Pj Lewis Aw, thank you so very much Pj, such a nice comment. Thank you for taking the time to comment and for watching my videos! It's people like you that give me the boost to do more for you. So I'm working on it,😀
Lindsay, it's so much easier doing it this way. When I first started painting many years ago, I tried the gum tape and hated it. But with stapling, it holds so nicely, I don't have to worry any more. Thanks so much for watching and I'm so glad you enjoyed this.
Yes, I needed this video! Where I live I can't get my hands on gator board or grafix incredible art board, but now the convenience of stretching with staples will finally be achievable.
Exactly what I needed to learn! Have accumulated a good starting supply of all the items, tools, tutorials I wanted [no Kolinsky brushes yet though ha-ha]. This was the only thing holding me back from starting my watercolor adventures. Heading to Hobby Lobby this week. Thanks for the detailed instructions.
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. You will live this board for your work and be able to use it for numerous years to come. Happy painting!
I spent a bit of time making some boards in different sizes - what a difference it's made! I used foam board (but a couple of sheets of cardboard would do) and covered it with Fablon (sticky-back-plastic). I should have done this years ago. Thanks for your inspiration, Linda.
gillian bc I’m so glad I inspired you Gillian! Using these boards does make such a difference. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment, it always makes my heart feel good hearing back from other artists! 🥰
Linda, on my recent painting, baby with doughnut, the paper buckled like crazy, even though it was on a block. Once completely done and dry, I re-wet the back and sandwiched it between heavy books overnight and had to do it a few times, until the paper was flat. Man oh man, waaaaaay to much work! Thanks to this amazing video, I now have a list of what I need to make your board. So excited to make my own board. Thanks so very much for sharing your expertise! 👏🏼❤️
Oh dear Inge I feel your pain. I hate that buckling so much. You will be so much happier just stretching your paper. A little extra work in the beginning leads to smooth sailing when painting. And it is flat for framing! Thanks for watching and for commenting Inge!
Hi Linda, finally got one done and have a full sheet painting in the works. After using plywood I have to say.... THANK YOU! Working with this lightweight board is such a pleasure!
Angelina Cox Hi Angelina, I am thrilled for you! Plywood is so heavy and cumbersome and yes THIS is so lightweight. Please look me up and FB so I can see your completed painting. And thank you for taking the time to comment, I appreciate it so very much!!! Happy painting!🥰
Wonderfull and usefull. I have a wood frame which is great but big. I will do some like your board. Thanks. I also look your other video stretching paper. I used in the past thumbnail but staples will be easier. I will also Watch your others videos. I am sure that I will learn more. I stopped painting many years ago but now I am ready to start again.
Lily Hi Lily, So sorry I didn't reply sooner. I'm so glad you liked this video. So happy you are going to start painting again as well! If I can help you at all, you may contact me through my Facebook page under the same name. Thanks again! Linda
I usually have several boards with stretched paper on both sides all the time. Rather than use a layer of matt board, I use polyurethane directly on the surface of the foam core to waterproof. I usually put 2 or 3 coats at first, and after each use I put more on, especially where I put the staples. I also use white duct tape, it just looks nicer. If you want to go all out, rather than use foam core, you can splurge on Gatorboard, but it's very expensive.
Hi! Polyurethane is an interesting idea but can you staple into the board or must you use tape? And then why do you need to apply more after each use? Once I apply the Liquitex Mat Gel, I'm done. There is never a need to reapply no matter how many years I use them and as yet, I've never had to throw one away or reapply so in the end, I prefer the Liquitex. But it is an interesting option and thank you for sharing and for watching my video!
I use staples, then tape over them to give a nice clean edge. I don't know if I truly need more polyurethane, but I just do it to fill up the holes left by the staples to extend the life of the board. It only takes a few minutes as it dries so fast and I can put a couple of coats on pretty quickly.
+Oaktree Lady Good to know. I too will use tape over the staples tho in doing that I find when I mat my paintings, it doesn't give me much leeway and I need to be very precise with the mat. But I do like the look of the clean edge.
Do you use spray polyurethane or do you paint it on? I also plan on applying it straight to the foam board. Would matte or gloss medium serve the same purpose as the polyurethane? I’m looking for the cheapest available option.
6862211 Oh I’m so glad you found my channel too. I hope you have found something invaluable for your art journey! If you have something you’d like to see done , if I can I’ll make a video about it.
Thank you for the video! I made two large boards..seem great no buckling and fairly easy procedure. Presently, I use a heavy board that is hard to maneuver. I took your advice and used the mat board instead of poster board I had on hand. I had to drive further to get it (my local Michaels was out of it) but think it was worth it. My question is can I put on a third coat of matt medium if I need too after I have taped the edges? I fear two coats of medium are not waterproof.
Hi Kate, so glad you were able to make the boards and also so very glad you did not use your poster board as that would have not worked at all. A third coat can be done but do it before you put on the tape. You don't need it on the tape. But two coats will give you plenty of waterproofing protection. Overtime (years) you may need to replace the tape. One of my boards I've been using 8 or 9 yrs and it just looked rather worn so I replaced that. But everything else has been great. Thank you for watching my video! Happy painting!
Wonderful!!! I've seen that thick foam core at Michael's and thought about using it as watercolor board, but worried that moisture would seep in. You've solved that problem with the extra steps of the mat board, sealer, and tape! Awesome idea! Thank you for the video on the process. Would gloss gel also work instead of mat? Thanks.
Jennifer Bowler Hi Jennifer, yes you can use the Liquitex Gloss Medium. I don’t know about the acrylic sealer. You need a product that waterproofs the mat board. Once you achieve that, you’re good to go!! Thanks for watching! 😊
Could I use gesso rather than Matt medium? And 300 lb watercolor paper rather than Matt board? I have both gesso and 300lb watercolor paper here. Trying not to make another trip to art store. Just found your videos. You are a fantastic teacher! Have been painting 60 years and have learned from you...love it. Never thought of using nail file on my paper. Maybe I can save some of my stashed, not happy with paintings.
Marjorie Johnson Thank you so much! Unfortunately gesso will not work. Matt medium makes the mat board waterproof otherwise when you stretch your paper everything will become wet and your paper will not stretch properly. Even tho 300# is heavy, it is not heavy enough to give the board stability and could warp. I have tried just about every way of making this board and the very best method is the I suggest in the video. Another reason I use the mat board is the staples adhere better and the holes from the removed staples reseal so you can continue using this board for years to come. Thanks for watching this video Marjorie! Best of luck!
Francis Camilleri Liquitex May Medium is “el Medium, Matte - A high viscosity medium, Matte Gel displays the same qualities as the Gel Medium, except that it dries to a satin, matte finish, and has greater adhesive abilities. Use it as an extender, as a ground, for impasto effects, or as a binder for powered pigments to make an inexpensive "student grade" high viscosity thick matte paint.” The acrylic gel medium “gloss” is Gel Medium, Gloss - A high viscosity medium, it dries to a crystal clear gloss finish for sparkling, transparent impastos and textured glazes. Translucent when wet, it is transparent to translucent when dry depending on the thickness of the application. An ideal paint extender, it increases the brilliance and transparency of color without changing paint thickness, resulting in paint similar in color depth to oil paint. Use it as an extender, a ground, or as the binder for powdered pigments to make an inexpensive "student grade" high viscosity thick gloss paint. With that said, I prefer mat medium! It allows for better adhesion and I know it works. 😊
Just made my first board. Thank you. Now I have to stretch paper. Is there a certain subject that works better for a pour? What am I looking for when I choose a photo? I’m a total novice. I’d appreciate any advice.
Hi! For pouring I would start with a very simple subject but one that contains good contrast. Unusually have students start with a simple flower, with stems and leaves. Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t turn out the first time. Think contrast (values) light and dark. Remember to work from lightest darkest. Build in layers. The more layers you do, the better it will turn out. Good luck and happy pouring!
Ranjana yes those could be used BUT make sure the paper stays sealed to them. You must use waterproof tape and put around the edges to help keep it sealed. When the paper dries from one layer to the next, it will lift. You can't apply masking fluid to wet paper and the paper must be completely dry before removing the masking fluid.
I finally made a board - similar to yours! I learned some things in my substituting.... I used some insulation board that I had for watercolors. It had a dark coating on one side and shiny on the other - is about 1 inch thick. The piece I found is a bit bigger than a quarter sheet of paper, which should work. I bought a piece of cheap mat board but decided to try some heavy paper I had instead. I learned that I should have sealed the paper first - let it stretch out and get stable first. I think it is heavy enough but it warped a bit. Of course I had already glued both sides when I realized this. It is commercial printing paper - about the same weight as 140 lb watercolor paper. I used gel medium on one side and something for sealing paper on the other. They both made the paper buckle. I did try it on an extra piece of the heavy paper and it stretched out and stayed that way - a much better way to do it. It might be better to seal both sides before gluing. I tried forcing glue under the bubbles with a syringe but that just made it worse. I finished it as is - last coat was some water-based varnish then put Duck tape around the edges. I marked an 11"x15" rectangle on one side - haven't marked the other yet. I can't wait to try it!
+Kathleen Roush Hi Kathleen, I learned the hard way by substituting "poster" board in place of the mat board. What a disaster that was. The mat board is so much easier and much less trouble and has NO bubbles or warping. I just used the spray adhesive and presto! Was done with that part. Once I applied the liquitex mat medium to the poster board and it dried. Never a problem. Yes I can see using the insulation board as a subsititue. Glad it worked out for you. I would stay with the mat board as the final piece however. Like I said much less trouble. Thank you for watching!
@@LindaSmithLatimer where do you get that large a piece of Matt Board. Think I will do one like yours. Thank you. I will still use my cardboard covered with Contact paper of various sizes, also. Tape water color paper down, no problem.
Edwina Quintero Yes I have, but because of the sides being raw edges, the tape works best and gives it a finished look. But thanks for asking and watching the video. 😊
Thank you for sharing your talen with us all.. quite inspiring so thank you again I'll keep my eye out for your next videos.. Sending you love and blessings..Deedee
I am just beginning with watercolors. This really struck me as something I wanted. I got the supplies and went to work. I ended up with a board that was slightly bowed. Everything was flat when I started. I'm thinking that this is one that I don't want to use for watercolor work. What do you think? It's not bowed severely but enough the colors might flow to the center or to the sides depending on what side I use. I love your videos and so does my 9 year old grand daughter.
