How to Eliminate Graphite Shine From Pencil Drawings

Graphite shine can interfere with the entire look of your pencil drawings, especially if you're aiming for a photo-realistic style. Many artists use carbon or charcoal pencils for the darkest values but this can be difficult to blend with graphite. In this video, Phil Davies takes you through the pencils he uses to eliminate graphite shine in his pencil drawings.
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[@RobertJonesWightpaint]

I discovered Mars Lumograph pencils a couple of years ago, and they work! By far the best pencil I've ever used.

[@PhilDaviesArtist]

Agreed Robert! (Phil)

[@sketchfreak_8740]

Is that pencil darkd?

[@sketchfreak_8740]

*dark

[@greekveteran2715]

Faber Castell, Mitsubishi, Tombow...all are probably better overall quality, than Staedtler.

[@niladri82]

The video in a nutshell: Q. How to eliminate graphite shine from pencil drawings? A. Don't use graphite pencils. Use Staedtler Mars Lumograph Black pencils.

[@dinosharttt]

Or carbon or charcoal*

[@hellothere_24]

Carbon is hard to blend tho

[@selenophile410]

Thank u saved mins

[@jeronimobalbi]

Almost a clickbait. haha

[@dammitjim9131]

🤣🤣🤣

[@michaelcoquet6999]

Saving everybody some time here. This is a long commercial for lumograph pencils

[@education461]

Yeah and dear lord there is not even a link to buy lol

[@chevaliedelareverie]

Ahaha, too bad! I already own them! They are my favorite pencils! I never use anything else for pencil sketches

[@sujithkv82]

Yea.. its like how to avoid getting drenched in rain... Do go out when it rains..

[@monama4702]

Thank you so much!

[@liza-ou6do]

@@chevaliedelareverie yeah me to

[@gayluinstra1396]

I watched a bunch of these clips. This one is the most clear and concise explanation I've found so far...

[@SnowblindOtter]

You may not be affiliated with Staedtler, but this is still an advertising video. There is no discussion of techniques, which do exist, for eliminating graphite shine such as layering, blending, using fixing media, or even gently abrading the burnished graphite using a soft cloth, paper, or a stiff-bristle brush.

[@vegab2543]

I feel the same thing.. this is a 6 minute ad basically. Misleading title.

[@WillKeepitTrill]

Agreed but I rather get these pencils than trying to find a technique..

[@jarthuroriginal]

I don't agree. Question was how to eliminate graphite shine. He proposed a particular product as a solution. I'm going to try it as I have a shine problem now on a portrait. Most of the DIY videos will point to a particular brand of oil, soap, etc. I prefer that clarity.

[@VincentFink]

Pls make a video showing your solutions and link it here for us boss!

[@ssddpost]

A matt fixative spray gets rid of graphite shine and protects your work. I use Plasti-kote Premium Spray Matt Clear Acrylic. It works amazingly well, gets rid of all shine and after it dries the graphite is protected and will not smudge!

[@PhilDaviesArtist]

How do you find it affects the balance of values and tones? I've never used fixative on graphite but, like many artists, don't like the effect it has on charcoal and pastels (Phil)

[@ssddpost]

Test it and see for yourself.

[@gertrvdis]

Rainy Sand thank you!

[@yioten]

@@ssddpost you're a flop mate

[@artwithleah4145]

@@PhilDaviesArtist lol ur video is essentially an advertisement

[@kathleenstoin671]

Thanks so much for the "101 Drawing Ideas" e-book! I loved the tutorial about graphite shine. And now I'm subscribing!

[@jimmyknopflericussi6488]

On some surfaces, the Lumograph Mars Black are shiny too. For example, on Fabriano hot-pressed watercolour paper. Same with Faber-Castell Matt graphite pencils 14B.

[@DeA2875]

One thing to keep in mind with CARBON pencils. They don't erase well, so you have to be sure where you lay it down.

[@ktaleentkekma5777]

This is why I draw in the dark

[@humanlivesmatter4441]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I have sensitive eyes and I'm finally gonna start using what I need for most of my drawings!😁

[@SynchroDiaries]

Brilliant video! Thank you for the advice.

[@kara719]

Just ordered them thank you for the advice!

[@MesserCreations]

This is a great video! Thank you!

[@earth2becky]

Thank you!! Great information and very inspiring. 😃

[@Freedommjw]

Just got a set. So excited to try them! Thanks!

