
I use MDF board for stretching watercolor paper. I did coat it with a water based sealer, just so it would last longer. I haven’t had any problems with it, just that it’s a little heavier than gator board. I am trying a cheaper alternative using a piece of go-board which is water lightweight and waterproof, it’s very easy to cut to size with just a utility knife. However, it has a fiberglass coating and I didn’t realize. I am going to try and coat and the edges with a sealer.