Wendy Boes Hi! Did you use the 1/2" foam board and the mat board over both sides of the foam board? If you didn't, then that is the problem with it bowing. If you did then I can't imagine why it did that. And that's very strange as those combinations have never allowed any of these to do that. I'm so glad you and your granddaughter liked my videos. Thank you so very for watching! If I can answer any questions, please feel free to contact me. Enjoy your journey in painting!
thanks for the video! i just tried making something like this w/ materials i have. i glued 2 foam boards together, painted 2 coats of gesso over the foam board. i use masking take to stretch the paper in stead of staples. however when i tested a bit of masking take on the gessoed foam board, but surface came off. do you know of a way to do something like this so the tape doesn't tear off the surface? thanks!
jpalomo89 jpalomo89 what I have found, without covering the foam board with the mat board, like I suggested in the video, the paper layer of the foam board will bubble and come off, even with staples and will be even worse with tape. I'm also not sure Gesso on these boards provides the necessary waterproofing. I know the mat boards work along with the Liquitex. I have tried doing this many different way. I strongly suggest using a mat board, one on each side, (a cheap one) then even using Modge Podge (found in Craft stores) as this will produce waterproofing on the mat board, but preferably the Liquitex. The mat board also holds the staples in place better. I use staples because if you're trying to stretch the paper, you need something that will hold the paper in place while it dries. The tape, when wet, loses the stickiness to it. The best answer I have for you, honestly, is to just follow how I have explained the board in my video. Then you will have no problems, it will be double sided and will last for years. And you will be much happier. Happy painting!
Made three boards, one big and two small ones with the smaller mat salvage. Now I'll let those dry oUT (gave them an extra coat). THank you AGAIN Linda. (NO NEED TO REPLY) Now to find a subject to paint!
+Juliana Leo Oh I am so happy! Happy painting my friend! Come visit me on Facebook..."Paintings From the Heart by Linda Smith Latimer" and share your paintings, I would love to see them!
I second most of what everyone said....GREAT replacement for my heavy wood boards that I made eons ago. One thing that I did different: after I glued the mat board on both sides of the foam core board I then glued a sheet of plastic poster board. I thought this would be a great idea to eliminate the need to waterproof the mat board with LIquitex. And...it WAS! Until I used a hair dryer to dry a painting...it was just enough heat to cause that plastic to warp up off the mat board. As it cooled...(and it wasn't that hot) it did go back down with some manual flattening of the bubble with my hand but then I noticed some wavey areas along the edged near the tape. I can still use the board but there remains a slight raised area here and there and I need to avoid heat. I am now making one with just the Liquitexed mat board, no plastic. Also...on the board I made with the plastic poster board I only put it over mat board on one side. I put it directly over the foam core on the other side which dented very easily. So the matboard serves the purpose of creating a hard surface over the foam core....some may not realize that skipping it will make the board vulnerable to dents.
Deborah Wage I’m so glad you liked this video! I have to laugh at the plastic, yes it does melt and then it causes additional wrinkles in the paper. Glad you figured it out. Liquitex the best fix I’ve found. Thanks for watching! Happy painting.
Thank you so much for the tutorial! One question: What's the benefit of adding the mat board? Isn't the foamboard surface waterproof in itself? (Except for the edges) And even if it isn't, wouldn't it work to seal the foamboard itself?
The foam board only has a light weight paper on the board. When you apply the mat medium to it the paper bubbles up so makes it impossible for your paper to be flat. The mat board keeps that from happening and strengthens the foam board. Hope this answers your question. Thank you for watching! ☺️
I love this idea! I have made some by covering insulation board with clear Contact paper, but that is much thicker and doesn't give it a good surface to staple into. I have not thought to use an office stapler. By the way, you have the thumbs up disabled for this video. I am looking forward to seeing your next video!
Kathleen Roush Hi Kathleen, I have been using these boards for about 8 years now and would not use anything else. Played around with it for awhile using different surfaces and heavy duty stapler, yes the office one is the BEST!!!. After all is said and done, this mix is the best for me. Thanks for watching and your comments! Don't know why the thumbs up is disabled...will look into it and thanks!
You are welcome and thanks for the quick response, Linda! I think I need a sheet of both inexpensive matboard and the 1/2" foam-core. My favorite art supply was bought out by a national store - and moved away from good parking, making it harder to bring big sheets of anything home. It would be easiest to cut it before taking home! I know that our Utrecht store used to have a large cutter for shoppers to use. I think that the heavy-duty staplers would be too much pressure for this combo - and be much harder to remove! I have a gadget for pulling out office staples that slips under the staple to lift them out that would probably work for this, too.
Kathleen Roush I didn't see this until now so very sorry!!! Yes don't use heavy duty staples!! Been there, tried that! No need, regular staple that open flat, regular office staples and staple remover like you are talking about is all that is needed. You can go to like a Michael's or Hobby Lobby and buy the 22"x30" foam board, and they might cut the mat board for you. However, you may want to cut it yourself because you can make more boards in different sizes and if they cut it, unless you know exactly what size board you are going to make, then you might regret having them cut it. We have Utrecht in our city and yes Dick Blick bought them out. But they are too far from me to make it worth the 70 mile round trip so I go to our Michael's and Hobbly Lobby stores for this kind of art supplies, otherwise, it online shopping for me! Hope this answered your question.
Linda Smith Latimer I don't think that my Michael's cuts anything - unless it is in the framing shop. I have only seen thinner foamcore, on the floor there but I've not checked the frame shop for that or for matboard. I know that I have a bit of both in my stash - I'll have to go digging! My nearest Hobby Lobby is more than an hour away and I've not made the trip yet. I have my own in-house art-supply/craft shop that I think needs to be shopped.
Oh I hear you Kathleen Rousch! I have so much "stuff" I can almost always find what I need in my stash. But I LOVE buying art supplies. Hobby Lobby is my favorite and Michaels is my fall back store.
Could one use a large kitchen cutting board as a support for stretching watercolour paper? I have a bamboo light weight one but wonder if I need to treat the wood with anything?? 🧐
I really like the idea of having a support that's both lightweight and non-warping. I wonder if the use of staples to fix watercolour paper to your board compromises the waterproofing of the board, as it allows for water to penetrate through the waterproofed layer. I sometimes like to use thin japanese paper to paint on, which becomes quite wet all the way through, and am concerned about how that might affect the integrity of the board. Any thoughts?
Hi Grace, so glad you like this. In answer to your concern about the waterproofing integrity, I've been using one of my boards for snout 8 yrs and I paint a LOT and it has never had a problem. So I think it's safe to say the waterproofing holds. Thanks for watching! If you have any questions or issues, please contact me.
I have never tried push pins. Good question! I suggest trying it and see how they work. I have used staples for so many years I find them really easy to use and to remove. Thank you for watching and if you try the push pins, let me know how they work.
can't wait to see your video on how to stretch paper. Brand new to water color painting and haven't even begun yet! Do you need to stretch paper always when doing water color? I'm off to get supplies to make my board today. Thanks for great instructional video.
Hi Connor, well welcome to my Channel. I hope that you will find it very informative. If you have any questions please let me know! You will love this board!! My next video on the stretching the paper is now ready so you can get started with that now too! Thanks again!
Thanks good ideas. I just wanted to ask if one cannot use gesso acrylic you know the white paint one uses for preparing canvases. Trick is to find a good enough cardboard that is not destroyed by the liquitex which is a liquid :) One practical possibility perhaps is to slightly color the liquitex, a neutral color, to see where you paint, white on white is a bit difficult.
For me the Liquitex, foam core board, and mat board has worked for me for the past 9 yrs so changing that combination (and I tried numerous ways before using this combination) just works for me and for the many others that have now tried this. Thank you for watching and best of luck in painting!
Hi Zuheyr you can use the gesso on the material I suggested. Using cardboard will not work at all. I've tried various materials but the suggested material in the video is the best. There is also no need to color the gesso or Liquitex, just tilt your board and you can see exactly where you've missed applying the product. Thanks for watching! Thanks for your comment as well! +Zuheyr Alsalihi
Hi Sidney, so sorry I missed your comment, Yes I seal both sides so I can use both sides. I’m so Happy you liked this video. So sorry for the late reply.
Just getting into real media - Corel Painter has been my forte. I have the boards made. It went fairly easy. Your video was very instructive, granular and you kept it interesting. I have watched your "pouring videos" as well. Inspiring. Now to try my hand at the real stuff!
Hi Linda! Thanks for video. Just now getting into watercolors. I have a lot of gesso (general purpose, for oil or acrylic it says) on hand already. Would gesso not work as well as medium? I’d much appreciate your input. I got this idea from you after taping on EXPENSIVE and HEAVY boards, I was looking for options, but I’d love to use up what I’ve got. Many thank! 💐
Angelina Cox Hi Angelina, when making these boards you need something that will waterproof everything and gesso isn’t made for that. It acts more like substance for paint to adhere to. And for this board you don’t want that. You can use modge podge for this but I highly recommend the Liquitex Mat Gel medium which I know will waterproof everything. I use these boards for years and have yet thrown one away. Thank you for watching. Have a wonderful watercolor journey! 💕
It was a matter of using what I had on hand. Liquitex answered me and said it’d be ok. However, it made a ridged, unusable surface. I junked it based on the exquisite flat surface of the matte medium. I just bought supplies yesterday for two medium boards to hold 11” x 14” paper and the scraps to make small ones. Did you come up with this yourself? It’s genius and I’ve been referring others to your site. I’ve never used spray glue... kind of wish you’d have shown how you use it. 😁 Many thanks for making this and revolutionizing process for us. You are what the internet is supposed to be! Thanks for sharing! 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
Angelina Cox I can not take full credit for this board. But I did improve it from the original that was told to me by someone many years ago. The person that told is still alive but 88 yrs old, an artist, but she couldn’t remember who told her and that was many years ago as well. I would give credit to that person if we knew the name and if they were still alive. Using spray glue is super easy. I used Krylon Super Quick Grip Spray Adhesive. Which I bought at Hobby Lobby. I sprayed it outside on the lawn which is why I didn’t record that part. But I sprayed it on the mat board and and the foam board then applied those two sides together and turned it over and did the same thing on the back. Then I applied the liquidtex mat medium to both sides. (I sprayed it outside so I wouldn’t get overspray in my studio). Using this board makes my life sooo much easier as well. I have them in all sizes including big enough to hold a full sheet of watercolor paper. Thank you again for your positive feedback! 🥰
Your very welcome! The foam board has many names and there one called gator board. But if you have a Hobby Lobby near you, it would be called art foam board. It can also be bought at an office supply like Office Depot. Just make sure you get 1/2” as anything less than 1/2” will not work.