[@PhilDaviesArtist]

I don't think you'll be disappointed. Try doing a sketch with just one pencil (the 8B for example) and just vary the pressure for the different values. I drew this with a single pencil and it took about 45 mins: instagram.com/p/Bed2ehuBw0R/?hl=en&taken-by=mrphilipdavies This was a single pencil too that took about an hour: instagram.com/p/BcR3ICDDVev/?hl=en&taken-by=arttutor

[@Freedommjw]

ArtTutor.com Cool! Thanks!

[@eze8608]

I just purchased a set of these but didn't know about this added bonus. Excellent news. Thanks for this. I'm subscribing, I like Your videos and look forward to watching more and learning along the way. Peace.

[@lovisalindqvist3499]

Thank you! Very helpful video.

[@doddagopi4933]

Thank you for youreffective video demo. You are a great Instructor.

[@o8rufus]

Thank you for your great videos. Very inspiring and educational.

[@PhilDaviesArtist]

Thanks very much, glad you find them useful! (Phil)

[@anansistricksart8785]

Thank you. This was helpful 🙏

[@RBharadia]

Thank you Phil for the free amazing design ideas book... love it! And pssst! Love your accent!

[@lolgamer6418]

Thanks for the 101 drawing ideas , I just looked at them , they all are fascinating... Very very thank you..More success to you..❤️🇮🇳

[@mayarosexxx]

Cool explanation of the nuances in graphite drawing. I do graphite drawings for a living and ran into the same issues when I was learning. Personally my solution was a to use decent quality coloured pencil, Faber Castel polychromos. They barely leave a sheen, are quite dark and blend really well with graphite. I avoid anything over a 4b and use a blend of both graphite and the black coloured pencil to get darker tones.

[@greekveteran2715]

That's a very good soloution that works!

[@lunadumbledore2883]

Also blending a 3b with B or HB also gives a nice black result. I never use darker than a 3b cause it's so messy

[@Yeellena]

Same! Faber-Castell polychromos is a game changer for me

[@Gamer212Xtreme]

Thank you!

[@Artchick1972]

great video!! Thanks

[@MalamikArt]

Thanks for this and also for the sketching ideas :)

[@PhilDaviesArtist]

You're welcome Malamik Art! (Phil)

[@emeraldstar905]

Super helpful and interesting. Thanks for the review recommendations xxx

[@PhilDaviesArtist]

You're welcome Nicola!

[@chrissizemore3424]

RIP XXX

[@boazdejene8026]

thank you man this is great

[@katherinebeattie2596]

Great!!! Thank you!!!

[@PhilDaviesArtist]

You're welcome Katherine :) (Phil)

[@rozart4447]

thank you soooo much .

[@RaymondArias]

Staedtler's Mars Lumograph branded pencils really amaze me. I used it once and loved it. It's just a bit pricey for me, but the quality and the shades I can do when using it, were all great and consistent. Where I can buy these pencils online rather that buying them at the local art supply shops near my location? The shops near me almost made these pencils be priced as gold. I'm sorry for my grammatical mistakes.

[@ChengManChing]

One drawback that I don't think was mentioned in the video is that with regular graphite pencils you can buy the leads separately and use them with lead holders + a lead pointer. With the Lumograph Blacks you're going to be spending a lot of time sharpening your pencils.

[@greekveteran2715]

You don't mention any kind of drawbacks, when you make an advertisment.

[@marthand]

Thank you so much sir❤️🙏🏼

[@YollyBarker]

I might try this pencil

[@MiniMu-2008]

So what can I do if I don’t have the brand you recommended in your video? Can you suggest a work around?

[@fernandocoye4416]

Faber Castell polychromos black works rather well. Saw it in another video and I was surprised how well it works with pencil.

[@joecruz6237]

Great video, thanks. I've been sketching on canvas with graphite pencils and I've tried using different fixatif to protect my final sketches but I can't find anything that seals the graphite and it still smudges. Is there any finish I can try? Thanks.

[@kevindave8940]

Thanks bro 👍

[@RBharadia]

Any suggestions Phil? I am looking for a sharpener for carbon or charcoal pencils? Please suggest! Many thanks! RB.

[@majrumq5268]

Mars pencils are great but i learned to get rid of shine from other pencils you can use sand paper to shave/grind off graphite and then blend it onto the paper and the shine is non existent even with a 14b pencil! Basically instead of using the pencil just turn into a powder form THEN apply it onto the paper! Just incase anyone wanted to know😊

[@sanchiamcquiston725]

O wow thank u cant wait to try them

[@EKS49]

Still waiting for the 101 drawing ideas, when will I get it?

