Hello,
I have a slight problem. I am illuminating a scroll on heavy weight pergamenata. Part of the project involves watercolor washes using gouache. After having done all the thicker painting, I started to work on the washes. Unfortunately, this has caused some pretty severe wrinkles. Is there a way to press or steam the piece to flatten it, or am I doomed to begin over? Thank you for any help offered.
Steve

Steve
Pergamemata parchment is a paper with a very hard surface characteristic. One of the reasons why is it a choice for artists who want that "parchment diploma" snap, look & feel. Having said that it was not specially designed for watercolor, gouache or wash. It is not a very porous paper and as a result any surface applications that involves heavy lay downs of color will not penetrate sufficiently without causing the paper to buckle and not totally dry flat. This is natural for this type of paper. Hate to have you start your project over but if you do decide to you may want to cut back on the thickness of your gouache and wash applications. Always smart to test any paper out before you get too involved in the piece. Good luck. Hope this information helps.
Michael

I like Pergamenata very much for calligraphy classes because it is so very close to vellum. However, I have the same difficulties when it comes to doing illuminated letters in gouache on this paper and when applying a gold leaf sizing such as Instacol. Could one pre-treat the paper with something like gelatin to keep it from absorbing the moisture?

Not familiar with the product Instacol. My advice is to test the paper with any new sizing application. I don't know that applying gelatin will retard moisture absorption. Please understand that the paper is a very hard sheet to give it the parchment like snap. Again the best advice is to try whatever coating or sizing applications before you begin an final art piece. Hope this helps.
Michael