Varathane sticking to watercolor paper

[the_...@yahoo.com]

I sealed a drawing board with semi - gloss varathane.

to use for stretching watercolor paper.

But the watercolor paper is sticking to the varathane,

It must be pulled and pried off very carefully.

ME NO LIKE.

I am considering

a.) sanding the varathane a little, but that defeats the purpose of
sealing.

b.) coating the varathane with acrylic matte medium.

I hope somebody stops me before I do anything rash.

comments welcome

sarp