In the initial stage of learning, use cartridge drawing paper for economy, supported by the fact that there will be inevitable spoilage. Although it has little or no surface texture, getting the feel of brushwork will help offset and overcome any first-off awkwardness. Drawing paper is only suitable for single or several joined brushstrokes and the blocking or filling in of small separate areas and not suitable for an all over coverage. A level painting surface must be maintained. To prevent watercolour paper buckling as the liquid paint is applied, that is a tendency for it to curl and lay uneven, apply 1" wide sticky masking tape on the four sides of the sheet, half on the cartridge paper and the other on the board. Overlap the tapes slightly at each end of the four sides and cut them off the 35metre roll with a sharp knife as they are laid.

WATERCOLOUR PAPER. Before painting commences, a medium thickness paper such as Bockingford 140 lbs. on many occasions needs to have its textured surface dampened with clear water, quickly followed by the painting of one or more undefined areas, a sky for example, before the paper has time to dry. Part saturation to various degrees will cause the paper to cockle, allowing unwanted runny paint to drift and puddle into rippled wave-troughs, in which case, eventually the paper would dry patchy, uneven and ruinous. To prevent such an unwanted happening, proceed as follows: Cut and have ready four lengths of gumstrip paper tape, slightly longer than the watercolour paper in use.

Remove a single sheet of Bockingford paper from a loose leaf book, taking care not to handle or thumbprint the paper surface.

Immerse the paper in a large bowl or bath of clean water. Allow it to float, saturate and become limp, taking about five minutes.

Take hold of the paper with each thumb and forefinger at the two far corners and lift it clear of the bowl or bath, suspend the paper and allow the water to drain away.

Slowly rock the paper up and down and from side to side, draining off most of the surplus water from the lower two corners . Lay the saturated paper centrally on a laid flat drawing board. Overspread a dry, clean tea or hand towel to cover the paper and the board. Stroke both hands from the centre of the board and by pressing the palms outward most of the remaining water will be absorbed by the towel before it is removed. The slightly expanded paper will cling tightly to the board whilst it remains very damp.