These simple instructions will allow you to remove the stretched board from your alligator board and leave your board undamaged:

Make sure your drawings are dry first.

Take a look around your masking tape to see if you can find an area where there might be a slight lift/air in the area where the tape meets the watercolor paper? I use a kitchen knife with a strong but thin blade. Hold the knife at an angle to make sure you don’t pierce the board too – simply poke a small hole so you can slide the knife gently under the watercolor paper. Make sure your knife is as flat on the board as possible so as not to disturb the surface of the board – of course.

Once you have the point of the knife under the cardboard – you simply slide the knife around the edges of the watercolor paper (I like to hold the knife reasonably low and flat on the board. It’s just like opening an envelope with an envelope knife.

there he is! Now your board is separate from the board!

Do I remove the tape on the edge of the board?

You have a few options:

You have taken your board off your board and this will leave a portion of the stretch tape sticking to the white margin of your board. (I always make sure there is an inch or more of white margin around my board.)

You can cut the tape if you don’t like it. Or leave it at the edge of your board for stability. The decision to leave the tape on your paper is your choice.

One thing to consider

Is the tape you’re using archival? This will influence your decision.

If you use Lukas sticky wet tape

The Lukas tape I’m using is archival so there’s no problem leaving it on the edge of the board.

If you use waxy brown tape

I know the brown polished tape I’ve been using is also archival. (Unfortunately, however, the tape does not have a brand name or identifiable markings, so I cannot recommend brown duct tape.)

Because I can’t speak for the many strips of brown available – I’d recommend cutting the strip from the edge of the white margin around your board.

How to remove tape from a crocodile board

The remaining tape is still of course on your gator board. I throw my gator board into the shower with the scored side of the board facing down. I leave it on for 10 minutes or so and then pull the last of the strip off. Sometimes I may need to use a blunt knife to remove stubborn bits – but in general it comes off without much effort at all.

Remember to wipe the area where the tape is to make sure you have wiped away any remaining gum. We don’t want your next board sticking to the board.

This looks involved but it’s actually very easy and easy to do. I have explained it in detail to help you understand each scenario. Once you try these suggestions, you will find that it all makes a lot of sense and is easy.

Now your board is fresh, clean and ready for your next board. If you take good care of your Gator board, it will give you years of service. It’s a great product.

Happy painting!

Susan