Linda am I crazy (anything is possible) You said your foam core board you bought is 20x30.. you are going to make a 16x20 board. When cutting your foam core board you said you were cutting it down the middle. That would not come out to be 16x20 would it? what am I missing? I love this idea and want to get mine made asap...thanks
Hi Lara, because I was cutting a 16x20 board out of this 20x30 I had previously put my measurement out on the board so I was able just quickly cut the board down the middle leaving some extra on the edges. All I was working on on this was 16x20.. I wasn't concerned with the extra left over material. Now if I had wanted two pieces cut out of this 20x 30 I would have cut it differently to accommodate those measurements. Sorry I you were confused on that. I did end up making an even smaller board so I can even do greeting cards now.
Awesome video! I do have a question. Is there a specific reason you're using the mat board? I noticed the foam you're using comes laminated with paper on each side already. Could you go ahead and apply the Matte Medium to this paper that's already attached to the foam and make it waterproof? Or are you using the mat board since it's more durable? Thanks!
Stephen Bailey Hi Stephen, I use the mat board because the paper on the foam board is porous and evening adding the mat medium to waterproof does not help. The paper just bubbles up. The mat board also gives stability and support when using staples to stretch the paper. By using this all together it provides More integrity to the board so you can use it for years. Hope this answers your questions. Thank you for watching! 😊
Hi, the mat board is just a regular mat board that you can buy from Michael’s Art & Craft, Hobby Lobby or a frame shop, they may be 1/8th inch thick. The foam board is 1/2”. The mat board does not need to be museum quality. Thank you for watching! 😉
@@LindaSmithLatimer Thank you 🥰 Is the mat board you use synthetic, somehow plastic stuff or can it be organic, wooden pulp made f.i.?… as for your precious experience… I’m from Italy and can’t find Michael’s mat board….I’ve to find some kind of alternative item… Thank you again for sharing
Hi Pat! The mat board is what you use when you frame a watercolor painting or a photo. They should be readily available at a framing shop. Or online. I hope this helps.
How many ounces of liquitex matte medium was needed for the size board you made? Do you find properties of homemade vs buying a gator foam board? Staple holes? Or lasts longer? Etc?
patti jesinoski Hi Pattie I don’t know the actual amount I used of the mat medium. Maybe and this is just a guess, a cup or so. I used some of it to glue the mat board to the gator board on both sides, then 2 or 3 coats of it on each side of the board. You don’t need a big bottle of it. I can’t remember the sizes it comes in, I’m so sorry. Maybe 16 oz is the smallest. You certainly won’t use all of it.
patti jesinoski Continuing to answer....it is easier to buy the foam board than to make it on your own because the inside (foam area) is not typical foam. It is just called foam. And it is very inexpensive to buy. It must be 1/2” anything thinner, the staples will not hold. Because I use the 1/2” board and the mat boards on either side, I never run into a problem with the average size staples. Some of my boards I have been using for nearly 10 yrs. I hope this answers your questions, if not don’t hesitate to ask more. 😀
@@LindaSmithLatimer I use blue tape all around water color paper. I use Arches. Has worked so far. I soaked my paper and taped down on large plastic cutting board when I first started with acrylic. I am going do your method. Where do you get mat board?
Hi there, LInda! I just made the board following your intstructions and I have a couple of questions. 1) After I removed the staples, the watercolor paper was stuck to the matting medium coating, but only at the places where the staples were. As a result, when I gently removed the paper, the coating under staples tore. Should I do another coating to cover them? Or is this to expect in the future? I used liquitex matting medium like you suggested and did two coats. 2) the mat under the wet paper buckled and now there's a small "hill" in the board. Is this normal? 3) the glue spray I used to glue the foam board and the mat didn't hold it too well. I still have three boards to make, any tips how to make sure they glue together well? Thank you so much!
On no I am so sorry you have experienced a a problem. First did you use a regular mat board over the foam board? Or did you forego the mat board and just use the Liquitex Mat Medium on the existing paper? If this what you did, that is the problem. The paper on the mat board will not be sufficient to hold up to the Liquitex. If you used poster board th same problem could happen. If you followed my directions and used everything I did, then I’m at a loss as to why this happened. On the spray adhesive did you spray the foam board and the mat? That will usually ensure they stick better. Or you can also use the Liquitex as the adhesive too. Did everything dry really good before you used the board for the watercolor paper? Please let me know so I can help you figure out the problem before you make anymore boards. Again I am so sorry you ran into problems.
@@LindaSmithLatimer thank you so much for your reply. I did do everything like you described, I even scrolled down and looked through the comments for product recommendations and other questions. So: foam board, mat boards from both sides, liquitex mat medium on the mat boards. I’m also at a loss why this happened. Does it matter what brand of mat board it is? I bought Canson Concerto. For the spray glue: great tip to use it on both the mat board and the foam board.
Hi Linda, I am so pleased to come across this video teaching us how to stretch w/c paper, but since I am in a place where I cannot buy every tool you mentioned in the video, I am just curious to know if you had tried using large cork board? Thanks
Izak Polman Oh thank you Izak. I'm sorry you can't find the foam core board. I have only used the foam board so I don't know how the cork board would hold up. I would think if you can find at least a 1/2" thick piece of the cork and still cover it with the same mat board and waterproof the mat board it could serve the same purpose. Let me know if you try it and how it works. Thanks for watching and for commenting! Best of luck!
Is this foam board gator board or is that what you are trying to achieve? A gator board lookalike? I have two gator boards here and Im not sure whether I need to do this as well :)
Cuddly Koala This is foam core board. Gator Board is much stronger than regular foam board, but is about the same weight. Gator Board has a very rigid poly surface which is resistant to moisture, unlike foam board which is foam covered with lightweight paper. Foam core is easier to buy for most people and cheaper. But with foam core you must adhere a mat board to it and seal the board with something that makes the mat board waterproof. If you have true gator board, then you don’t need to waterproof it. I hope this answers your question. Honestly I’ve never used gator board as it is can only be bought online where I live and I can buy foam core at the local craft store. And it’s cheap!! 🥰
hi Linda, thank so much for this, it's great :). I know it was ages ago, someone just posted a link into a group i belong too. One thing i am a bit unclear on. I think you say the board is 16x20". Is that the size when it's cut down or before? e.g. do you end up with 2 boards of 8 x10"? Or is the piece you started with a lot bigger than 16x20"? it would have to be 32x40" to end up with two bits 16x20? I am just a bit confused what size of foam board and mountboard to get
ah i just watched again and see you start with 20x30", but if you cut that in half it would make two pieces 10 x15 and you say 10x16". Maybe you cut a 10x16 and don't use the other bit?
Yvonne Ferguson Hi! I’m so glad you liked the video. I buy a large piece of the foam board and mat then I can make various sizes. Then 16”x20” size once made, can then be used for most sizes. You could use it for an 8”x10”, 9”x12”, 11”x15”, or even as small as 4”x6” if you wanted to. 16”x20” is my preferred size because it can be used for so many sizes. With any left over pieces from making this size, you can make another size. I don’t remember how much is left exactly but you’ll have enough left to make another board. I make bigger boards as well as I can paint large too. Hope this helps! Thanks for watching. 😀
@@LindaSmithLatimer thanks so much Linda. i am finding the whole issue of paper\card\foamboard and picture frame sizes the most confusing thing ever. I am in the UK as well. I can get A2 mountboard which is 16.5"x23.4", seems suitable. I, too, want to make sure what I paint will fit standard picture frames. It's taking a bit of work to work out what size watercolour paper, what size mount, what size frame. Driving me a little crazy hehe. Anyway thanks again for the great video :))
Yvonne Ferguson Yvonne I chose to make the 16”x20”, what ever pieces I had left over, I made another board. You can choose to make any size you want. And if you have leftover use them too!
Yvonne Ferguson Well that explains the confusion, as I get as confused as you trying to figure out your measurements!!! Best of luck Yvonne. It will be worth the confusion once it’s made and you are using it. I promise. 🥰
Thank you for this idea. I just went out and purchased the supplies to make one. I have been ill and do not have a lot of strenght so I am hoping that I will be able to pick up and move this board around a lot easier than the wooden boards I usually stretch my paper on. Is it very hard to staple into the Matt board? You made it look easy. :)
Sharon Allen Hi Sharon, I’m so happy you like this idea. I promise you, cross my heart you will love the lightweight factor of this “board” which is really just foam core covered with the mat board on either side. And the staples are really super easy to staple in and remove. One tip I have in removing the staples is to buy a cheap round-end palette knife used in oil painting. You slip the knife under the paper under each staple to gently lift the staple up slightly then use the staple remover to completely remove the staple. If you have any other questions, please feel to contact me. I’m so sorry you have been ill and hope you are recovering. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. Happy painting! 💐
Linda Smith Latimer Thank you for the extra advise. I am looking forward to using the new board. And thank you for your kind words. I just found your channel so I am looking forward to watching some more of your videos.
Sharon Allen You are so welcome. I hope you enjoy my videos. I’ll have a new one again very soon. It will not be a full tutorial but I will give info throughout the video. 😊
Great tutorial....easy to follow and easy to understand.....YOU GONNA BE A STAUR BABY...!!!! I'm way older than you so I can call you baby...lol...... or.............little girl.
