How to Prevent Smudges While Using Graphite Pencils

[@platinumrage6687]

You should be more popular. This was pretty helpful

[@Lzmstudio]

Thanks! I've only been on KZbin for a year, so it is crowded with other artists. Any shares and likes you can give me help me out though, thanks!

[@edgemastah64]

This is so true

[@garrettschaap521]

This was helpful!! I'm so tired of my drawing getting that grey tone from smudging

[@Lzmstudio]

I hope some of these tricks are problem solvers for you!

[@ginnakv4929]

Tip 3 : Erase Yourself Me : _I must do it. I have no regrets._

[@Lzmstudio]

ziggy stardust 😂👋🏼

[@indranighoshchaudhuri8374]

Lol

[@kittycatkyla2344]

This was so, so helpful! I'm left-handed, so going left to right is actually the problem for me, but now I know to go right to left! I'd been using paper towels as a guard for so long and you do not know how eye-opening it was to hear photo paper was an option!

[@Lzmstudio]

Oh yeah, right to left will be a game changer for you! Also, I've switched back to glassine, because it's less expensive/larger than photo paper, you can check out that review here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6O6YaSge72WkJY Paper towel might work just fine, just a little more grippy where glassine and photo paper are smooth/glossy. Glad this will help you keep your work preserved!

[@lindabebar6095]

Great! I never thought of photo paper. I'll try that.

[@Lzmstudio]

Glassine works well too, and I've found it is more affordable.

[@justynaUrsa]

This is perfect. Ive stopped using graphite because i hated it when my drawings would end up smudged. Ill have to give these techniques a try. Thank you!

[@Lzmstudio]

It's still smudgy but these really do help!

[@dedonarnewt7]

Thanks for the tips.

[@Lzmstudio]

you're so welcome!

[@reachingeminence5892]

maybe u r the first person to upload a video about this problem.. so u r gonna get nice views for it 😝 the content is very useful. thank you so much 😊

[@Lzmstudio]

You're so welcome! I don't like dealing with smudges, so I feel your pain!

[@Lzmstudio]

Anddd, if you could share the video somewhere on your social media, it would be so sweet and would help me out!!!! :)

[@Lazycloud069]

Thanks a lot...This is super helpful.

[@Lzmstudio]

So glad it is! Happy drawing!

[@luffywillbecomethekingofpi2242]

Helpful video! the one that helps me the most is "erase from center towards outer edge".

[@Lzmstudio]

So glad that helps you 🙌🏼

[@tonybell1650]

Thanks for the useful tips. I'm an upside-down lefty, so I have significant issues with smudging. Turning the paper slightly helps a little, but I find turning it too much causes a kind of kinaesthetic & perceptual confusion. I'm going to try the hand bridge idea, as I have some great pieces of wood off cuts that would work... I hope. 😊

[@Lzmstudio]

Yeah the perceptual confusion is real! Try a bridge or protective paper instead. Hope it helps!

[@lostgalaxy1042]

This is very helpful! Whenever I'm sketching, or doing a really detailed drawing, I always end up placing my hand over the drawing because I work everywhere, and don't go left to right. Although, I do have a question. When you're drawing a, let's say.. and eye, and I need to go back in and redo something, but accidently smudge a lot of the graphite, how would I get rid of it? Would it be better to just try to erase most of it that you can and redo that section?

[@Lzmstudio]

I think that depends on the mistake. I usually avoid erasing unless I MUST once I've shaded an area. I use the kneaded eraser to remove large smudges or erase on areas of shading, because a regular eraser smears graphite and makes things worse around where I've erased. I also use the Tombow 2.3mm Round eraser, which is teeeeeeeny if I HAVE to really erase something when the surrounding area is still ok. Here's my review of the Tombow eraser: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXermmurrtCboNU and how to use a kneaded eraser: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5ekqHhrms5retE

[@kingofcod4163]

I had this exact question and i found that dabbing the kneaded eraser onto the area helps lighten it up without losing the drawing and it allows me to restart. Thanks got the help guys 😊

[@Uhlirovi]

Thank you

[@Lzmstudio]

Of course! Thanks for watching😀

[@NSHDE]

I just use a velvet glove for my pinky and ring finger that I got from a yoyo, works great 👍

[@Lzmstudio]

from a yoyo? like the toy? that's great!

