Alligatoring

The Upper paint layers on a painting can in some circumstances pull away in a pattern that looks similar to an alligator’s hide. This occurs when the drying process is being compromised. It also means that the layer(s) below become visible through the upper layer, which in turn has a raised appearance.

‘Alligatoring’ is very much art restoration jargon, and is also known as ‘drying cracks’.