How To Remove A Dent In Paper - An Artist's Clever Solution

Have you ever damaged your drawing paper just as you were about to finish your masterpiece? Here’s how one artist found out how to remove a dent in his paper partway through his project.

When Tom Henshaw returned to art after a twenty-year break, disaster struck almost immediately.

He'd carefully composed a beautiful flower piece inspired by Dutch master Ambrosius Bosschaert, transferred it to Bockingford hot-pressed watercolour paper, and begun working with Van Gogh coloured pencils.

Then, in an instant of clumsiness with his magnifier, he created a deep dent right in the middle of one of the pansies.

"I'm loath to start all over again after the work I've put in so far," Tom told me, clearly dismayed about the accident.

Finding a Solution for Paper Dents

My initial suggestion was to try gently rubbing the back of a spoon over the area from behind the paper - a common fix for paper dents.

However, as often happens with artwork, the obvious solution wasn't the answer. The spoon technique, even when heated, made little difference to the stubborn dent.

The Hot Water Method That Worked

But Tom wasn't ready to give up. He developed an ingenious solution that's worth sharing:

• ​1. He placed hot water directly into the dent using a fine-pointed watercolour brush
• ​2. Left it for about 30 seconds
• ​3. Blotted it carefully with tissue paper
• ​4. Covered the area with a piece of tracing paper
• ​5. Gently burnished it from the front with the back of a heated spoon
• ​6. Repeated the process 3-4 times

The Successful Outcome

The result? In Tom's words: "The indent is now barely perceptible. Needless to say, I'm exceedingly chuffed with the result."

"Considering it's my first drawing in earnest for twenty years, my first flower piece, and first in coloured pencils, I don't think it's half bad," Tom says modestly.

I'd say it's rather more than 'not half bad' - it's beautiful.

How the Work is Proceeding

Tom's determination paid off, and the drawing has continued to develop beautifully. The previously dented pansy area now shows no signs of the earlier crisis.

Tom has set himself an interesting challenge with this piece: to use only colours from a basic set of 24 Van Gogh pencils.

"I set myself a little challenge with this—to use only colours from the basic set of 24. This forces one to be a little resourceful," he explains. So far, he's managed to achieve his stunning results using just twelve colours.

He's particularly pleased with his choice of materials: "I like this Bockingford hot-pressed paper and the Van Gogh pencils, they are a pleasure to use. I like the finish too—none of that wax crayon look that some coloured pencils produce."

Here Are Other Techniques Artists Use To Fix Paper Dents

While Tom's hot water method worked brilliantly for his piece, here are some other approaches you might try if you find yourself facing a similar problem:

Using Steam

• Hold the paper carefully over the steam from a kettle
• Keep it at a safe distance to avoid saturating the paper
• Press flat between heavy books once dry

The Iron Method

• Place the paper between two sheets of clean white paper
• Use an iron on low heat with no steam
• Move the iron gently without pressing down
• Check frequently to avoid scorching

Prevention Tips

• Use a drawing board to provide a firm surface
• Keep tools well organised to avoid accidents
• Consider using a paper guard when working with magnifiers
• Place a clean sheet under your hand while drawing

Remember that different papers react differently to moisture and heat. Always test any method on a similar piece of scrap paper first.

Don't Give Up When Accidents Happen

The message is clear: when disaster strikes your artwork, don't immediately assume all is lost.

Sometimes, with a bit of patience and ingenuity, there's a solution waiting to be discovered.

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