[@arstans1777]

Ty, really helpful tips and quality video👌👌

[@Lzmstudio]

thank you so much!

[@akiladehan]

Thank you! Also ended up learning there's a thing called a gum eraser aha.May you have a prosperous present and future!

[@Lzmstudio]

YES! Here is a video on how to use the gum eraser :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5ekqHhrms5retE

[@amexjam55]

I like the photo paper. I think I have some stored away somewhere. Thanks for the tip.

[@Lzmstudio]

You can also use old, bad photos, like the ones we used to take of our fingers by accident :)

[@amexjam55]

@@Lzmstudio 😃

[@shannonlandis5224]

I like using glassine, it costs a few bucks but it doesn’t pick up the graphite to smudge! (Lachri Fine Art tip - thanks Lisa!)

[@Lzmstudio]

Nice, I'll have to try it.

[@sweetchilliheat4559]

To avoid smudging would using a thin fine point marker a better alternative ???

[@Lzmstudio]

But the love of graphite is real and I’m married to it!! Besides markers smudge too if your hand is over it while wet. So best to learn how to not smudge!

[@sweetchilliheat4559]

@@Lzmstudio thanks for the advice . I was gonna ask about pen too but that’s sounds like in the same ball park as marker when it comes to smudging .

[@Lzmstudio]

@@sweetchilliheat4559 yep- they are both wet mediums so will smudge when wet and even with pressure sometimes when dry. Boo to smudging.

[@em_joy4473]

this is really helpful! I love doing Graphite drawings but my paper (and my hand) always ends up covered In graphite smudges *_*

[@Lzmstudio]

So happy this will help you preserve your artwork! :)

[@dragonGscales]

Awesome tips ma'am an how about coloring ? I use prismacolor pencil an seems red color shows spots an smudging . Would this tips work the same for coloring ?

[@Lzmstudio]

Yes these tips will work for colored pencils as well! Somehow I never got a notification for your comment but happened to see it just now. Sorry for the late late reply!

[@jalbaugh24]

Is there a reason to use photo paper instead of regular notebook or printer paper? Do they not work as well as photo paper?

[@Lzmstudio]

That is a good question! With all protective sheets, they smudge some, more so when you have pressure applied to the sheet as you move it, so you always want to lift it/move it/place it back down, rather than drag it. I can't give you proof/measurables on if the photo paper works better, but it seems to grab less graphite off the page than just a regular sheet of paper. It does get dirty over time, so I have to throw them out and get a new one at times. If you don't want the extra expense of photo paper, just use notebook or printer paper and erase the dust off it regularly!

[@toni-da-bologna7006]

Ok I just finished a drawing and used the techniques so it didn’t get on my hand but how do I stop it from smudging on the other papers on the notebook and stuff

[@Lzmstudio]

That is a tough one for people who draw on the go. If it is completed, I recommend storing them in a flat file/portfolio. If it is completed you can use fixative, as well. I don't recommend workable fixative as you can't really erase as well once it is used. And when you have to carry it around it is always going to smudge on the next page. It is a truth with the materials that is just unavoidable. I still love graphite anyway, and just operate delicately & don't move sketchpads around much if I can.

[@emilyandnugget2058]

Great, but how do i remove them if my rubber doesnt work.

[@Lzmstudio]

That one is tough. You may need a better eraser, or they could have indelibly marked the paper so they cannot be erased. Paper is delicate, so this happens a LOT unfortunately.