[@supercheekykiwi]

Any issues with running out the black ones compared with the normal graphite

[@movisesandwichia2]

It's ok for me just little shine like eyebrows detail, but for large area try to smoothly as I can so not leaving any shine

[@leighguptill9244]

How well do the Lumograph pencils erase?

[@alexmac337]

Tried the Mars Lumograph and they're not very nice to work with. They feel greasy like chinagraph and they really don't blend that well with normal graphite pencils.

[@artistryspectrum512]

Awesome 🤓

[@riyanjinssi8264]

I also get frustrated when my graphite drawings are too shinny. thank you for this video...tho I am still torn between getting a mars lumograph or prismacolor ebony. Heeelp? 🥺

[@avikbajpai5510]

really helpfu...can u Plzz do a video on sharpening of charcoal pencil for making hair strokes..😊 liked and subscribed✌

[@TheHobokenArtGal]

Thanks for sharing I’m a new subbie

[@cateyes3813]

What about just a Black coloured pencil? Would that work? And I mean a true true Black like you get in some of the more expensive sets (but you can just buy the one Black pencil if they sell them open stock). Would that be any good? Hi from Australia 👋

[@liammcgoldrick9941]

Great video! Definitely need to get them pencils. But do you have a solution for colour pencils ? I use faber castell poloychromos ans I’m struggling with the shine as I need to put quite a bit of pressure to blend and make colours more vibrant ?

[@samikshaarts11]

Instead of burnishing technique,use a blender like baby oil, vaseline gelly etc

[@infensus12]

Loved it 😊🍻

[@varunjuz]

Love you ❤️

[@creativesolutions902]

The title of this video is misleading. Besides, I have tried the Lumo graph pencils and they are still undesirably shiny.

[@olokornahome9995]

😭 we don't have them in our local art stores here

[@rhondajordan5467]

The Mars Lumograph Black are the Holy Grail for graphite blacks. Faber-Castell makes something similar but they seem a bit waxy. Staedtler has nailed it with these.

[@Petox20x]

Mars Lumograph Black pencils have a deeper black color than the regular Lumograph pencils. However, they do have some graphite shine (just not as much) and they are not as black as compressed charcoal or Conté. The hardness grade gets confusing unless you pay attention because a 2B Lumograph Black is darker than a 2B Lumograph, for example. They are definitely worth having, but I bought them for doing the deepest shadows in jet-black hair and I am somewhat disappointed with the results.

[@samikshaarts11]

Why disappointed?

[@Sunscorched]

I got these four days ago and oh, my giddy black heart! I've been drawing forever LOL

[@colinreid325]

Those suggesting this is an ad are missing the point as numerous artists are now recommending these pencils.

[@jpwartist]

You do still get some graphite shine from the lumograph black pencils, not as much but still noticeable.

[@divyabhatt980]

I was honestly going to give a dislike but after 4:37 the real treasure came above and by the end of video the link made me give it a like

[@nawalheart3071]

DO YOU KNOW HOW LONG I SEARCHED FOR AN ANSWER FOR THIS PROBLEM? HOLY SHIT YOU ARE THE BEST!

[@jrg7951]

You can also use a black Prismacolor pencil too

[@PhilDaviesArtist]

Thanks James. How does that layer on top of graphite?

[@jrg7951]

totally covers with no problem

[@cbolivar3518]

Really nice tip! Thanks a lot!

[@PhilDaviesArtist]

No problem, glad you like it (Phil)

[@stever.8916]

do you have this in book form, because I dnt like the download type of stuff,as an artist I like to hold and have books for myself

[@PhilDaviesArtist]

Hi Steve - no sorry we don't. :(

[@raphe6856]

WARNING: it's only an advertise

[@devinmillington1373]

OMG, now I feel like I have to redraw all my portraits. I just ordered a set of these pencils from Amazon and I simply can not wait to give 'em a try. Fingers crossed!! Thanks for posting this.

[@alig8r217]

Hey, I'm thinking of getting these pencils to help with my hyperrealism. Is it worth it from your experience and did you find yourself using them quite often?

[@Magnificent1393]

Great video! I have a question is there a way to protect your drawing without using fixative?

[@VincentFink]

Magnificent1393 no

[@raycarden7941]

Framing them behind glass

[@goilo888]

Yes. Thinned down acrylic matte medium and then sprayed on in thin coats. Thinned with airbrush medium not water.

[@serktv6231]

Hairspray. Does the same trick

[@thejugglingriotguy]

Title: How to eliminate graphite shine. Me: yes. I need this. I hate the shine. *watches video* Me:so you think the way to get rid of graphite shine... is to not use graphite. 😑

[@SerenaLewis]

Actually, that's not true. He stated you can use your regular Lumigraph graphite pencils as the Lumigraph Black pencils will work over the top. Shine is only an issue with the darker tones which is where the Lumigraph Black pencils come in handy. So you can work with both, as he said.

