Ways to Reuse Your Watercolor Paper

As watercolorists, we immerse ourselves in the world of color, brush strokes, and imagination. However, this enchanting process often involves a significant amount of watercolor paper, which, if not managed properly, can contribute to environmental waste. In this post, we delve into the art of sustainability by exploring the benefits of recycling this kind of paper and providing you with step-by-step instructions on how to do it effectively. We’ll show you how to recycle your used paper and ways that you can reuse paper when a piece didn’t turn out the way you planned.

Why You Should Recycle Your Used Watercolor Paper

In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, artists have an opportunity to contribute to positive change through their endeavors. By recycling your paper, you not only reduce waste but also inspire others to follow suit. Here are some key benefits of recycling paper:

• Environmental Impact: The paper production process involves cutting down trees (for alpha-cellulose papers) or farming cotton (for cotton papers, which can also use lots of pesticides) and other energy-intensive processes. Recycling your paper conserves precious resources, reduces energy consumption, and minimizes greenhouse gas emissions, making it a more environmentally responsible choice.
• Cost-Effective: High-quality watercolor paper can be expensive, especially for artists who paint frequently. Recycling paper helps you save money by extending the life of your materials and reducing the need to purchase new sheets.
• Promotes Creativity: Recycling paper encourages artists to explore new techniques and experiment with different styles without the fear of wasting materials. This fosters creative growth and innovation in your artwork.
• Ethical Stance: Demonstrating your commitment to sustainability sends a powerful message that art can be both beautiful and conscientious. By incorporating recycled materials into your work, you become an advocate for positive change.

Step-by-Step Guide to Recycling Used Paper

Now that you understand the importance of recycling watercolor paper, let's explore how you can do it effectively. Just follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

• Used paper: Collect your used or practice paper sheets. These can include unfinished paintings, color tests, or doodles.
• Water and container: Prepare a container to soak your paper. A large plastic or glass container will work well.
• Sponge or soft brush: You'll need a sponge or a soft brush to aid in removing the watercolor pigment from the paper.
• Towels or blotting paper: Keep some towels or blotting paper nearby to help absorb excess water.

Step 2: Prepare the Paper

• Separate Sheets: Carefully separate any taped or glued sections of your used paper to ensure even soaking and pigment removal.
• Soak the Paper: Submerge the sheets in water, allowing them to soak for about 10 to 20 minutes. This will help loosen the watercolor pigments from the paper fibers. The paper must be higher quality cotton paper to survive soaking and scrubbing well.
  
  

Step 3: Remove Pigment

• Gently Scrub: After soaking, gently scrub the paper's surface with a soft brush or sponge to lift off the watercolor pigments. Be patient and avoid using excessive force to prevent damaging the paper fibers. Our Paint-Erase Sponges are perfect for this.
  
  
  
  
• Repeat if Necessary: Depending on the intensity of the pigments, you may need to repeat the soaking and scrubbing process to achieve the desired level of pigment removal. You won't be able to get the painting back to white paper, especially if staining pigments were used, but you can lighten it enough to paint over for studies. You might even be inspired by the faint background that remains. It can work as a perfect base for a colored pencil or pastel drawing.

Step 4: Dry the Paper

• Blot Excess Water: Once you're satisfied with the removal of pigments, use towels or blotting paper to gently press out excess water from the paper.
• Air Dry: Lay the damp paper on a clean, flat surface and allow it to air dry completely. Avoid direct sunlight or high heat, as these can warp or damage the paper.

Step 5: Store for Future Use

• Once your recycled watercolor paper is fully dry, store it in a safe and dry place. You can use it for sketches, practice sessions, or even new artwork. The texture and character of the paper will definitely change after recycling, but this can add a unique charm to your creations. Just be aware you won't be creating a like-new sheet of paper.

Other Ways to Reuse Your Paper

Recycling your paper isn’t the only way you can commit to sustainability. Here are a few other suggestions for how to reuse your paper:

• Resurface with Gesso: Check out our selection of acrylic canvas priming gessos today to achieve this. You do need to be aware that the gessoed surface will not absorb like watercolor paper. Watercolor on gessoed paper typically shows harder edges and more pronounced mark-making, which can be interesting. The paint remains on the surface and can be easily removed if you make a mistake. You may need to seal the painting once it is dried to keep it from disturbing the paint unless you are displaying the painting under glass. This technique is great for acrylic and oil studies as well as graphite sketches.
  
  
  
  
• Find Mini Paintings: If your painting is mostly successful but you have a few mistakes here or there, you may be able to find mini paintings within the original. Using a smaller format size mat such as a 5″ x 7″ or 4″ x 6″ can help to locate these minis by placing the mat in different directions on top of the painting. Our Gem Finders are a great tool for this. These can be adhered to card stock and be given as original greeting cards that are sure to be cherished for years to come.
  
  
  
  
• Create a New Piece: The unexpected results of a painting can be somewhat disappointing if you are unable to think beyond the mistakes. What if you evolved the painting with collage materials to create a whole new work of art? Papers, fibers, and other 3D items are a great way to enhance the work you have already put into your painting. Or, cut up the painting itself and use the pieces for a collage.
  
  
• Weave a Basket: Weaving a basket out of a botched painting is a great way to recycle paper. 300 lb. paper is more sturdy, but 140 lb. will work as well. Just cut the paper into 1″ strips and follow a basket pattern for an extraordinary basket that will last for years!
• Use as a Cutting Mat: You can also use 300 lb. paper as a cutting mat or 140 lb. for creating stencils – just cut them into the desired shape!
• Miscellaneous Uses: Some other uses include using the back to paint a new picture or maybe even a color study of your palette and also as a practice sheet for testing your colors as you paint. Also, try using scraps of paper as gift tags for your holiday gifts.

Embracing the Art of Sustainability

Incorporating sustainability into your artistic practice not only benefits the environment but also elevates your role as an artist. By reusing or recycling your watercolor paper, you demonstrate a commitment to responsible creativity and encourage others to follow suit. Let your creative spirit flourish while leaving a smaller ecological footprint – because every brushstroke can make a difference. And don’t forget to shop Cheap Joe’s for all your watercolor needs – we have a wide variety of watercolor paints, brushes, and papers to choose from!