Stretching watercolour paper 🤔

[PogArt-Ttoo]

I've started experimenting with stretching.
It went so so for the first attempt, but I've noticed, that the paper's surface became very soft, rubbing easily off, so every time I wanted use any of blending techniques - I was rubbing very gently to spread out the graphite over.
Today I tried to touch the wet yet paper, and I did pill off the surface too easy - making a unpleasant scar on it...
That scar may be likely visible after I place the graphite over it, so at this point I knew, that the page is unusable for me, so I started running over it with my finger to see how soft it is - it's very soft!
Obviously it was still wet, but Jono Dry artist is watering his paper heavily, so I thought it's alright.
Further more he's rubbing his paper by the sponge, all over the page...
If you know I mean ...
My way of gently treating my paper was nothing in comparison!
Furthermore - I'm using very same paper!
Arches Aquarelle Watercolour Hot Pressed 300gsm.
I have no clue why I'm having this softness issue.
What if I'd start heavily rubbing my paper by the sponge?
I'd ruin it immediately for sure.
I'm done for now, regarding stretching

[KevinBryden]

I don't stretch watercolour paper at all and only use 140lb. I have read that Arches have had sizing issues. Although I have used without issue, although it is not my main paper.

If I'm working really wet, I just wet the back of the paper which gives you more time to work and the paper remains flat, especially with Saunders Waterford.

[Mike Sibley]

I don't stretch watercolour paper at all and only use 140lb. I have read that Arches have had sizing issues. Although I have used without issue, although it is not my main paper.

First, I don't use "normal" art papers. And second, I've never stretched any paper. So, I'm really not qualified to answer the questions.

However, I'm really questioning WHY you would want to use watercolour paper to draw on. And what are you thinking of drawing that the paper's texture might benefit?

Ultimately, I'd choose the smoothest possible paper with a decent amount of weight for stability. That way, any effects you see in my drawings will be effects I've created, and are not a result of the paper interfering with the drawing.

And WELCOME TO DWM, Kevin!

[PogArt-Ttoo]

That’s old experiment I’ve been up to …
Testing things, whether they work for me or not.
Eventually I didn’t like the effort involved to soak the whole paper, then dry it off …
Couldn’t see benefits, but issues instead.

As usually good point Mike
Thank you Kev for stepping by

[KevinBryden]

I don't stretch watercolour paper at all and only use 140lb. I have read that Arches have had sizing issues. Although I have used without issue, although it is not my main paper.

First, I don't use "normal" art papers. And second, I've never stretched any paper. So, I'm really not qualified to answer the questions.

However, I'm really questioning WHY you would want to use watercolour paper to draw on. And what are you thinking of drawing that the paper's texture might benefit?

Ultimately, I'd choose the smoothest possible paper with a decent amount of weight for stability. That way, any effects you see in my drawings will be effects I've created, and are not a result of the paper interfering with the drawing.

And WELCOME TO DWM, Kevin!

Thanks Mike. I don't draw on it, I'm a watercolorist.

[LindasPencils]

However, I'm really questioning WHY you would want to use watercolour paper to draw on. And what are you thinking of drawing that the paper's texture might benefit?

Um... because I like it? Devils advocate here Mike...
I use, from choice, Lana Lanaquarelle 300gsm hot press paper. It is very smooth and doesn't have as much surface sizing as Arches. I used to use Fabriano but their lastest run of papers seem to have a grid-like texture (ask Picasso here!) and is a softer feel than the Lana with more surface sizing. The Lana is about 20% more expensive than either Arche or Fab, but worth it imo.
I like the creamy, smooth finish. I like how it is robust enough to take a lot of punishment with a pencil, and smooth enough for sharp lines. I like how it also accepts water wash effects or staining - which I use often - and not warp too much so don't need to stretch. I like the pencil bounce I get with the paper. This paper suits my style of drawing.
A watercolor paper is just another paper - it has certain properties that make it suitable for wet techniques but there is no law saying you cannot use it for drawing in pencil, ink, pastel, oils or whatever. But you do need to test whichever paper you choose to work with to see how it fits your technique and style.
...also... a lot of the so-called 'drawing' papers (you know, the pads that say 'for drawing')can be quite rough and textured with a harsh feel. If you like the grainy result welll and good, but if you are looking for a smoother result go for a hot press paper or Bristol smooth or Mike's conquorer. Try them out and see how they compare and which is the best fit for you.