[@leaderteammimikyu3024]

Is carbon pensil toxic?

[@ArtbyOscarMejia]

You are really good looking 🥰🥰

[@bhartiya6678]

Its not eliminating... Its adding...

[@Bee27Art]

What about getting rid of shine from colored pencils?

[@raycarden7941]

Matt fixative spray

[@megjohnson9409]

Iv just ordered the mars lumograph pencil, I noticed a shine on my drawing can I use this over the graphite while I’m halfway through it? ( go over the dark shiny bits to reduce the shine )

[@alig8r217]

Hey, I'm thinking of getting these pencils. Did it work how you wanted it to? Is it worth getting them

[@megjohnson9409]

Alig8r21 they are good pencils I would recommend to get the darker shades however it didn’t fully reduce the shine after going over previous dark parts of the drawing

[@alig8r217]

@@megjohnson9409 Thanks anyway! I'll consider using them for drawings in the future :)

[@mightysilverback5854]

Although, They dont erase very well

[@serktv6231]

That is why my drawings look good in reality and on camera it's shit 😅 while panning the camera the light reflects off the darkest parts like you explained

[@maycomtois7711]

Thanks. Have you ever used Charcoal powder ? Will you do a video on how to use it?

[@PhilDaviesArtist]

Hi May, yes but as a toned ground to then work into. I don't use it for shading as I'd rather use a traditional pencil for that and I'd find it a bit fiddly to be honest. (Phil)

[@dfwpiper1]

If they make Mars Lumograph 2mm mechanical pencil leads, my sketching world will be complete.

[@eduardoayala3204]

TL;DR: Charcoal and Carbon. If you have some bucks and don't mind a simplifier, lumograph pencils.

[@dinosharttt]

Ok just bought

[@unknown-so3ns]

❤❤❤❤

[@joyceanderson2199]

Help: 1 - Do the Staedtler Mars Lumograph black pencils work well for smudging when drawing portraits & skin tone values? Do they work like regular graphite when using a stump or a kneaded erasure? I need to know right away because of a graphite commission.

[@dexART_75]

For all of you guys complaining that he didnt show you a solution, he did...use charcoal. It's tedious, but hey...no shine. He just offered another even better solition at the end.

[@oscarcorella6025]

You didn't see graphite in the paper because there is no graphite on the paper!

[@kassaArt]

I find them very waxy and impossible to smudge/blend.

[@luciusirving5926]

I draw with ballpoint pens and I don't mind carbon pencils being hard to blend.

[@infinitusdeos9575]

They are expensive for me🙁

[@luciusirving5926]

I would rather draw with the Papermate Write Bros than to spend so much money on pencils.

[@choochoochooseyou]

So, Phil, you a red or blue?

[@dinosharttt]

I have corona virus irl Gg life you did good Gg ... help me pls

[@YranLee2005]

100

[@user-qi4nh4hh9r]

Graphite and charcoal are both made of the chemical element Carbon. So the name "carbon" pencil as some separate type of pencils has no sense.

[@derrickstorm6976]

Thank you very much. Sadly the answer means just needing more money

[@travis6279]

Are you SURE this video isn't sponsered by Staedler? Lol jk, jk. I appreciate the tip and I'll have to try out carbon, charcoal, and those lumigraphic pencils. That said, I was a little disappointed about the content of this video. I was expecting tips on how to prevent graphite shine (without resorting to a diff medium), and all you did was recommend a different type of pencil, which to be fair IS a good way to prevent that ugly metallic sheen. I don't mean to sound critical, I just felt the title of this vid was a little misleading. That said, you gave some good, fun tips, and I'll def try them out!

[@renzo6490]

Pronounced 'Stettler'

[@newbbietrader9918]

so you eliminate this pencil shine by buying a more fancy and expensive pencil...well it does not help very much honestly.

[@Feldspar__]

Spoiler alert, Staedtler makes the best drawing pencils.

[@CruzinComptin]

Semi-muscular guys like this, always, without fail, develop a learned mannerism of putting their arms at a right angle while talking in order to flex their biceps as much as possible. So lame.

[@Vic101able]

Don't you ever use Blending stick? Do you work outside of your comfort zone?

[@PhilDaviesArtist]

I don't personally like blending sticks but I'm not sure how they would help with graphite shine. At some point, even with the softest pencils, you have to use pressure to lay down dark enough values.