Hi Linda, thank you for the demo. I have a random question... where did you purchase the gridded plastic mat laying on your desk that you are working on?
Terry Konsko Hi Terry! Thanks for watching Terry! The grid mat is a cutting mat and I got it from an art supply store. I just bought a big one that covers the entire top of my flat file and that one I bought online from Amazon at Cutting-Mats. Hope this helps.
Sacred Rose You can use it, but why would you even want too? If you mean just tape around the edges, then go for it. It will give you a border effect but it will still need to be matted to cover up the holes from the staples. But it is an unnecessary step you do not need. If you’re talking about the paper tape you wet and lay down to hold you’re paper flat, don’t even worry about doing that, the staples replace the need for tape of any kind. I hope I’ve answered your question completely. Thank you so much for watching! 😊
I like the tape because it gives a smoother stretch. I like staples and tape together. I just cut off the tape areas. I buy a 12x16 size and tape it so the finished size is 11x14 so I don't have to custom frame it. This board is just a lighter option to plywood.
Sacred Rose if that is your preference, then by all means use it. I just hated losing that much paper. Plus the mess of that paper tape drove me insane. I tossed that years ago! I still do custom sizes so I do not need special order frames and mats. My standard size painting I do is 11”x14”. Because I only need to staple the very edges of the paper, I still can buy a standard pre-cut mat. This way I don’t lose any paper.
I would really rather not stretch at all, but the watercolour paper industry does not make sizes according to standard frame sizes and it costs a lot to buy 300lb weight paper which requires no stretching. I would like to use the Keba Artmate stretcher, but it is really expensive and I would have to save for it. That is the stretching option that I really want.
Sacred Rose I just cut my paper to fit standard size frames. I have done this for years. If you fold your paper in half, tear it, then fold that half in half, tear it you end up with an 11” x15” and you can get 4 of those from one sheet of paper. That’s the size I usually use for my portraits I paint. Then I can use a standard mat and frame. It works great for me. I tried the 300 # and it just doesn’t work for me. I just don’t like the feel of it. Silly I know, but the 140# really feels so much better. And stretching, I’ve done it for so many years I just whip it out in a few short minutes.
dee simmons Hi Dee! Great question. Although I only use the Liqutex product I’m sure you could also use Golden Acrylic Gel Medium or DecoArt Dura Clear Satin Varnish for waterproofing. I can’t guarantee them because I have not tried them. If you do try one of these products, please let me know how you like it. My main concern is the durability of the waterproofing and if you can easily use staples for stretching your paper on it and removing the staples afterward without damage to the integrity of the board. With the Liquitex product I can guarantee it works and the durability is wonderful. I been using these boards now for about 11 yrs and they are still holding up tho I have replaced some tape on a couple of them. Good luck! And thank for watching!😊
I suppose you could but you probably couldn't use staples on that because it such a hard board. You would have to seal the wood so it would not be absorbent and be waterproof and then you would need to use a waterproof tape that would need to stick to the wood and still not tear your paper. It would be easier to make a few of my boards and they last for years. Thank you for watching and for commenting!
Hi Naomi, Yes you could. However because I am constantly stapling the paper to the board, I don’t know how long, over time, the contact paper would hold hold up. I know the mat medium holds up for years and does not allow paint to deep into the foam board or tear. Thank you for watching and asking a great question.
patti jesinoski Patti do mean brush to spread the Liquitex? If so, it is just an old brush I had. You can use a cheap foam brush if you want. Anything that spreads the product will work. Hope that helps!
Marta Escobar Thank you Marta! Yes that can work too however not as easy to use staples with and it wasn’t easy to find in my area when I first started painting so this works beautifully. Thank you for watching! Happy painting😊
Hi Beverly, I just find the boards hold up better as I use them for years. Applying Liquitex to the foam board doesn't work as well and the material on the foam board itself tends to bubble. I've experimented many different ways and the method in the video works the best. Thank you for watching and commenting!
Hi Fiona, so sorry it took me so long to reply. I have been out of town and only on my phone so could not answer. They boards, if made like I show, may be used for years. You may occasionally need to repair the tape as certain brands do tend to ripple if you use heat to dry your paintings. I just press it down again and go on using the boards. Some I have used for about 7 yrs. Hope this help answer your question. Thank you for watching and for commenting.
+Juliana Leo I don't use a brown tape. The only tape I use is duct tape on the watercolor boards...any color. It holds up to repeated stapling and heat from my hair dryer when drying my paper. Hope this helped!
Hi Leslie, yes they are the same. I buy mine at Hobby Lobby and I use my 40% off coupon. At HL, it is called Foam Core Board. Be sure and buy the 1/2" thick as anything thinner will not hold the staples. Thank you so much for watching and commenting!
I have some gator board and the surface seems like really thin melamine. When I put staples in, it cracks. :-( Is the surface supposed to be more like cardboard? The kind of foam core board I have bought in the past seems more papery.
Leslie, you can not use just the foam core (gator board) without the mat board (also can be bought at Hobby Lobbly's) over it. The staples will not hold otherwise and it will not last. You need to use both the foam board AND the mat board to make this work. I use the Liquitex because it acts like a glue to adhere the mat board to the foam core board, then put 2 coats of the Liquitex on the mat board. By doing this is, it water seals the mat board. Once you have done this THEN you can use the staples on the board and it will last for years.
Mel Bendigo Hi Mel, I have had numerous people try using Gesso and it fails every time. It does not have the waterproof element that is required in making this board. So I highly recommend following this video that I have put together. As I mentioned in the video, these boards last almost forever if you follow my method. Thank you for watching!
Hi Sherry, I spread the mat medium using a cheap foam brush that are throw away. Certainly I don’t use my artist brushes. I can use these foam brushes numerous times washing them out each time until they are no longer useful. This was the size I had on hand. You may certainly use a bigger brush if you so desire.
Just measure out the lines you need to keep the paper square on your board. It really isn’t necessary to have all those lines. Think I got a little carried away with them. Thank you for watching!
Vera Kauffman Thanks Vera, glad you liked the video. You’re probably right on the bigger brush, but when you have a whole big package of that size brush that are disposal, you go with what you have. Lol, but yes bigger is always better! ☺️
where can I get the matte board? I love the way you explain things...I have one art store here and they are tooooooooooo expensive...and I don't drive and the only other place is 'Michaels' and I need to drive there...my caregiver could take me..but I hate asking her to take me all over the place...so what would I ask for if I ordered some online?
Lori, It would be so much more expensive to order online because you will have shipping costs. Your Michael's store will be the very cheapest. You want an inexpensive board. Your art store probably has a cheap one and if you get a full size sheet, you can just make more boards. If you order online, if you ask for a "Mat Board" they will know what it is.
I like how you make it feel like I'm just there with you ...hanging out. You make it easy to understand.
Pj Lewis Aw, thank you so very much Pj, such a nice comment. Thank you for taking the time to comment and for watching my videos! It's people like you that give me the boost to do more for you. So I'm working on it,😀
Fantastic! I usually use hardboard and gum tape to stretch but I love the idea to be able to staple for extra security. Thank you for sharing!
Lindsay, it's so much easier doing it this way. When I first started painting many years ago, I tried the gum tape and hated it. But with stapling, it holds so nicely, I don't have to worry any more. Thanks so much for watching and I'm so glad you enjoyed this.
I've made two stretching boards using Linda's method. Works like a charm.
Thank you so much Andrew, I really appreciate your wonderful comment. Thank you for watching!
Yes, I needed this video! Where I live I can't get my hands on gator board or grafix incredible art board, but now the convenience of stretching with staples will finally be achievable.
I’m so glad this will help you! Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. Happy painting! 🥰
Exactly what I needed to learn! Have accumulated a good starting supply of all the items, tools, tutorials I wanted [no Kolinsky brushes yet though ha-ha]. This was the only thing holding me back from starting my watercolor adventures. Heading to Hobby Lobby this week. Thanks for the detailed instructions.
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. You will live this board for your work and be able to use it for numerous years to come. Happy painting!
I spent a bit of time making some boards in different sizes - what a difference it's made! I used foam board (but a couple of sheets of cardboard would do) and covered it with Fablon (sticky-back-plastic). I should have done this years ago. Thanks for your inspiration, Linda.
gillian bc I’m so glad I inspired you Gillian! Using these boards does make such a difference. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment, it always makes my heart feel good hearing back from other artists! 🥰
Linda, on my recent painting, baby with doughnut, the paper buckled like crazy, even though it was on a block. Once completely done and dry, I re-wet the back and sandwiched it between heavy books overnight and had to do it a few times, until the paper was flat. Man oh man, waaaaaay to much work! Thanks to this amazing video, I now have a list of what I need to make your board. So excited to make my own board. Thanks so very much for sharing your expertise! 👏🏼❤️
Oh dear Inge I feel your pain. I hate that buckling so much. You will be so much happier just stretching your paper. A little extra work in the beginning leads to smooth sailing when painting. And it is flat for framing! Thanks for watching and for commenting Inge!
Thank you for the tip. I did one a few months back. your more detailed. Maybe I'll try your idea.
Linda, I have watched this before, but needed a refresher! Such a good video! Thanks❣️ Paula Bush
Paula Bush Thanks Paula! I’m so glad you like the video!❤️
Hi Linda, finally got one done and have a full sheet painting in the works. After using plywood I have to say.... THANK YOU!
Working with this lightweight board is such a pleasure!
Angelina Cox Hi Angelina, I am thrilled for you! Plywood is so heavy and cumbersome and yes THIS is so lightweight. Please look me up and FB so I can see your completed painting. And thank you for taking the time to comment, I appreciate it so very much!!! Happy painting!🥰
A well deserved thumbs up for this!
Thank you so very much Richard! Thank you for taking the time to
Comment.
Wonderfull and usefull. I have a wood frame which is great but big. I will do some like your board. Thanks. I also look your other video stretching paper. I used in the past thumbnail but staples will be easier. I will also Watch your others videos. I am sure that I will learn more. I stopped painting many years ago but now I am ready to start again.
