How to Transfer a Sketch to Canvas (2 Easy Ways)

1. 1

   Step 1: Lay Graphite Transfer Paper Dark Side Down on the Canvas

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   Graphite paper is a thin sheet with one dark, chalky side and one shiny side. The dark side is what transfers. Lay it on your canvas dark side down and smooth it flat with your hand. Center it under where your design will go. If the sheet is bigger than the canvas, fold it or trim it so it sits flat with no lumps.

   Tip:

   Test which side is dark by rubbing a corner on scrap paper.

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   Used in this stepSaral wax-free graphite transfer paper9x12 stretched canvas pack

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2. 2

   Step 2: Tape the Sunflower Printout Over the Graphite Paper

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   Place your printout on top of the graphite paper, right side up, exactly where you want the design to land. Jasmine sets the sunflower toward the left so the lettering fits on the right. Tape the graphite paper to the canvas with a couple of small pieces, then tape the printout down too. The graphite sheet is slippery, so both layers need it.

   Tip:

   Clear tape lifts off canvas cleanly. Press it down only lightly.

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   Used in this stepScotch Magic Tape with dispenser

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3. 3

   Step 3: Trace the Sunflower Petals With a Sharp Pencil

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   Sharpen your pencil to a fine point. Trace over every line of the design with normal writing pressure. Graphite paper releases easily, so there is no need to press hard. Start at one corner and work across so you can keep track of which petals are done. A fine point gives you a thin, accurate line on the canvas.

   Tip:

   Keep your other hand flat on the printout so nothing shifts while you trace.

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   Used in this stephandheld pencil sharpener

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4. 4

   Step 4: Trace the Shine Bright Lettering on the Printout

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   Move on to the lettering with the same steady pressure. Follow the outside edge of each letter so you end up with an outline to fill with paint later. Go slowly around curves and loops. If your pencil dulls, stop and sharpen it. A blunt tip makes a thick, fuzzy line that is harder to paint inside.

   Tip:

   Tracing only the outline of thick letters saves your hand and time.

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5. 5

   Step 5: Lift the Paper to Reveal the Graphite Transfer on Canvas

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   Before you take everything off, lift one corner of the printout and the graphite paper and check for missed lines. When you are happy, peel off the tape and remove both sheets. The whole design is now on the canvas in clear, dark graphite lines, ready to paint. Keep the graphite sheet. You can use it many more times.

   Tip:

   Lift gently so the corners of the canvas don't pick up smudges.

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   Used in this stepSaral wax-free graphite transfer paperPrismacolor kneaded eraser

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6. 6

   Step 6: Shade the Back of the Printout With a Pencil for No-Paper Transfer

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   No graphite paper? Flip your printout face down. With a regular pencil, shade over the back of every line in the design. The layer of graphite on the back works like homemade transfer paper. Press firmly. The darker the shading, the darker the lines on your canvas. For lettering you can shade a rough patch over the whole word.

   Tip:

   Hold the printout up to a window to see the lines through the back.

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7. 7

   Step 7: Tape the Shaded Printout Face Up on the Canvas

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   Turn the printout back over so the shaded side faces the canvas. Position it where you want the design and tape it down with a few pieces along the edges. Add one more piece for good measure. It must not move at all while you trace, or the lines will double.

   Tip:

   Tape all four sides on a larger printout.

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   Used in this stepScotch Magic Tape with dispenser9x12 stretched canvas pack

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8. 8

   Step 8: Trace the Sunflower With Heavy Pencil Pressure

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   Trace every line again, this time pressing much harder than you did with graphite paper. The pressure pushes the shading on the back onto the canvas. Jasmine starts with the center circle, then works around the petals and finishes with the lettering. Sharpen the pencil whenever it dulls so the lines stay crisp.

   Tip:

   Pressing hard tires your hand fast. Shake it out between sections.

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   Used in this stephandheld pencil sharpener

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9. 9

   Step 9: Peel Back the Printout to Check the Pencil Transfer

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   Lift a corner to check, then remove the tape and the printout. The design is on the canvas, but lighter than with graphite paper. It is usually enough to paint from. If some lines are too faint, tape the printout back in the same spot and go over them again with more pressure.

   Tip:

   Go over very faint lines on the canvas with a light pencil touch before painting.

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   Used in this stepPrismacolor kneaded eraser

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Keep going

How to Paint With Watercolors for Beginners: Your First Lesson

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