Stretching watercolor paper can be a challenge. Many artists stay away from having to stretch paper, period. However, I lean towards using the less heavier papers (ie. 140 lb variety). These usually require stretching the paper or using watercolor blocks. The larger blocks I find tend to separate in the corners.
Through trial and error I have adopted using the Kebaartmate. I first purchased a full sheet paper stretcher which is reliable and great but awkward to maneuver. Recently, as the beneficiary of a gift card I earned ,I bought a half sheet paper stretcher. Both paper stretchers come from a company based in Sweden. This paper stretcher was on backorder for a long time.
However, since this product arrived earlier this week I am enjoying this paper stretcher immensely. It reliably stretches the paper as tight as a drum. Of course, it takes some practice and judgement to master the process.
One of the benefits of using a paper stretcher is that you can stretch all kinds of different papers with a variety of surfaces, too(rough, cold press, soft press, hot press etc.). Also, I hope this paper stretcher will encourage me to paint on a larger scale more frequently, outside. Plus, I think with practice this experience will push me to paint full sheet watercolors more intuitively.
In addition, some of the thicker papers are very pricey which I feel guilty to use. I often feel like I don't want to waste a fancy sheet of paper and this approach in the past has prevented me from using those sheets.
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