Lily Hi Lily, So sorry I didn't reply sooner. I'm so glad you liked this video. So happy you are going to start painting again as well! If I can help you at all, you may contact me through my Facebook page under the same name. Thanks again! Linda
Thanks Linda. Great tutorial. Really appreciate that you are sharing yr knowledge and experience. keep posting yr videos!!!
please list supplies
I usually have several boards with stretched paper on both sides all the time. Rather than use a layer of matt board, I use polyurethane directly on the surface of the foam core to waterproof. I usually put 2 or 3 coats at first, and after each use I put more on, especially where I put the staples. I also use white duct tape, it just looks nicer. If you want to go all out, rather than use foam core, you can splurge on Gatorboard, but it's very expensive.
Hi! Polyurethane is an interesting idea but can you staple into the board or must you use tape? And then why do you need to apply more after each use? Once I apply the Liquitex Mat Gel, I'm done. There is never a need to reapply no matter how many years I use them and as yet, I've never had to throw one away or reapply so in the end, I prefer the Liquitex. But it is an interesting option and thank you for sharing and for watching my video!
I use staples, then tape over them to give a nice clean edge. I don't know if I truly need more polyurethane, but I just do it to fill up the holes left by the staples to extend the life of the board. It only takes a few minutes as it dries so fast and I can put a couple of coats on pretty quickly.
+Oaktree Lady Good to know. I too will use tape over the staples tho in doing that I find when I mat my paintings, it doesn't give me much leeway and I need to be very precise with the mat. But I do like the look of the clean edge.
Do you use spray polyurethane or do you paint it on? I also plan on applying it straight to the foam board. Would matte or gloss medium serve the same purpose as the polyurethane? I’m looking for the cheapest available option.
Could I use spray acrylic sealer instead of polyurethane? It’s cheaper, which it why I’m wondering if it would be ok.
This is great! Thank you for sharing 🤗👍
Thank you so much Ann, glad you enjoyed the video!
Stank you so much, I did this and it works, is very lightweight and saved me money!!! Thanks!
I am so glad this worked for you! Thank you for watching!
+Linda Smith Latimer that was supposed to say thanks (sorry about that!)
I thought the video was very good. Thank you for sharing your techniques and your talent. I am looking forward to the next one.
Thanks Carol Ann! So glad you liked this!
I am sooooooo glad I have found your channel!
6862211 Oh I’m so glad you found my channel too. I hope you have found something invaluable for your art journey! If you have something you’d like to see done , if I can I’ll make a video about it.
Thank you for the video! I made two large boards..seem great no buckling and fairly easy procedure. Presently, I use a heavy board that is hard to maneuver. I took your advice and used the mat board instead of poster board I had on hand. I had to drive further to get it (my local Michaels was out of it) but think it was worth it. My question is can I put on a third coat of matt medium if I need too after I have taped the edges? I fear two coats of medium are not waterproof.
Hi Kate, so glad you were able to make the boards and also so very glad you did not use your poster board as that would have not worked at all. A third coat can be done but do it before you put on the tape. You don't need it on the tape. But two coats will give you plenty of waterproofing protection. Overtime (years) you may need to replace the tape. One of my boards I've been using 8 or 9 yrs and it just looked rather worn so I replaced that. But everything else has been great. Thank you for watching my video! Happy painting!
Absolutely well done. Great job Linda. I have subscribed!
Andrew Massanet Thank you Andrew, appreciate your comment very much. Thanks for subscribing!
Wonderful!!! I've seen that thick foam core at Michael's and thought about using it as watercolor board, but worried that moisture would seep in. You've solved that problem with the extra steps of the mat board, sealer, and tape! Awesome idea!
Thank you for the video on the process. Would gloss gel also work instead of mat? Thanks.
I've just made one - so.....easy! Thank you. Now I'm looking forward to seeing how you pour your paint! Hint, Hint!
Jan Pastor That is wonderful Jan! I am uploading the next video in just a few minutes!! Thank you!!!
This is so helpful! Would using the gloss medium work just as well? What about using spray acrylic sealer?
Jennifer Bowler Hi Jennifer, yes you can use the Liquitex Gloss Medium. I don’t know about the acrylic sealer. You need a product that waterproofs the mat board. Once you achieve that, you’re good to go!! Thanks for watching! 😊
Could I use gesso rather than Matt medium? And 300 lb watercolor paper rather than Matt board? I have both gesso and 300lb watercolor paper here. Trying not to make another trip to art store. Just found your videos. You are a fantastic teacher! Have been painting 60 years and have learned from you...love it. Never thought of using nail file on my paper. Maybe I can save some of my stashed, not happy with paintings.
Marjorie Johnson Thank you so much! Unfortunately gesso will not work. Matt medium makes the mat board waterproof otherwise when you stretch your paper everything will become wet and your paper will not stretch properly. Even tho 300# is heavy, it is not heavy enough to give the board stability and could warp. I have tried just about every way of making this board and the very best method is the I suggest in the video. Another reason I use the mat board is the staples adhere better and the holes from the removed staples reseal so you can continue using this board for years to come. Thanks for watching this video Marjorie! Best of luck!
Francis Camilleri Liquitex May Medium is “el Medium, Matte - A high viscosity medium, Matte Gel displays the same qualities as the Gel Medium, except that it dries to a satin, matte finish, and has greater adhesive abilities. Use it as an extender, as a ground, for impasto effects, or as a binder for powered pigments to make an inexpensive "student grade" high viscosity thick matte paint.” The acrylic gel medium “gloss” is Gel Medium, Gloss - A high viscosity medium, it dries to a crystal clear gloss finish for sparkling, transparent impastos and textured glazes. Translucent when wet, it is transparent to translucent when dry depending on the thickness of the application. An ideal paint extender, it increases the brilliance and transparency of color without changing paint thickness, resulting in paint similar in color depth to oil paint. Use it as an extender, a ground, or as the binder for powdered pigments to make an inexpensive "student grade" high viscosity thick gloss paint.
With that said, I prefer mat medium! It allows for better adhesion and I know it works. 😊
Just made my first board. Thank you. Now I have to stretch paper. Is there a certain subject that works better for a pour? What am I looking for when I choose a photo? I’m a total novice. I’d appreciate any advice.
Hi! For pouring I would start with a very simple subject but one that contains good contrast. Unusually have students start with a simple flower, with stems and leaves. Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t turn out the first time. Think contrast (values) light and dark. Remember to work from lightest darkest. Build in layers. The more layers you do, the better it will turn out. Good luck and happy pouring!
Linda this is so informative! Looking forward to more videos:) thank u! Shama Amjad:)
Hi Shama, Thank you so much! I'll be publishing my next video Friday!
Nice work.. How would plexiglass or acrylic sheet be... Those are water proof....
Ranjana yes those could be used BUT make sure the paper stays sealed to them. You must use waterproof tape and put around the edges to help keep it sealed. When the paper dries from one layer to the next, it will lift. You can't apply masking fluid to wet paper and the paper must be completely dry before removing the masking fluid.
I ve never stretch paper prior to painting before. But will start doing it for wet on wet .thank you for tip on board
Tec Tec Hi Tec Tec, glad you like the tip on the watercolor board! Hope it works well for you. Happy painting! 😊
@@LindaSmithLatimer hi . it really feels easier to manage larger pages . Thank you soo much
Tec Tec Im so glad you are finding it easier now to handle larger paintings now. I completely agree! 😊
@@LindaSmithLatimer noticing to pre preparing painting , one can be inspired to doing even better job
Tec Tec Oh absolutely true!
Wonderful tutorial! Do you put the more textured face side of the mat-board up or the more smooth backside up? Thanks.
I use the smooth side up. The cheaper mat boards are usually smooth on both sides.
I finally made a board - similar to yours! I learned some things in my substituting.... I used some insulation board that I had for watercolors. It had a dark coating on one side and shiny on the other - is about 1 inch thick. The piece I found is a bit bigger than a quarter sheet of paper, which should work. I bought a piece of cheap mat board but decided to try some heavy paper I had instead. I learned that I should have sealed the paper first - let it stretch out and get stable first. I think it is heavy enough but it warped a bit. Of course I had already glued both sides when I realized this. It is commercial printing paper - about the same weight as 140 lb watercolor paper.
I used gel medium on one side and something for sealing paper on the other. They both made the paper buckle. I did try it on an extra piece of the heavy paper and it stretched out and stayed that way - a much better way to do it. It might be better to seal both sides before gluing. I tried forcing glue under the bubbles with a syringe but that just made it worse. I finished it as is - last coat was some water-based varnish then put Duck tape around the edges. I marked an 11"x15" rectangle on one side - haven't marked the other yet. I can't wait to try it!
+Kathleen Roush Hi Kathleen, I learned the hard way by substituting "poster" board in place of the mat board. What a disaster that was. The mat board is so much easier and much less trouble and has NO bubbles or warping. I just used the spray adhesive and presto! Was done with that part. Once I applied the liquitex mat medium to the poster board and it dried. Never a problem. Yes I can see using the insulation board as a subsititue. Glad it worked out for you. I would stay with the mat board as the final piece however. Like I said much less trouble. Thank you for watching!
@@LindaSmithLatimer where do you get that large a piece of Matt Board.
Think I will do one like yours. Thank you.
I will still use my cardboard covered with
Contact paper of various sizes, also.
Tape water color paper down, no problem.
hi thank you so much for sharing.. Have u ever thought of painting to seal the edges also with mate medium.. deedee
Edwina Quintero Yes I have, but because of the sides being raw edges, the tape works best and gives it a finished look. But thanks for asking and watching the video. 😊
Thank you for sharing your talen with us all.. quite inspiring so thank you again I'll keep my eye out for your next videos.. Sending you love and blessings..Deedee
I am just beginning with watercolors. This really struck me as something I wanted. I got the supplies and went to work. I ended up with a board that was slightly bowed. Everything was flat when I started. I'm thinking that this is one that I don't want to use for watercolor work. What do you think? It's not bowed severely but enough the colors might flow to the center or to the sides depending on what side I use. I love your videos and so does my 9 year old grand daughter.
