Terri from North Dakota asks:
When I paint on watercolor paper (usually 140 lb.), the paper buckles and becomes un-flat.  No matter what I do, it just will not flatten out. I've read about stretching watercolor paper and tried it without a whole lot of success, perhaps I did something wrong.  I'm wondering if you can offer any advice on what I should try or is this just how it is and I shouldn't worry about it.  Do I need to use a different paper? I'm painting with acrylics.

Hi Terri,
Thanks for your email. You did not mention the brand of paper you are using. My recommendation for paper that stays flat, no matter what, is Fabriano or Cheap Joe's Kilimanjaro. Either 140 or 300 lb stay flat. I have found that Arches and Strathmore tend to buckle.

I have a quick fix for your current problem: Believe it or not, put your paper under a weighted surface (such as a rug) for a few days. Don't wet it. Cover your paper with a plastic sheet so it stays clean.

When I paint with acrylic on watercolor paper, I always prime the surface with acrylic gesso. Let it dry.

Hope this helps - We’ll send you a Permission Mug!

Okay, I’m a believer. Cheap Joe’s Kilimanjaro Watercolor paper... I recently purchased 50 sheets of 300 lb CP. The price per sheet is the best deal! And of course, I took advantage of Joe’s discount sale price. Stock up on this paper - it’s better than the more expensive watercolor papers.

When I paint on watercolor paper I usually trowel acrylic gesso all over the paper. I prime my watercolor paper with one coat of good gesso. When the gesso is dry, I paint with my acrylics. This technique offers me more “play time” with the paint because the paint doesn’t get absorbed into unprimed paper. The acrylic paint slides around on the top surface and allows me to be more free and goof around on the painting.