Help: Seperating a stuck cel...

[Caroline]

i need help to seperate a cel stuck to some thick construction paper. i have had cels stuck to sketches before and usually they rip-off without a problem. but since this was an expensive and rare purchase, and the paper is thicker than sketch paper, i am a little nervous. ive heard that refridgerating or freezing the cel helps it to seperate a bit? but i don't want to try it unless i know for sure.

i am willing to mail my cel to someone who has experience with this, if there is no easy remedy. any advice would be much appreciated!

thanks!

[graymouser]

I had an expensive cel that was stuck to some heavy blue construction paper. I had no interest in saving the paper, so I wet down the paper just enough to make it soft. It pealed away from the cel without any problems. The cel was fine and the paper pretty much came apart in pieces. Although I do not mind doing this to my own cels, I have to admit that I would be terrified to do it with someone else's.

BTW you are probably familiar with the cel I did it to.
http://itamejihada.net/cels/lu/lu1c.html

I have not had luck with the freezer method, but I have only tried it twice on relatively cheap cels. It didn't leave any damage that I could see, but it also did not work in loosening the paper. Maybe I did it wrong?

I think you are already familiar with SR Labs. They should have no trouble with this. Its been a while since I've used them, but I was happy with their work. Its just that they get very backed up so you may have to wait a while. It may also cost more than you are willing to spend.

[Caroline]

oh neat, i will try this... it makes me nervous, but i'll let you guys know how it goes. are there any other good remedies out there?

[miz ducky]

This one is a pretty common question. Check the Technical Cel Info forum. Lots of people have posted in different threads about their experiences.

[Moop]

I won a settei cel that had a similar problem, although in this case, the thick 'paper' was actually closer to thin cardboard. I removed it the same way that graymouser did, and with equally good results. Three things to remember: use distilled water, be sure that the paper is completely soft, and go slowly! If you rip it away and a little bit is still stuck, it could be disastrous.

Also...you should probably avoid the freezer method on any cel, since extreme changes in temperature are an unnecessary risk for the paint.

[backlotanimation]

i need help to seperate a cel stuck to some thick construction paper. i have had cels stuck to sketches before and usually they rip-off without a problem. but since this was an expensive and rare purchase, and the paper is thicker than sketch paper, i am a little nervous. ive heard that refridgerating or freezing the cel helps it to seperate a bit? but i don't want to try it unless i know for sure.

i am willing to mail my cel to someone who has experience with this, if there is no easy remedy. any advice would be much appreciated!

thanks!

Hello Caroline,
Check out these posts, They will help you out tons.
http://www.anime-beta.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=23285

I hope they help you out some, If you need any more help feel free to PM me I'll help if I can.

Roy (DBA)Backlotanimation

[Caroline]

thanks guys! seems like everyone is in agreement about wetting down the cardboard. i am going to try this method tomorrow when i get some free time. i hope it works. i know nothing about the freezer method, but i will avoid it if its bad for the paint.

[klet]

I tried the freezer method once; the paint cracked! And . . . the sketch was still stuck.

But yes, wetting it down is usually the way to go. Just be extra careful around the trace lines--they're the ones that will most easily come away with the paper. Red and black paint also tends to stay pretty darn stuck, but in their case, it usually means that bits of paper will remain behind, which you can usually wet and then rub off gently with your finger.

[Caroline]

i finally found some time to do this, and it worked like a dream! woo! i just carefully moistened the paper and it started to magically lift from the cel all by itself. all i had to do was flip the cel over and the paper practically fell off. no damage or paint chips at all. i have a perfect new cel. thanks everyone!

[Cloud]

You are quite welcome! All people?