61 by Tn on 09/04/02 at 10:11 AM
Preparing watercolor paper so that it won't crumble

I read from an art book that you need a wooden board, glue paper and drawing pins to prepare paper so it won't crumble when the water dries. The described method was a little vague though.
I never seem to get the glue paper to stick to the paper and the board properly on all sides (except when using very small pieces of paper). Here's how I do it :

First I soak the watercolor paper (200g) in water for a few minutes, then I let the extra water drip off, place it onto the board and let it be for a whee bit.
Then I dip the glue paper strips into water and place them around the watercolor paper. I also tried soaking the edges of the board and placing dry glue paper strips onto it, but got the same results.
If there's any bumps, I even them with cloth.
And finally I hammer four drawing pins in to the corners.

At first it seems like it might even hold, but after a couple of hours the glue paper starts to give up in some places. The board I use isn't probably the best surface, but the glue paper doesn't even stick to the watercolor paper in some places. What am I doing wrong? Also after I have done these steps, should I do the painting while the paper is still properly attatched to the board, or ...? Even if I do this preparation, it doesn't seem to do any good unless I leave it onto the board as it is and paint it like that..

Sorry for the long explanation.. Also note that english isn't my native tounge, so I'm not familiar with all the correct terms.. If glue paper isn't the correct term, I'm referring to tape similiar to the glue part of envelopes.

Replies would be very appritiated

Cheers!