how to flatten watercolor paintings

3 min read 06-02-2025

Watercolor paintings, with their delicate washes and vibrant hues, are a joy to create. However, after painting, they often arrive slightly warped or buckled, especially if you've used thick watercolor paper or worked on a larger piece. Flattening your watercolor paintings is crucial for preservation and proper display. This comprehensive guide will walk you through several methods, from simple at-home techniques to professional-level approaches.

Understanding Why Watercolor Paintings Curl

Before diving into flattening techniques, let's understand why watercolors curl. The culprit is often the paper itself. Watercolor paper is absorbent; when wet, it expands. As it dries, this expansion causes it to contract unevenly, leading to curling. Heavier weight watercolor paper is less prone to this, but it can still happen.

Methods for Flattening Watercolor Paintings

Here are several methods to help you flatten your watercolor masterpieces:

1. The Book Press Method: A Simple, Effective Solution

This is a great starting point for mildly curled paintings.

What you'll need: Heavy books (at least 10-15 pounds total weight), a clean, flat surface, and some blotting paper or acid-free tissue paper (optional).
How to do it: Place your painting face down on a flat, clean surface. If using, place blotting paper or tissue paper on top to avoid any transfer of ink from the painting to your books. Then, carefully place the books on top of the painting, distributing their weight evenly. Leave it under pressure for at least 24 hours, or even longer for more stubborn curls. Check periodically to ensure the books remain stable.

2. The Ironing Method: A Quick Fix (Use With Caution!)

This method is faster but requires extra care to avoid damaging your artwork.

What you'll need: A clean, dry iron, a clean, dry pressing cloth (cotton is ideal), and a flat, heat-resistant surface.
How to do it: Set your iron to the lowest setting – no steam. Place your watercolor painting face down on your heat-resistant surface, covered with the pressing cloth. Gently iron the back of the painting, moving the iron slowly and consistently. Avoid lingering in one spot to prevent burning. This method is best for minor curling. It's crucial to test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure no damage occurs.

3. The Weighted Flattening Method: For Stubborn Curls

For paintings with more severe curling, a weighted flattening technique may be necessary.

What you'll need: A flat, stable surface (like a glass-topped table), a heavy, flat object (e.g., a large, heavy book, a piece of glass or acrylic sheet), and weights (e.g., bricks, sandbags). The weight needs to be substantial enough to flatten the painting without damaging it.
How to do it: Place the watercolor painting face down on the flat surface. Place the heavy, flat object on top of the painting, and then add weight evenly distributed across the surface of the artwork. Let it sit for several days or even a week, depending on the severity of the curl. Check periodically to redistribute the weight if necessary.

4. Professional Flattening: When All Else Fails

If the above methods are unsuccessful, or if you have a particularly valuable or delicate artwork, consider seeking professional help. Art conservators have specialized equipment and expertise to flatten paintings without causing damage.

Preventing Curling in the First Place

Proactive measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of your watercolor paintings curling:

Use high-quality watercolor paper: Heavier weight paper (300gsm or higher) is less prone to curling.
Stretch your paper: Stretching your paper before painting helps to prevent curling. This involves wetting the paper, taping it to a board, and allowing it to dry completely. There are many tutorials available online demonstrating this technique.
Allow your paintings to dry slowly and evenly: Avoid placing your paintings in direct sunlight or near a heat source, which can cause uneven drying and curling.

Conclusion

Flattening a watercolor painting might seem daunting, but by choosing the appropriate method based on the severity of the curl and taking the necessary precautions, you can successfully flatten your artwork and preserve it for years to come. Remember to always prioritize the safety of your artwork and choose the method that best suits its condition and your experience level. Happy painting!