Wendy Boes Hi! Did you use the 1/2" foam board and the mat board over both sides of the foam board? If you didn't, then that is the problem with it bowing. If you did then I can't imagine why it did that. And that's very strange as those combinations have never allowed any of these to do that. I'm so glad you and your granddaughter liked my videos. Thank you so very for watching! If I can answer any questions, please feel free to contact me. Enjoy your journey in painting!
Wow excellent vides!!!! Keep doing it please.
carol burkholder thank you very much! And thank you for watching! I'm hoping to get another one completed soon.
thanks for the video! i just tried making something like this w/ materials i have. i glued 2 foam boards together, painted 2 coats of gesso over the foam board. i use masking take to stretch the paper in stead of staples. however when i tested a bit of masking take on the gessoed foam board, but surface came off. do you know of a way to do something like this so the tape doesn't tear off the surface?
thanks!
jpalomo89 jpalomo89 what I have found, without covering the foam board with the mat board, like I suggested in the video, the paper layer of the foam board will bubble and come off, even with staples and will be even worse with tape. I'm also not sure Gesso on these boards provides the necessary waterproofing. I know the mat boards work along with the Liquitex. I have tried doing this many different way. I strongly suggest using a mat board, one on each side, (a cheap one) then even using Modge Podge (found in Craft stores) as this will produce waterproofing on the mat board, but preferably the Liquitex. The mat board also holds the staples in place better. I use staples because if you're trying to stretch the paper, you need something that will hold the paper in place while it dries. The tape, when wet, loses the stickiness to it. The best answer I have for you, honestly, is to just follow how I have explained the board in my video. Then you will have no problems, it will be double sided and will last for years.
And you will be much happier. Happy painting!
Made three boards, one big and two small ones with the smaller mat salvage. Now I'll let those dry oUT (gave them an extra coat). THank you AGAIN Linda. (NO NEED TO REPLY) Now to find a subject to paint!
+Juliana Leo Oh I am so happy! Happy painting my friend! Come visit me on Facebook..."Paintings From the Heart by Linda Smith Latimer" and share your paintings, I would love to see them!
I second most of what everyone said....GREAT replacement for my heavy wood boards that I made eons ago. One thing that I did different: after I glued the mat board on both sides of the foam core board I then glued a sheet of plastic poster board. I thought this would be a great idea to eliminate the need to waterproof the mat board with LIquitex. And...it WAS! Until I used a hair dryer to dry a painting...it was just enough heat to cause that plastic to warp up off the mat board. As it cooled...(and it wasn't that hot) it did go back down with some manual flattening of the bubble with my hand but then I noticed some wavey areas along the edged near the tape. I can still use the board but there remains a slight raised area here and there and I need to avoid heat. I am now making one with just the Liquitexed mat board, no plastic. Also...on the board I made with the plastic poster board I only put it over mat board on one side. I put it directly over the foam core on the other side which dented very easily. So the matboard serves the purpose of creating a hard surface over the foam core....some may not realize that skipping it will make the board vulnerable to dents.
Deborah Wage I’m so glad you liked this video! I have to laugh at the plastic, yes it does melt and then it causes additional wrinkles in the paper. Glad you figured it out. Liquitex the best fix I’ve found. Thanks for watching! Happy painting.
Thank you so much for the tutorial!
One question: What's the benefit of adding the mat board? Isn't the foamboard surface waterproof in itself? (Except for the edges) And even if it isn't, wouldn't it work to seal the foamboard itself?
The foam board only has a light weight paper on the board. When you apply the mat medium to it the paper bubbles up so makes it impossible for your paper to be flat. The mat board keeps that from happening and strengthens the foam board. Hope this answers your question. Thank you for watching! ☺️
@@LindaSmithLatimer
It does. Great idea! Thank you for the answer!
I love this idea! I have made some by covering insulation board with clear Contact paper, but that is much thicker and doesn't give it a good surface to staple into. I have not thought to use an office stapler. By the way, you have the thumbs up disabled for this video. I am looking forward to seeing your next video!
Kathleen Roush Hi Kathleen, I have been using these boards for about 8 years now and would not use anything else. Played around with it for awhile using different surfaces and heavy duty stapler, yes the office one is the BEST!!!. After all is said and done, this mix is the best for me. Thanks for watching and your comments! Don't know why the thumbs up is disabled...will look into it and thanks!
You are welcome and thanks for the quick response, Linda! I think I need a sheet of both inexpensive matboard and the 1/2" foam-core. My favorite art supply was bought out by a national store - and moved away from good parking, making it harder to bring big sheets of anything home. It would be easiest to cut it before taking home! I know that our Utrecht store used to have a large cutter for shoppers to use. I think that the heavy-duty staplers would be too much pressure for this combo - and be much harder to remove! I have a gadget for pulling out office staples that slips under the staple to lift them out that would probably work for this, too.
Kathleen Roush I didn't see this until now so very sorry!!! Yes don't use heavy duty staples!! Been there, tried that! No need, regular staple that open flat, regular office staples and staple remover like you are talking about is all that is needed. You can go to like a Michael's or Hobby Lobby and buy the 22"x30" foam board, and they might cut the mat board for you. However, you may want to cut it yourself because you can make more boards in different sizes and if they cut it, unless you know exactly what size board you are going to make, then you might regret having them cut it. We have Utrecht in our city and yes Dick Blick bought them out. But they are too far from me to make it worth the 70 mile round trip so I go to our Michael's and Hobbly Lobby stores for this kind of art supplies, otherwise, it online shopping for me! Hope this answered your question.
Linda Smith Latimer I don't think that my Michael's cuts anything - unless it is in the framing shop. I have only seen thinner foamcore, on the floor there but I've not checked the frame shop for that or for matboard. I know that I have a bit of both in my stash - I'll have to go digging! My nearest Hobby Lobby is more than an hour away and I've not made the trip yet. I have my own in-house art-supply/craft shop that I think needs to be shopped.
Oh I hear you Kathleen Rousch! I have so much "stuff" I can almost always find what I need in my stash. But I LOVE buying art supplies. Hobby Lobby is my favorite and Michaels is my fall back store.
Could one use a large kitchen cutting board as a support for stretching watercolour paper? I have a bamboo light weight one but wonder if I need to treat the wood with anything?? 🧐
Hi JoBeth, yes you could but I would use a hard plastic cutting board as the bamboo may absorb the colors. Thank you for watching!
I really like the idea of having a support that's both lightweight and non-warping. I wonder if the use of staples to fix watercolour paper to your board compromises the waterproofing of the board, as it allows for water to penetrate through the waterproofed layer. I sometimes like to use thin japanese paper to paint on, which becomes quite wet all the way through, and am concerned about how that might affect the integrity of the board. Any thoughts?
Hi Grace, so glad you like this. In answer to your concern about the waterproofing integrity, I've been using one of my boards for snout 8 yrs and I paint a LOT and it has never had a problem. So I think it's safe to say the waterproofing holds. Thanks for watching! If you have any questions or issues, please contact me.
Thank you so much ❤
Thank you for this. Could you use push pins intead of staples?
I have never tried push pins. Good question! I suggest trying it and see how they work. I have used staples for so many years I find them really easy to use and to remove. Thank you for watching and if you try the push pins, let me know how they work.
can't wait to see your video on how to stretch paper. Brand new to water color painting and haven't even begun yet! Do you need to stretch paper always when doing water color? I'm off to get supplies to make my board today. Thanks for great instructional video.
Hi Connor, well welcome to my Channel. I hope that you will find it very informative. If you have any questions please let me know! You will love this board!! My next video on the stretching the paper is now ready so you can get started with that now too! Thanks again!
Thanks good ideas. I just wanted to ask if one cannot use gesso acrylic you know the white paint one uses for preparing canvases. Trick is to find a good enough cardboard that is not destroyed by the liquitex which is a liquid :)
One practical possibility perhaps is to slightly color the liquitex, a neutral color, to see where you paint, white on white is a bit difficult.
For me the Liquitex, foam core board, and mat board has worked for me for the past 9 yrs so changing that combination (and I tried numerous ways before using this combination) just works for me and for the many others that have now tried this. Thank you for watching and best of luck in painting!
Hi Zuheyr you can use the gesso on the material I suggested. Using cardboard will not work at all. I've tried various materials but the suggested material in the video is the best. There is also no need to color the gesso or Liquitex, just tilt your board and you can see exactly where you've missed applying the product. Thanks for watching! Thanks for your comment as well! +Zuheyr Alsalihi
Hi Linda. I love your tutorials. So easy to understand. One question on the board. Do I seal BOTH SIDES? I assume I do, so I can use both of them.
Hi Sidney, so sorry I missed your comment, Yes I seal both sides so I can use both sides. I’m so
Happy you liked this video. So sorry for the late reply.
Just getting into real media - Corel Painter has been my forte. I have the boards made. It went fairly easy. Your video was very instructive, granular and you kept it interesting. I have watched your "pouring videos" as well. Inspiring. Now to try my hand at the real stuff!
"Granular". GRANULAR? Write in English and stop preening; nobody is impressed. I am SO GLAD that I am not you!
Hi Linda! Thanks for video. Just now getting into watercolors. I have a lot of gesso (general purpose, for oil or acrylic it says) on hand already. Would gesso not work as well as medium?
I’d much appreciate your input. I got this idea from you after taping on EXPENSIVE and HEAVY boards, I was looking for options, but I’d love to use up what I’ve got.
Many thank! 💐
Angelina Cox Hi Angelina, when making these boards you need something that will waterproof everything and gesso isn’t made for that. It acts more like substance for paint to adhere to. And for this board you don’t want that. You can use modge podge for this but I highly recommend the Liquitex Mat Gel medium which I know will waterproof everything. I use these boards for years and have yet thrown one away. Thank you for watching. Have a wonderful watercolor journey! 💕
It was a matter of using what I had on hand. Liquitex answered me and said it’d be ok. However, it made a ridged, unusable surface. I junked it based on the exquisite flat surface of the matte medium.
I just bought supplies yesterday for two medium boards to hold 11” x 14” paper and the scraps to make small ones.
