Separating sheets from a watercolor block is a simple process typically done after your painting is complete. You use a thin, flat tool to carefully cut around the edge where the paper is glued.
Removing a Sheet from a Watercolor Block
Watercolor blocks are glued on all four sides to keep the paper stretched and prevent buckling or warping while you paint with water. Once your artwork is dry and you're ready to remove it, follow these steps:
- Locate the Unglued Section: Look closely at the edges of the block. There is usually one small section (often a few inches long) that is not glued down. This is where you will start.
- Insert Your Tool: As the reference states, "When you are done painting your picture & are ready to remove the top sheet from the rest of the block, you take a palette knife, thin metal ruler, butter knife, letter opener, etc and there should be a small section that isn't glued that you can insert the flat knife..." Carefully slide your chosen thin, flat tool into this unglued gap, between the top painted sheet and the sheet beneath it.
- Cut Around the Edge: "...& run it around the whole block to remove the top ..." Gently guide the tool along the inside edge where the paper is glued to the block. Keep the tool angled slightly outwards, away from your painting, to avoid accidentally cutting into your artwork.
- Continue Around the Block: Work your way around all four sides of the block, slowly and steadily, using the tool to break the adhesive bond.
- Lift the Sheet: Once you have gone around the entire perimeter, the top sheet should lift off cleanly.
Recommended Tools
Based on the provided reference and common practice, suitable tools for separating watercolor sheets include:
- Palette Knife: A common tool for artists, its thin, flexible blade is ideal.
- Thin Metal Ruler: The straight, thin edge works well.
- Butter Knife: A standard table knife with a rounded, non-serrated edge can also be used.
- Letter Opener: Many letter openers have a shape and thinness suitable for this task.
- Any other thin, flat, and somewhat rigid object that can slide between the paper layers without damaging the art.
Using a block ensures your paper stays flat throughout the painting process, resulting in a smooth, finished piece once removed.
