How to Make Graphite Paper

Make transfer paper using a graphite pencil.

Artists and crafters use graphite paper to transfer patterns and designs onto the surfaces they are working on. When you trace a design with pen or pencil, graphite paper allows the quick and easy transfer of lines, letters and images. Graphite paper is clean to work with, and the markings made with the paper are easily erased. By making your own inexpensive graphite paper, you will have a readily available supply for all of your projects.

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Tracing paper
Graphite pencil
Paper towels
Rubber cement thinner

Instructions

- 1
  
  Color the entire surface of the tracing paper with the graphite pencil by rubbing the edge of the pencil tip against the paper.
- 2
  
  Rub the graphite into the paper with a paper towel to evenly distribute the graphite over the surface of the paper. Rub gently to avoid creasing or tearing the paper.
- 3
  
  Moisten a piece of paper towel with rubber cement thinner.
- 4
  
  Rub the paper towel over the graphite on the paper, coating the surface completely. This layer of rubber cement thinner prevents the graphite from rubbing off when you apply pressure to the sheet on areas not requiring transfer, and still allows easy transfer in areas where you use a pencil or pen to transfer. Allow an hour for the thinner to dry completely before using the paper.

Tips & Warnings

Use bond paper if thinner tracing paper is not available.
Graphite pencils are available from art supply and hardware stores.
For a graphite paper that will transfer onto dark papers, use white or a light-colored chalk instead of the graphite pencil.