[@emilyandnugget2058]

LMAO U DID DELTETE IT AOTHAOPERUOJUAOPFUJEOAUIH@_*F*H@_DY@PO@HF*(_

[@Lzmstudio]

@@emilyandnugget2058 a lot of kids use my videos so just want to keep things clean for them. Nothing personal - all love to you!

[@margaretbrownhill1193]

I wonder if you can help me, I do a lot of graphite landscapes, I don't have a problem with smudging because I'm really careful. The problem I have the graphite fades whilst I'm doing the drawing, i.e. These pictures can take me in excess of 20 hours so I break of for a while and come back even a couple of hours later and the graphite has started to fade quite significantly. No one knows why this is happening I've changed paper pencils even lighting and whatever I do it still happens, it's making me so demoralised knowing that I can do a really good piece of art and it is going to be ruined before I've even finished it

[@Lzmstudio]

Hmm, that sounds mysterious to me. Can you go to my website and email me pictures? There is something called "wax bloom" that happens with colored pencils, where it gets a white coating. Graphite doesn't have the same wax properties. You might try a workable fixative, and spray it (use outside, it's toxic to breathe in) in between work sessions on your drawings. I find it changes the texture of the paper AND even though it says "workable" you can't really erase much after using it. But it might help with your particular challenge. What pencils are you using? What paper are you using? What climate are you in? Humidity/extreme dryness changes the paper for sure. Let's solve this mystery!

[@margaretbrownhill1193]

LZM Studio recently I did constable the haywain using chanson drawing paper and Faber castell 9000 series after that I did his Salisbury cathedral on Daler Rowney smooth heavy weight using caran dache graffwood pencils , I know about wax bloom which is why I use FC polychromos predominantly for coloured pencil work. Earlier this year I did some things with FC Pitt pastel pencils and even the pastel faded, in some pictures, it is a mystery and not encouraging for me, your website doesn't give your email address

[@margaretbrownhill1193]

LZM Studio I live in England by the way

[@Lzmstudio]

Faber castel and caran dache are great brands. I don't know FC Pitt as a brand. The paper you're using sounds very smooth, and possibly geared toward less completed "sketches" than 20 hour long detailed drawings- you might try a rougher texture paper, that is heavier weight, like Stonehenge paper or Rives BFk. They are made of long cotton fibers that don't fluff or compress as much as some cotton fibers do (it is a printmaking paper, made to withstand water). Smooth papers, paper made from tree pulp or shorter cotton fibers are not as heavy duty as cotton papers made from long fibers. They compress more under the pressure of the graphite, and graphite needs friction to layer onto the page because it is made of smooth platelets with weak bonds between layers. I rarely use smooth paper with graphite. It could be your layers of graphite are not bonding with the tooth/texture of the page (because there is less tooth/texture to the paper you're using), so after sitting for a few hours the layers "dust off"? Just a guess. Try it and let me know. My website has a contact me form, that goes to my email... send me some pics so I can see what you're seeing!

[@davidmd1018]

what is the transparent sheet people usually use to put under there hand to prevent smudging

[@Lzmstudio]

Hmm, I don't know of a transparent sheet. Some people use paper. There is also this tool, an artist's bridge, that is a clear plastic "bridge" to rest your hand on: amzn.to/3kHc1IM But I've not seen a transparent sheet. Let me know if you figure it out! :)

[@letym2271]

Glassine paper :)

[@pewpewcat7679]

Why specifically photo paper? I do already do all of these things except for the drawing bridge. Good video but sadly not the holy grail I was hoping for 😆 Contemplating cutting up a vinyl glove but I feel like it may still smudge. I'll try it and find out. (What I mean is get a vinyl or latex glove and cut out thumb, pointer and middle finger, kind of like those gloves they make for drawing on tablets. Won't feel great but if you're working on a larger piece or something very dark with high smudging potential I think it would be helpful) I'll post an update when I try it. Would be a cheap means to prevent smudging if it works

[@Lzmstudio]

Photo paper is glossy, so graphite doesn't stick to it as much as regular paper. And here is my attempt at a glove for reducing smudges: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3m5lmeEoL2BndE

[@pewpewcat7679]

@@Lzmstudio aaah ok. Thanks for the info!

