Oil paints on rough water colour paper

[jeanette1976]

Is it possible to paint on water colour paper with oil paints? If so, would I still need to stretch the paper first?

I thought I had better ask first as its too expensive to experiment on!

Many thanks. X

[igenioramus]

To avoid long-term deterioration, the paper should first be glued to a rigid support and primed with artists acrylic gesso.

If you're less concerned about permanence, anything goes! No need to stretch it if it's quite stiff watercolour paper.

I've enjoyed doing quick studies on unprimed watercolour paper using dilute washes of oils, with thicker brushwork on top.

(I'd recommend thinning the paint with 'Zest-it' to avoid the proven harmful effects of inhaling traditional solvents.)