The referenced video suggests using wax paper and moisture to help straighten hard cardboard.
Here's a breakdown of how you can attempt to straighten hard cardboard:
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Protect your Work Surface: Lay down wax paper on your work surface. This prevents the cardboard from sticking if it becomes too damp.
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Moisture Application (Cautiously): Lightly dampen the opposite side of the warp or bend. Avoid saturating the cardboard. A spray bottle set to a fine mist is ideal. The key is to introduce moisture to relax the fibers on the side that is bent inwards.
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Weighted Flattening: Place the dampened cardboard face down on the wax paper. Then, place a heavy, flat object (like books or a large piece of wood) on top of the cardboard to apply even pressure.
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Drying Time: Allow the cardboard to dry completely under the weight. This may take several hours or even overnight. The drying process is crucial for the cardboard to retain its straightened shape.
Important Considerations:
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Type of Cardboard: This method works best on cardboard that hasn't been heavily treated or coated. Heavily laminated or coated cardboard may not respond as well to moisture.
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Degree of Bend: Severely bent or creased cardboard may be difficult or impossible to completely straighten. This method is more effective on mild warping.
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Experimentation: Start with a small area and a minimal amount of moisture. You can always add more moisture or weight if needed.
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Alternatives: For smaller pieces, you might try ironing the cardboard on a very low setting with a pressing cloth (such as a thin towel) between the iron and the cardboard. Be extremely careful not to scorch the cardboard.
