Remove your stretch picture from the crocodile board

These simple instructions will allow you to remove the stretched painting from the Gator Board and keep your board intact:

Make sure your painting is dry first.

Take a look at your videotape and see if you can find an area where there may be a slight lift/air space in the area where the tape meets the watercolor paper. I used a knife and the blade was strong but thin. Hold the knife at an angle to ensure that you don't pierce the board - just pierce a small hole so you can gently slide the knife under the watercolor paper. Make sure your tool is placed as flat as possible on the cardboard so you don't bother the cardboard surface - of course.

Once you put the knife under the w/c paper - you just slide the knife to the edge of the watercolor paper [I like to keep the knife in a fairly low position and lay it flat on the cardboard. This is like an envelope with an envelope open Knife.

Hey! Now your painting is separated from the chessboard!

Did I remove the tape from the edge of the painting?

You have some choices:

You took your picture off your drawing board, which will make the part of the stretch band still stick to the white side of your painting. [I always make sure my painting is surrounded by an inch or more of white edges].

If you don't like it, you can cut off the tape. Or put it on the edge of the painting to stay stable. The decision to leave the tape on paper is your choice.

One thing to consider

Is the tape you are using archived? This will affect your decision.

If you use Lukas wet tape

The Lukas tape I use is archived, so leaving it at the edge of the painting shouldn't be a problem.

If you use Brown Gummed Tape

I know that the brown tape I used before is also a file. [But unfortunately, the tape does not have a brand name or an identifiable mark, so I can't recommend brown tape].

Because I can't say a lot of brown tape available - I suggest you cut off the tape at the edge of the white edge around the painting.

How to remove the tape from the crocodile board

The rest of the tape is of course still on your Gator Board. I threw my crocodile board into the bathtub with the tape side down. I left it for about 10 minutes and then simply pulled down the last tape. Sometimes I might need to use a blunt knife to get rid of stubborn pieces - but in general it doesn't work much at all.

Remember to wipe the area where the tape is located to make sure to wipe off any remaining glue. We don't want your next painting to stick to the board.

This sounds complicated, but in fact it is very simple and easy. I have explained it in detail to help you understand each scenario. Once you have tried these suggestions, you will find it very logical and easy to do.

Your cardboard is now fresh and ready to prepare for your next painting. If you look after your crocodile board, it will provide you with many years of service. This is a fabulous product.

Happy painting!

Susan

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