Paper-stretching
gy...@cruzio.com
I've been working with stretching paper onto stretcher bars and
was wondering if anybody else has experimented with this method. The
paper's thick, vellum finish printing paper with a high percentage of
rag in it, and I've been drawing on it, then fixing the drawing,
stapling the paper onto the frame, and brushing with warm rabbitskin
glue. It sags horribly at first, but tightens as it dries, ending
with a fairly tight stretch and a beautifully glossy, almost
eggshell-like finish on the paper.
So far I've only stretched very small pieces, the biggest being
about 10" by 14", but was thinking about moving on to larger drawings
and would like to know if anybody had any advice about this kind of
thing. Comments decidedly solicited.
Heather Yewall
> I've been working with stretching paper onto stretcher bars and
>was wondering if anybody else has experimented with this method.
Hi There Y'all,
I imagine you are aware that watercolor artists have been
stretching paper for eons. But why stretcher strips? It is
much easier if you use a board--thick piece of plywood, etc.
Watercolor artists stretch the paper BEFORE working on
it--not after. Using rabbitskin glue as a final varnish, if that
is the purpose, seems defeating. Why don't you try a clear
acrylic emulsion? Much more permanent and not as subject
to atmospheric deterioration as rabbitskin will be.
___________________________________________________
Heather Yewall <Glad handingly helpful.>
jane doe
content watercolor paper in 140 pound to 300 pound you should not have
to add any sizing of any kind unless it is for a special look. Staple
with arrow T-27 or similar staple gun to varnished smooth plywood or
large stretcher bars. As it takes on water it stretches, when it dries
it gets tight as a drum. Can do unlimited size if you use roll
watercolor paper like d'Arches Brand.
> I've been working with stretching paper onto stretcher bars and