Flatten Works on Paper
Online Course
How to successfully get the buckling and warping out of your finished works on paper so they're completely flat and ready for framing.
Flatten Works on Paper
Your work isn’t being judged by your talent.
It’s being judged by your finish.
You wonder if they see it the second someone looks at the piece. The subtle buckles. The dreaded wave under the mat. The warp in the paper that looks worse in the light and makes the entire piece feel unfinished. People don't say anything. They just don't buy it or come back.
Imagine your finished work lying perfectly flat. No warping, no buckling, no waves. The kind of finish you hope for that makes your piece feel complete and you feel proud to display.
“Flatten Works on Paper” is where you stop hoping and start controlling the surface.
This detail matters, and is why galleries, collectors, and art buyers reject work that’s noticeably buckled, warped, or wavy. The artists who control their paper move faster. The ones who don’t keep wondering why things feel stuck. This course is where you learn how to control the surface intentionally, not occasionally, every time.
Who This Is For
This course is for artists who:
- Make and sell, or intend to sell, works on paper
- Struggle with buckling and getting their finished works on paper to lie flat
- Want a reliable method to flatten paper
- Work on heavyweight, uncoated fine art paper with a minimum weight of 300 gsm (140 lb)
- Use watercolor, ink, acrylic, gouache, spray paint, charcoal, pastel, graphite, or mixed media on paper
- Are willing to invest time and effort
What Changes
After this process:
- Your paper lies flat consistently.
- Your framing becomes better.
- Your mounting becomes easier.
- Your work feels resolved.
- You look at your work with more confidence.
- You stop guessing and hoping.
- You control the paper.
What’s Included
- My complete flattening process, the exact method I use in my studio
- A technique you can rely on every time
- A technique that works on paper of any size
- A technique you can use to flatten the painting at the end or stretch the paper in the beginning
- A process that doesn't use tape
- Step-by-step video modules you can follow at your own pace
- Troubleshooting guidance for common issues
- PDF download of supply list and troubleshooting tips
- Immediate, unlimited access to the course
This technique is not meant for finished collaged works or thin paper like sketchbook paper.
This is the same flattening process I use for collectors, commissions, interior designers, and large-scale professional projects, including placements with The Ritz-Carlton Evrima Yacht, JW Marriott Essex House NYC, 7 For All Mankind flagship store, and Regent Seven Seas Grandeur Cruise Ship.
What Other Artists Are Saying
★★★★★
I’ve flattened three paintings already, no issues, and it worked like a charm. It’s been SO NICE to not figure this out on my own because I have no patience. I literally followed everything Kim said to a T and it’s all worked great. Blessed to have access to Kim and her courses!
— Adrianne Hawthorne Thomas of Ponnopozz
★★★★★
One of the most helpful takeaways was Kim emphasizing that the process doesn’t have to be perfect on the first attempt. Knowing you can repeat the same steps if the artwork isn’t completely flat removes a lot of pressure. It was also reassuring to see her confidently flatten the paper without damaging the front surface. Watching that in real time built a lot of trust in the method.
— Sofia Diaz
★★★★★
Kim's Flatten Works on Paper course was very helpful, straightforward and made the process feel way less intimidating than I thought it would be. She's clear with instructions and shows us how to properly execute each step. It's like we are working alongside each other!
— Kimberly Augustin
Flatten Works on Paper
Join today to get access to Kim’s method for removing the buckling and warping from your finished works on paper so they finally lay flat for good.
Meet The Artist
Kim Knoll
Hi! I’m Kim Knoll, a professional abstract painter living in the heart of Chicago, with my studio in Humboldt Park. I have 10 years of experience making paintings on paper for collectors, art consultants, interior designers, and high-end hospitality and retail brands.
If you paint on paper, then you know the struggle with preventing warping and buckling, and how frustrating it can be to see that in your finished paintings. This was something I battled for years, and after a lot of trial and error, I finally figured out the perfect method that safely flattens all of my finished works on paper, every time. Now I'm sharing it with you. It's easy to do, gives reliable results, and can be done for any size painting. Plus, you likely already have the materials in your studio that are needed for this process. After this course, your work on paper will go from buckled to beautiful, and you’ll know exactly how to control the paper instead of crossing your fingers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course for beginners?
The technique shown in Flatten Works on Paper can be helpful for artists at any level, whether you're starting out or have a lot of experience working with paper. It's taught in a way that is easy to follow and understand for artists looking to learn this skill and are willing to invest time and effort. If you are looking for a quick fix or don't want to spend time and effort to get it right, this course may not be for you.
Does this work for rolled paper?
If your paper is rolled from being in a tube or on a roll, and you want to flatten it, this course is not for you. Instead, watch my YouTube video on how to flatten rolled paper.
What paper does this work on?
This technique is meant to get the buckling and warping out of artworks on heavyweight, uncoated fine art papers that are a minimum weight of 300 gsm (140lb). Examples include watercolor paper and mixed media paper. I have been using this technique on different brands of watercolor paper (Arches, Fabiano, Stonehenge, Canson, and Fluid). The example used in the course is on Arches 356 gsm (156lb) watercolor paper.
What mediums does this work for?
The flattening process applies to most works on paper that use the following mediums:
• Watercolor
• Ink
• Acrylic
• Gouache
• Spray Paint
• Charcoal
• Pastel
• Mixed media
This technique is not meant for thin paper like sketchbook paper.
I already press my work under books. Is this different?
Yes, this is different. Pressing under books is reactive and doesn't give consistent results or address fiber tension in a controlled way. This course teaches a repeatable technique designed to eliminate surface tension.
Will this damage my artwork?
When done correctly on uncoated, heavyweight fine art paper (minimum 300gsm (140lb), the process is safe and should not damage your artwork. I always recommend practicing on test sheets first, before applying any new techniques or mediums to your final painting.
Will this work for large-scale pieces?
Yes! In fact, the painting I'm using as an example in the course is 52 x 38" to show you how it can be done. The process is scalable and works on paper of any size. Large works may require more space, but the structural principles remain the same.
Do I need special equipment?
No special equipment is needed. There are a few required materials for the process, but you most likely already have them in your studio.
How long is the course?
The course is 30 minutes long. The flattening process takes less than 10 minutes, but there is a 3-day minimum waiting period before it will lie flat.
What language is the course taught in?
The course is taught in English and includes English subtitles for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Is the course live or pre-recorded?
The course is pre-recorded and designed to go at your own pace. Each step of the process is in its own video module so it's easy to remember where you left off. Having the steps separated also allows you to easily skip to the parts you want to see again. Sharing this process live isn't an option since there is a long waiting period involved for drying.
How long do I have access to the course?
You'll have unlimited access to the course once you sign up so you can revisit the lessons at any time.
What if I have questions after taking the course?
I'm happy to answer any questions you have about the process. You can ask them as a comment inside the video lesson or you can email me directly. My email will be shared with you once you join the course.
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Online Course Bundle:
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The complete system for turning your works on paper from buckled to beautiful. In 3 hours, you'll learn the techniques to flatten and mount works on paper to wood panels that took me 5 years to perfect. Take all the guesswork out of fixing buckling and warping, and watch step by step how to prep, mount and seal your paper works on panels.