[@robertyoung406]

So is it better to use photo paper as a guard rather than normal paper?

[@Lzmstudio]

I think either work about the same amount, actually. What really matters is to be sure to lift the paper when you move it, rather than having pressure on it while dragging it!

[@robertyoung406]

@@Lzmstudio got it, thanks for the reply! :)

[@user-lourence_real_acc]

I hate it when I'm closing my sketch book and then it smudge how can I prevent it from happening?

[@Lzmstudio]

I’d buy a roll of glassine to use in between pages! kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3qxY2esnc9lo6Msi=dt6P8dejjIvXD5Ql

[@prod_rune2444]

Am I the only one who can draw animals and scenery with perfect shadows and tones, but can’t draw a basic shape with the same quality?

[@Lzmstudio]

Hmm, that's a curious question! I always say there are straight line people and then the rest of us, because most people can't draw straight lines very well... maybe you're better at organic forms than geometric forms?

[@safewhale5598]

OMG i want that gum ereaser

[@architecturalvisualization4644]

good

[@Lzmstudio]

thank you!

[@joselyntjiang4535]

hi!! this was really helpful but what if i dont want my drawing i drew already to get smudges (on white tables etc). i finished drawing it and everytime it touches my hand or any white thing again it smears on top, is there a way to stop that?

[@Lzmstudio]

Yes! Once a drawing is done you can use fixative to preserve it. I use "workable" fixative, but only once a drawing is completed, not in the middle of a drawing as then you can't erase entirely: amzn.to/2FT83h4

[@beansbrat5747]

I got question.... When you have no gum eraser

[@Lzmstudio]

Just use a regular eraser, then, and you'll want to use a dusting brush to get the eraser crumbs off so you don't smudge it again wiping the crumbs off (see this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYG4o6aged6Ii5o) and you also want to make sure you don't crumple the page with your regular eraser, so check out this video for help with that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y17IZJWhqNx5sMk

[@stfbrasil1989]

Puxando a string com essa força, não sai som nenhum

[@Lzmstudio]

I wish I understood Portugeuse, but using google translate, I'm not sure I understand your comment!

[@Temerityofficial21201]

A thing that no artist can make it realistic with graphite pencils is is is is is our sun

[@Lzmstudio]

That sounds like a good challenge. The gods and universe sure make the most beautiful things in nature!

[@Temerityofficial21201]

@@Lzmstudio ok lemme sub to u so I can watch it

[@Lzmstudio]

@@Temerityofficial21201 hahah. I didn’t say I was going to make a video with that but I’ll keep it in mind next time I do speed draws!

[@Temerityofficial21201]

@@Lzmstudio k so no need to sub I guess but I think I can learn more tricks so ok I will keep sub

[@Lzmstudio]

@@Temerityofficial21201 hahah! You’re funny.

[@AlyssaBrown117]

I love my gummy eraser xD so glad I got it

[@Lzmstudio]

It's the best tool, so glad you have one!

[@daynedass1505]

Gotta say really helpful tips thank you also for the ASMR (swallows spit)

[@Lzmstudio]

I'm old so ASMR is weird to me. Glad you like the drawing stuff though -ha!

[@chufeng6223]

You can use chalk to dry up your hands.

[@Lzmstudio]

hmm, an interesting idea i hadn't thought of! but the chalk will have to be acid-free or it will contaminate the paper.

[@chufeng6223]

@@Lzmstudio Not an artist or anythung, but I usually use techincal pencil and when my hands are all in chalk it doesnt smear when I srite, even if I push it and try to smear it.

[@Lzmstudio]

@@chufeng6223 i'll have to experiment- thanks!