Did you come up with this yourself? It’s genius and I’ve been referring others to your site.
I’ve never used spray glue... kind of wish you’d have shown how you use it. 😁
Many thanks for making this and revolutionizing process for us.
You are what the internet is supposed to be! Thanks for sharing!
🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
Angelina Cox I can not take full credit for this board. But I did improve it from the original that was told to me by someone many years ago. The person that told is still alive but 88 yrs old, an artist, but she couldn’t remember who told her and that was many years ago as well. I would give credit to that person if we knew the name and if they were still alive.
Using spray glue is super easy. I used Krylon Super Quick Grip Spray Adhesive. Which I bought at Hobby Lobby. I sprayed it outside on the lawn which is why I didn’t record that part. But I sprayed it on the mat board and and the foam board then applied those two sides together and turned it over and did the same thing on the back. Then I applied the liquidtex mat medium to both sides. (I sprayed it outside so I wouldn’t get overspray in my studio).
Using this board makes my life sooo much easier as well. I have them in all sizes including big enough to hold a full sheet of watercolor paper.
Thank you again for your positive feedback! 🥰
Thanks for the great idea! Is the foam your using what they call gatorboard?
Your very welcome! The foam board has many names and there one called gator board. But if you have a Hobby Lobby near you, it would be called art foam board. It can also be bought at an office supply like Office Depot. Just make sure you get 1/2” as anything less than 1/2” will not work.
After you finished the painting, can you use same board again for another painting. Will the stapling on the used board be as secure.
Yes you will be able to use these boards for years to come. I am still using the first board I ever made. Have only replaced the tape on the edges.
@@LindaSmithLatimer Thanks. I'm going to make some.
Linda am I crazy (anything is possible) You said your foam core board you bought is 20x30.. you are going to make a 16x20 board. When cutting your foam core board you said you were cutting it down the middle. That would not come out to be 16x20 would it? what am I missing? I love this idea and want to get mine made asap...thanks
Hi Lara, because I was cutting a 16x20 board out of this 20x30 I had previously put my measurement out on the board so I was able just quickly cut the board down the middle leaving some extra on the edges. All I was working on on this was 16x20.. I wasn't concerned with the extra left over material. Now if I had wanted two pieces cut out of this 20x 30 I would have cut it differently to accommodate those measurements. Sorry I you were confused on that. I did end up making an even smaller board so I can even do greeting cards now.
thnx for the explanation!!!!
Awesome video! I do have a question. Is there a specific reason you're using the mat board? I noticed the foam you're using comes laminated with paper on each side already. Could you go ahead and apply the Matte Medium to this paper that's already attached to the foam and make it waterproof? Or are you using the mat board since it's more durable? Thanks!
Stephen Bailey Hi Stephen, I use the mat board because the paper on the foam board is porous and evening adding the mat medium to waterproof does not help. The paper just bubbles up. The mat board also gives stability and support when using staples to stretch the paper. By using this all together it provides More integrity to the board so you can use it for years. Hope this answers your questions. Thank you for watching! 😊
@@LindaSmithLatimer Awesome. You answered my question perfectly. Thank you so much.
Stephen Bailey Awesome Stephen!
What is the thickness of the mat board you use ? Thank you for sharing and… Best wishes 💫✨❤️🙏❤️✨💫
Hi, the mat board is just a regular mat board that you can buy from Michael’s Art & Craft, Hobby Lobby or a frame shop, they may be 1/8th inch thick. The foam board is 1/2”. The mat board does not need to be museum quality. Thank you for watching! 😉
@@LindaSmithLatimer Thank you 🥰 Is the mat board you use synthetic, somehow plastic stuff or can it be organic, wooden pulp made f.i.?… as for your precious experience… I’m from Italy and can’t find Michael’s mat board….I’ve to find some kind of alternative item… Thank you again for sharing
Hi Pat! The mat board is what you use when you frame a watercolor painting or a photo. They should be readily available at a framing shop. Or online. I hope this helps.
thanks for not blasting my ears with the hairdryer!
mikedimples Your very welcome! Thanks for watching!
How many ounces of liquitex matte medium was needed for the size board you made?
Do you find properties of homemade vs buying a gator foam board? Staple holes? Or lasts longer? Etc?
patti jesinoski Hi Pattie I don’t know the actual amount I used of the mat medium. Maybe and this is just a guess, a cup or so. I used some of it to glue the mat board to the gator board on both sides, then 2 or 3 coats of it on each side of the board. You don’t need a big bottle of it. I can’t remember the sizes it comes in, I’m so sorry. Maybe 16 oz is the smallest. You certainly won’t use all of it.
patti jesinoski Continuing to answer....it is easier to buy the foam board than to make it on your own because the inside (foam area) is not typical foam. It is just called foam. And it is very inexpensive to buy. It must be 1/2” anything thinner, the staples will not hold. Because I use the 1/2” board and the mat boards on either side, I never run into a problem with the average size staples. Some of my boards I have been using for nearly 10 yrs. I hope this answers your questions, if not don’t hesitate to ask more. 😀
Also...I use card board and cover with contact paper from Dollar Tree ...all around.
That’s great Mary, how do you attach your paper the cardboard? Thank you for watching!
@@LindaSmithLatimer I use blue tape all around water color paper. I use Arches.
Has worked so far.
I soaked my paper and taped down on large plastic cutting board when I first started with acrylic.
I am going do your method.
Where do you get mat board?
Hi there, LInda! I just made the board following your intstructions and I have a couple of questions. 1) After I removed the staples, the watercolor paper was stuck to the matting medium coating, but only at the places where the staples were. As a result, when I gently removed the paper, the coating under staples tore. Should I do another coating to cover them? Or is this to expect in the future? I used liquitex matting medium like you suggested and did two coats. 2) the mat under the wet paper buckled and now there's a small "hill" in the board. Is this normal? 3) the glue spray I used to glue the foam board and the mat didn't hold it too well. I still have three boards to make, any tips how to make sure they glue together well? Thank you so much!
On no I am so sorry you have experienced a a problem. First did you use a regular mat board over the foam board? Or did you forego the mat board and just use the Liquitex Mat Medium on the existing paper? If this what you did, that is the problem. The paper on the mat board will not be sufficient to hold up to the Liquitex. If you used poster board th same problem could happen. If you followed my directions and used everything I did, then I’m at a loss as to why this happened. On the spray adhesive did you spray the foam board and the mat? That will usually ensure they stick better. Or you can also use the Liquitex as the adhesive too. Did everything dry really good before you used the board for the watercolor paper? Please let me know so I can help you figure out the problem before you make anymore boards. Again I am so sorry you ran into problems.
@@LindaSmithLatimer thank you so much for your reply. I did do everything like you described, I even scrolled down and looked through the comments for product recommendations and other questions. So: foam board, mat boards from both sides, liquitex mat medium on the mat boards. I’m also at a loss why this happened. Does it matter what brand of mat board it is? I bought Canson Concerto. For the spray glue: great tip to use it on both the mat board and the foam board.
Hi Linda, I am so pleased to come across this video teaching us how to stretch w/c paper, but since I am in a place where I cannot buy every tool you mentioned in the video, I am just curious to know if you had tried using large cork board? Thanks
Izak Polman Oh thank you Izak. I'm sorry you can't find the foam core board. I have only used the foam board so I don't know how the cork board would hold up. I would think if you can find at least a 1/2" thick piece of the cork and still cover it with the same mat board and waterproof the mat board it could serve the same purpose. Let me know if you try it and how it works. Thanks for watching and for commenting! Best of luck!
Thanks for your reply.
Is this foam board gator board or is that what you are trying to achieve? A gator board lookalike? I have two gator boards here and Im not sure whether I need to do this as well :)
Cuddly Koala This is foam core board. Gator Board is much stronger than regular foam board, but is about the same weight. Gator Board has a very rigid poly surface which is resistant to moisture, unlike foam board which is foam covered with lightweight paper. Foam core is easier to buy for most people and cheaper. But with foam core you must adhere a mat board to it and seal the board with something that makes the mat board waterproof. If you have true gator board, then you don’t need to waterproof it. I hope this answers your question. Honestly I’ve never used gator board as it is can only be bought online where I live and I can buy foam core at the local craft store. And it’s cheap!! 🥰
hi Linda, thank so much for this, it's great :). I know it was ages ago, someone just posted a link into a group i belong too. One thing i am a bit unclear on. I think you say the board is 16x20". Is that the size when it's cut down or before? e.g. do you end up with 2 boards of 8 x10"? Or is the piece you started with a lot bigger than 16x20"? it would have to be 32x40" to end up with two bits 16x20? I am just a bit confused what size of foam board and mountboard to get
ah i just watched again and see you start with 20x30", but if you cut that in half it would make two pieces 10 x15 and you say 10x16". Maybe you cut a 10x16 and don't use the other bit?
Yvonne Ferguson Hi! I’m so glad you liked the video. I buy a large piece of the foam board and mat then I can make various sizes. Then 16”x20” size once made, can then be used for most sizes. You could use it for an 8”x10”, 9”x12”, 11”x15”, or even as small as 4”x6” if you wanted to. 16”x20” is my preferred size because it can be used for so many sizes. With any left over pieces from making this size, you can make another size. I don’t remember how much is left exactly but you’ll have enough left to make another board. I make bigger boards as well as I can paint large too. Hope this helps! Thanks for watching. 😀
@@LindaSmithLatimer thanks so much Linda. i am finding the whole issue of paper\card\foamboard and picture frame sizes the most confusing thing ever. I am in the UK as well. I can get A2 mountboard which is 16.5"x23.4", seems suitable. I, too, want to make sure what I paint will fit standard picture frames. It's taking a bit of work to work out what size watercolour paper, what size mount, what size frame. Driving me a little crazy hehe. Anyway thanks again for the great video :))
Yvonne Ferguson Yvonne I chose to make the 16”x20”, what ever pieces I had left over, I made another board. You can choose to make any size you want. And if you have leftover use them too!
