Watercolour Art Board

This waterproof support is designed to allow artists to stretch watercolour paper while they paint on it. Rigid as well as durable, this board is also light and portable. It will not bend, buckle or curl, and can be repeatedly stapled and taped. Instructions included. Made in Canada. Instructions for stretching watercolour paper 1. Soak both sides of the paper in cold water for 5 to 10 minutes, or use a sponge or a brush to wet the surface until the paper is limp. 2. Drain off excess water. 3. Holding the paper at opposite corners, position it on the Watercolour Art Board. Do not allow the paper to buckle or bend. Smooth out gently to remove air bubbles. 4. Use an ordinary office stapler to secure the paper to the Art Board. 5. Place a staple in the centre of one of the paper’s long edges. Place a staple in the centre of each short edge. Rotate the Art Board and place staple in the centre of the second long edge. 6. Starting from the centre and working your way outwards, staple one long edge placing staples at 1-inch (2.5 cm) intervals until you reach each corner. Repeat process on the second long edge and then for each short edge. Always start from the centre and staple at 1-inch (2.5 cm) intervals to the corner. 7. Allow the paper to dry overnight. Leave it attached to the Art Board while you paint. Water can be applied to the paper generously and repeatedly. Your painting will dry smooth and tight after each work session. 8. Create a mat border on your painting by applying artist’s tape directly over the staples. 9. To remove the staples, insert a thin knife blade under each staple, placing the blade between the paper and the Art Board surface, then lift up. A palette knife blade works well too. Staples can then be pulled out with fingers.