How to Make a Graphite Transfer Sheet

Trace over the original image with a pen or pencil.

Artists use transfer sheets, also called transfer paper, to create a hand-traced duplicate of an image. The artist places the transfer sheet, graphite side down, on the medium where they want the duplicate image, then places the original image on top of the transfer sheet. When the artist traces over the original image with a pen or pencil, the graphite on the transfer sheet transfers to the medium wherever the artist has traced over the original image. Make your own transfer sheets to create hand-made replicas of images you admire.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil sharpener
• Non-mechanical graphite pencil
• Sheet of paper
• Paper towel

Instructions

1. Sharpen a pencil to expose as much lead as possible.

2. Hold the pencil correctly to maximize the graphite transfer. Grasp the shaft of the pencil with the last three fingers of your dominant hand. Place your index finger on top of the barrel, at the tip of the lead, when your palm is facing down. Place your thumb alongside the barrel.

3. Shade the entire sheet of paper with the pencil, with the shaft of the pencil at about a 20-degree angle to the paper. The idea is to use the side of the point of the pencil, rather than the point itself, to draw with broad lines and cover the paper as quickly as possible. Resharpen the pencil whenever it seems as if it is not coloring as well as it did when first sharpened.

4. Rub the graphite into the paper with a paper towel.

5. Blow across the transfer paper to remove any excess graphite.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have trouble with the graphite transferring where you do not want it to, lightly rub rubber cement thinner into the graphite-covered paper with a lightly moistened paper towel.

References

• Dancing Pen Calligraphy: How to Make Your Own Graphite or Transfer Paper
• Watercolorists of Whatcom: Transfer Drawing

Resources

• Art is Fun; Transfer Paper: How to Use Transfer Paper to Transfer Your Image