How to Cut Watercolor Blocks

Watercolor blocks prevent unwanted warping

Watercolor blocks are individual sheets of watercolor paper stacked and bound together at the edges. Because watercolor paint creates deformities as it dries on loose sheets of watercolor paper, artists use watercolor blocks to avoid such problems. The extra thickness provides a more taut painting surface than loose, individual watercolor sheets. The block prevents warping and eliminates the need for pre-wetting and stretching watercolor paper. Watercolor blocks are multiple-use surfaces. Artists peel away completed compositions to reveal fresh canvases.

Things You'll Need

• Watercolor paper
• X-Acto knife or box cutters
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Padding compound
• Sponge brush
• Paperweight

Instructions

1. Determine the size of the watercolor block you want to create.

2. Measure each sheet of watercolor paper. Use the X-Acto knife or box cutter to cut each sheet to the exact dimensions.

3. Stack the sheets of watercolor paper. Make sure you align the edges.

4. Place the aligned stack of paper on a flat surface and weigh the edges down with paperweights.

5. Apply padding compound to the edges of the stacked paper. Leave a small dry area on one edge where individual sheets of paper can be lifted and removed. Allow to dry and apply a second coat.

6. Remove the paperweights.

References

• Paper and Threads: Recycling An Old Book As a Watercolor Block
• Journeys In Art: Make Your Own Watercolor Block