Materials:

1.  A surface on which to stretch, like a slab of masonite.  It should be larger than the paper you are stretching by at least  two inches in every direction, and three or four is preferable.
2. Paper tape that is around 2.5 or 3 inches in width.  This is available at your local craft of art supply store, and is not expensive.
3. Watercolor paper
4. Somewhat large watercolor brush.  A wash brush will do best.
5. Water.

 Directions:

1. Set yourself up on a nice, flat surface near a sink.  Lay out your maso and then somewhat center your paper on it. 
2. Cut a piece of paper tape for each edge of your paper that is a few inches longer than your paper.
3. Have a cup of water and your brush ready and standing by.
4. Get the sink running with a steady but not too powerful stream of water.
5. Take your first piece of paper tape and run it from end to end, shiny side up, under the water.  The whole surface wants to get wet, but not soppy, because you don't want to rinse the glue off of the tape, just get it wet so it will stick.
6. Lay the piece of wet tape across the side of the paper so about an inch overlaps with the paper and the rest is on the maso.  Run your hands across it from the center out to smooth.
7. Repeat with other three pieces, working quickly. 
   
8. While the tape is still wet, take your wash brush and wash the entire paper surface with water.  It should not be enough water to puddle, just to make the surface glisten like recently zambonied ice.  (It is possible to combine this step with an initial color wash, if you are in a hurry.)  The entire thing will bubble a bit while wet.  Let it dry completely, and it will shrink and tighten to a smooth surface.  

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