Yvonne Ferguson Well that explains the confusion, as I get as confused as you trying to figure out your measurements!!! Best of luck Yvonne. It will be worth the confusion once it’s made and you are using it. I promise. 🥰
Thank you for this idea. I just went out and purchased the supplies to make one. I have been ill and do not have a lot of strenght so I am hoping that I will be able to pick up and move this board around a lot easier than the wooden boards I usually stretch my paper on. Is it very hard to staple into the Matt board? You made it look easy. :)
Sharon Allen Hi Sharon, I’m so happy you like this idea. I promise you, cross my heart you will love the lightweight factor of this “board” which is really just foam core covered with the mat board on either side. And the staples are really super easy to staple in and remove. One tip I have in removing the staples is to buy a cheap round-end palette knife used in oil painting. You slip the knife under the paper under each staple to gently lift the staple up slightly then use the staple remover to completely remove the staple. If you have any other questions, please feel to contact me. I’m so sorry you have been ill and hope you are recovering. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. Happy painting! 💐
Linda Smith Latimer Thank you for the extra advise. I am looking forward to using the new board. And thank you for your kind words. I just found your channel so I am looking forward to watching some more of your videos.
Sharon Allen You are so welcome. I hope you enjoy my videos. I’ll have a new one again very soon. It will not be a full tutorial but I will give info throughout the video. 😊
I think using a roller to paint the medium onto it. Less chance of missing a spot
Hi Linda yes that would work as well. Thanks for watching! Enjoy your board. Happy painting! 😃
Great tutorial....easy to follow and easy to understand.....YOU GONNA BE A STAUR BABY...!!!!
I'm way older than you so I can call you baby...lol...... or.............little girl.
Thank you Lori! Bet we are the same age or I'm older!!
Hi Linda, thank you for the demo. I have a random question... where did you purchase the gridded plastic mat laying on your desk that you are working on?
Terry Konsko Hi Terry! Thanks for watching Terry! The grid mat is a cutting mat and I got it from an art supply store. I just bought a big one that covers the entire top of my flat file and that one I bought online from Amazon at Cutting-Mats. Hope this helps.
Very good idea! I am using a wood board now and it is very heavy and hard to move around... I will be making one of these soon! Thank you Linda!!!
I'm so very glad this has helped you Gina! I love these boards!
Thank you dear!
jennifer Chamoun ThankYOU Jennifer, for watching and for commenting! 😀
Are you able to use gummed paper as well along with staples with this technique?
Sacred Rose You can use it, but why would you even want too? If you mean just tape around the edges, then go for it. It will give you a border effect but it will still need to be matted to cover up the holes from the staples. But it is an unnecessary step you do not need. If you’re talking about the paper tape you wet and lay down to hold you’re paper flat, don’t even worry about doing that, the staples replace the need for tape of any kind. I hope I’ve answered your question completely. Thank you so much for watching! 😊
I like the tape because it gives a smoother stretch. I like staples and tape together. I just cut off the tape areas. I buy a 12x16 size and tape it so the finished size is 11x14 so I don't have to custom frame it. This board is just a lighter option to plywood.
Sacred Rose if that is your preference, then by all means use it. I just hated losing that much paper. Plus the mess of that paper tape drove me insane. I tossed that years ago! I still do custom sizes so I do not need special order frames and mats. My standard size painting I do is 11”x14”. Because I only need to staple the very edges of the paper, I still can buy a standard pre-cut mat. This way I don’t lose any paper.
I would really rather not stretch at all, but the watercolour paper industry does not make sizes according to standard frame sizes and it costs a lot to buy 300lb weight paper which requires no stretching. I would like to use the Keba Artmate stretcher, but it is really expensive and I would have to save for it. That is the stretching option that I really want.
Sacred Rose I just cut my paper to fit standard size frames. I have done this for years. If you fold your paper in half, tear it, then fold that half in half, tear it you end up with an 11” x15” and you can get 4 of those from one sheet of paper. That’s the size I usually use for my portraits I paint. Then I can use a standard mat and frame. It works great for me. I tried the 300 # and it just doesn’t work for me. I just don’t like the feel of it. Silly I know, but the 140# really feels so much better. And stretching, I’ve done it for so many years I just whip it out in a few short minutes.
Any other options than the liquitex for waterproofing?
dee simmons Hi Dee! Great question. Although I only use the Liqutex product I’m sure you could also use Golden Acrylic Gel Medium or DecoArt Dura Clear Satin Varnish for waterproofing. I can’t guarantee them because I have not tried them. If you do try one of these products, please let me know how you like it. My main concern is the durability of the waterproofing and if you can easily use staples for stretching your paper on it and removing the staples afterward without damage to the integrity of the board. With the Liquitex product I can guarantee it works and the durability is wonderful. I been using these boards now for about 11 yrs and they are still holding up tho I have replaced some tape on a couple of them. Good luck! And thank for watching!😊
I have a wooden chopping board that i never used, could I use that?
I suppose you could but you probably couldn't use staples on that because it such a hard board. You would have to seal the wood so it would not be absorbent and be waterproof and then you would need to use a waterproof tape that would need to stick to the wood and still not tear your paper. It would be easier to make a few of my boards and they last for years. Thank you for watching and for commenting!
Couldn't you also use clear or white contact paper instead of the matte medium?
Hi Naomi, Yes you could. However because I am constantly stapling the paper to the board, I don’t know how long, over time, the contact paper would hold hold up. I know the mat medium holds up for years and does not allow paint to deep into the foam board or tear. Thank you for watching and asking a great question.
@@LindaSmithLatimer Thank you for the information. You are the only RUclips creator that has ever replied to me. Much appreciated.
I’m so glad I relied even tho a bit later than I would have liked.
What type and size are you using to spread on liquitex mat medium? .
patti jesinoski Patti do mean brush to spread the Liquitex? If so, it is just an old brush I had. You can use a cheap foam brush if you want. Anything that spreads the product will work. Hope that helps!
Linda Smith Latimer . Yes. I meant brush. Thanks. I'm a newbie at watercolor.
Save a lot of work and get Gator board or Gator foam board. Foam in middle between wood veneer top and bottom.
Marta Escobar Thank you Marta! Yes that can work too however not as easy to use staples with and it wasn’t easy to find in my area when I first started painting so this works beautifully. Thank you for watching! Happy painting😊
Beginner here, so I ask this question not to be snarky: Is the addition of the matboard to the foam core really necessary? It seems like overkill.
Hi Beverly, I just find the boards hold up better as I use them for years. Applying Liquitex to the foam board doesn't work as well and the material on the foam board itself tends to bubble. I've experimented many different ways and the method in the video works the best. Thank you for watching and commenting!
Thank you for replying. Now I understand why you take all of these steps.
+Bev Roberts you are more than welcome!
Are these boards for one time use or can they be used again?
Hi Fiona, so sorry it took me so long to reply. I have been out of town and only on my phone so could not answer. They boards, if made like I show, may be used for years. You may occasionally need to repair the tape as certain brands do tend to ripple if you use heat to dry your paintings. I just press it down again and go on using the boards. Some I have used for about 7 yrs. Hope this help answer your question. Thank you for watching and for commenting.
FYI...Dollar Tree has foam boards for $1.25 ea.
What is the brown tape you use? thank you Juliana
+Juliana Leo I don't use a brown tape. The only tape I use is duct tape on the watercolor boards...any color. It holds up to repeated stapling and heat from my hair dryer when drying my paper. Hope this helped!
Your matte medium cab be applied with a credit card or spatula as well.
Is the foam core board the same as gator board?
Hi Leslie, yes they are the same. I buy mine at Hobby Lobby and I use my 40% off coupon. At HL, it is called Foam Core Board. Be sure and buy the 1/2" thick as anything thinner will not hold the staples. Thank you so much for watching and commenting!
I have some gator board and the surface seems like really thin melamine. When I put staples in, it cracks. :-( Is the surface supposed to be more like cardboard? The kind of foam core board I have bought in the past seems more papery.
Leslie, you can not use just the foam core (gator board) without the mat board (also can be bought at Hobby Lobbly's) over it. The staples will not hold otherwise and it will not last. You need to use both the foam board AND the mat board to make this work. I use the Liquitex because it acts like a glue to adhere the mat board to the foam core board, then put 2 coats of the Liquitex on the mat board. By doing this is, it water seals the mat board. Once you have done this THEN you can use the staples on the board and it will last for years.
Thanks for the detailed instructions. I am looking forward to making these!
Your welcome Leslie!
Anyone know if I can i use gesso instead of matte medium? Thanks!
Mel Bendigo Hi Mel, I have had numerous people try using Gesso and it fails every time. It does not have the waterproof element that is required in making this board. So I highly recommend following this video that I have put together. As I mentioned in the video, these boards last almost forever if you follow my method. Thank you for watching!
Why would you not use a 2 inch 9r larger brush to spread the matte medium to save a lot of time and save the abuse on your artist brushes?
Hi Sherry, I spread the mat medium using a cheap foam brush that are throw away. Certainly I don’t use my artist brushes. I can use these foam brushes numerous times washing them out each time until they are no longer useful. This was the size I had on hand. You may certainly use a bigger brush if you so desire.
You did not show how to draw the guidelines on the finished board. Can you show that please?
Just measure out the lines you need to keep the paper square on your board. It really isn’t necessary to have all those lines. Think I got a little carried away with them. Thank you for watching!
Love your video ! But I think using a bigger brush would help ? Maybe ? :) (wink, wink)
Vera Kauffman Thanks Vera, glad you liked the video. You’re probably right on the bigger brush, but when you have a whole big package of that size brush that are disposal, you go with what you have. Lol, but yes bigger is always better! ☺️
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where can I get the matte board? I love the way you explain things...I have one art store here and they are tooooooooooo expensive...and I don't drive and the only other place is 'Michaels' and I need to drive there...my caregiver could take me..but I hate asking her to take me all over the place...so what would I ask for if I ordered some online?
Lori, It would be so much more expensive to order online because you will have shipping costs. Your Michael's store will be the very cheapest. You want an inexpensive board. Your art store probably has a cheap one and if you get a full size sheet, you can just make more boards. If you order online, if you ask for a "Mat Board" they will know what it is.