I am a watercolor artist who usually uses Arches W/C. I tried using the Stonehenge Aqua CP 300# and although I like the performance overall, I find that when masking, the top layer of the sheet pulls off with the tape. I have also had some issues with lifting where the pigment does not pull out of the sheet as well as Arches. Why am I experiencing this?

Ross,

As you mentioned, Stonehenge Aqua CP is a high performing watercolor paper and we thank you for trying it out. When comparing paper brands we must consider that the performance of each paper is subjective and depends on the preferences and style of the specific artist. All watercolor papers will perform differently using varied applications and techniques. Also it should be noted that depending on the brand of watercolors used, certain colors will stain more than others and as a result would be difficult lifting regardless of the brand of paper used.

To get technical, what you are experiencing with both the masking and lifting can be explained by the internal and external sizing of each sheet. During the paper making process, Arches W/C is internally sized and is then double surface sized on and off the paper machine using animal gelatin. Stonehenge Aqua is both internally and externally sized for watercolor, but is only sized on the machine during manufacturing and uses synthetic sizing throughout the entire process. That is why the Arches watercolor paper feels harder and less supple to the touch.

I wish I had read this post earlier. I also am finding the masking tape peels off the paper on both hot and cold pressed papers. Very disappointing. I like to keep the edges white. Is there anything I can try to avoid this?

Hi Barbara,

Can you please drop us an email to info [at] legionpaper.com with your contact details? We'd like to learn a bit more about your process and also share some tips and information with you.

Thank you,
Legion Paper

Hello there. I too have had trouble taping borders when painting on Stonehenge Aqua watercolor paper, but I love the paper itself. It's been exasperating. I found this page while looking for a solution. However, now that I see Legion is using synthetic sizing ~ only synthetic sizing ~ in the paper, I'm delighted. Thank you, Legion, for leaving the animals alone! Stay well, Everyone. May you thrive.

When removing the tape - any masking tape (preferably one with a low tack) - use a hair blower with a low heat setting pointed to the area that is taped, this will help soften the adhesion and when removing the tape do it on a bias pulling to the side not straight up - and not quickly like you might remove a band-aid.
This really helps with all masking tapes.

This is not a problem that is improved any and I've tried with multiple different tapes and even with the trick of putting the tape on my clothes first to reduce tackiness. Paper tears every single time.

We have had great experience using Holbein's Soft Tape. It doesn't cause any damage to the paper's surface.

Thanks all of the above for the solutions. I do like the paper, Stonehenge Aqua Coldpress and will try a hair dryer, then the Holbeins soft tape. Blessings. Jim

Hi all, I have also seen the tape lifting issue with the Stonehenge Hot Press Watercolor paper. That never happens with regular Stonehenge. BTW have seen the issue with one other non-Legion watercolor paper, too.

Out of curiosity, what is the difference in the composition of the regular Stonehenge compared to the Stonehenge Watercolor ie sizing, fiber content, layers, etc? The thinness of the upper layer in Stonehenge Watercolor was unexpected.

thanks

The main difference between Stonehenge and Stonehenge Aqua is the sizing.

Here's a video that the artist David Becker produced about using Holbein's SoftTape:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKPACcT41OU

Which has more size, the regular or the watercolor Stonehenge?

Also, is the paper composition the same? The watercolor version seems to have a thin outer paper layer on top, but the regular doesn't.

When I remove tape on the watercolor version, it can remove the thin outer layer or leave a "bubble" of the thin outer layer still attached to the surface of the paper.

When I remove tape on the regular, there's occasionally a few fibers removed in some spots, but never a layer removed or bubble effect.

thanks

Stonehenge Aqua has significantly more internal and external sizing than Stonehenge. This additional sizing allows one to work the liquid on the surface of the paper so it doesn't absorb into the sheet as quickly. The composition of both Stonehenge and Stonehenge Aqua is 100% cotton. However, the Stonehenge Aqua is a soft watercolor paper. Due to this softness we suggest to use the Holbein SoftTape instead of masking tape.