I use two main types of paper. The first is probably the most popular among watercolorists. My paper of choice is Arches 140 lb. 100% rag paper. I usually use cold-pressed (paper with a medium texture) however occasionally I'll use hot-pressed (smooth) and rough (more texture). I keep all three types in stock. I buy full sheets which are 22" X 30", and also have a 44.3" X 10 yd. roll for larger work. I prefer 140 lb. over a heavier weight paper as I usually saturate both front and back sides before I start to paint. This allows me more time to paint wet-in-wet, letting my pigments diffuse and mingle softly. I do not usually attach my paper to the board in any way, unless I'm painting vertically or outside. In that case, I use four metal clamps from an office supply store to attach all sides to the board (which is only slightly larger than my sheet) as it starts to dry. As my paper dries on my water repellent surface (tile board), the paper may start to buckle and back runs may start to appear at the edges. When this happens, I know it is time to transfer my sheet to a piece of flat corrugated cardboard. The cardboard draws the moisture out evenly, stopping the back runs and encouraging the paper to dry flat. If there are any buckles left in the paper when dry, an iron on cool setting (3 or 4) does the trick. For this procedure, I put the painting face down on a layer of paper towels and spray the back with a spray bottle until it's evenly damp. I use my hand to even the water out, then put a piece of paper on top of the painting and iron on the paper. I use craft paper, but you may want to use paper towels or an acid-free paper.

In addition to a cotton rag, the other type of paper I like to use for my watercolors is Yupo paper. It is a synthetic plastic paper which I buy through various mail order art supply catalogs. I started using Yupo over two years ago and find it a very forgiving alternative to traditional papers. If non-staining pigments are used, the whole painting or parts of one can be wiped back to white paper at any time. It really produces some interesting effects with transparent watercolor and can even look like a totally different medium. I use a spray fixative when I am sure I am done with a piece to seal it. Yupo also comes in various weights. I use the medium and light weight Yupo paper. I think the sheets actually all weigh the same, so the medium is 20"x 26" and the light weight is 23"x 35". I recommend trying it if you'd like to loosen up and have some fun!

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