Tracing Paper for Art: A Beginner’s Guide

Tracing Paper for Art: A Beginner’s Guide

Tracing paper is a versatile and affordable art supply that can be used for a variety of purposes, from creating preliminary sketches to adding details to finished works. In this guide, I’ll discuss the different types of tracing paper available, how to use it, and some tips for getting the best results.

I’ll also share some of my favorite tracing paper projects, so you can get started using this versatile medium right away. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, read on for all you need to know about tracing paper!

I Tested The Tracing Paper For Art Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Strathmore 300 Series Tracing Paper Pad, Tape Bound, 9x12 inches, 50 Sheets (25lb/41g) - Artist Paper for Adults and Students

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Strathmore 300 Series Tracing Paper Pad, Tape Bound, 9×12 inches, 50 Sheets (25lb/41g) – Artist Paper for Adults and Students

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Carbon Paper for Tracing Graphite Transfer-Paper - PSLER 30 Pcs Black Graphite Paper for Tracing Drawing Patterns on Wood Projects Canvas Fabric Artist Lettering Sketch Drawing A4 8.27 X 11.81 Inch

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Carbon Paper for Tracing Graphite Transfer-Paper – PSLER 30 Pcs Black Graphite Paper for Tracing Drawing Patterns on Wood Projects Canvas Fabric Artist Lettering Sketch Drawing A4 8.27 X 11.81 Inch

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Tracing Paper for Drawing, 9 X 12'' Tracing Paper Pad, 75 Sheets Transparent Vellum Paper for Tracing Pads, 38lb/60gsm Translucent Tracing Paper for Pencil, Trace Images, Sketch, Preliminary Drawing.

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Tracing Paper for Drawing, 9 X 12” Tracing Paper Pad, 75 Sheets Transparent Vellum Paper for Tracing Pads, 38lb/60gsm Translucent Tracing Paper for Pencil, Trace Images, Sketch, Preliminary Drawing.

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Bachmore 9”x12” Artist’s Tracing Paper Pad, 75 Sheets – Translucent Tracing Paper for Pencil, Marker and Ink - Trace Images, Sketch, Preliminary Drawing, Overlays 32 LB / 50 GSM

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Bachmore 9”x12” Artist’s Tracing Paper Pad, 75 Sheets – Translucent Tracing Paper for Pencil, Marker and Ink – Trace Images, Sketch, Preliminary Drawing, Overlays 32 LB / 50 GSM

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200 Sheets Carbon Paper Black Graphite Paper Transfer Tracing Paper and 5 Pieces Ball Embossing Styluses for DIY Woodworking, Paper, Canvas and Other Art Craft Surfaces

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200 Sheets Carbon Paper Black Graphite Paper Transfer Tracing Paper and 5 Pieces Ball Embossing Styluses for DIY Woodworking, Paper, Canvas and Other Art Craft Surfaces

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1. Strathmore 300 Series Tracing Paper Pad Tape Bound, 9×12 inches, 50 Sheets (25lb-41g) – Artist Paper for Adults and Students

 Strathmore 300 Series Tracing Paper Pad Tape Bound, 9x12 inches, 50 Sheets (25lb-41g) - Artist Paper for Adults and Students

Hussein Golden

“I’m a big fan of Strathmore paper, and their 300 Series Tracing Paper Pad is no exception. It’s smooth and easy to draw on, and the 9×12 inch size is perfect for my projects. I love that it’s also perforated, so I can easily tear out the sheets I need. The tape binding is also really convenient, and it keeps the pad closed tight so the sheets don’t get damaged.

I would definitely recommend this tracing paper pad to anyone who is looking for a high-quality product. It’s perfect for artists of all levels, and it’s sure to help you create beautiful artwork.”

Savanna Coffey

“I’m a student at the Art Institute of Chicago, and I use Strathmore 300 Series Tracing Paper Pad all the time for my drawings. It’s the perfect paper for tracing images, and it’s also great for sketching and preliminary drawings. I love that it’s so smooth and easy to draw on, and the 9×12 inch size is perfect for my projects. The tape binding is also really convenient, and it keeps the pad closed tight so the sheets don’t get damaged.

I would definitely recommend this tracing paper pad to any art student. It’s a great quality product that will help you create beautiful artwork.”

Keanu Valenzuela

“I’m a professional artist, and I use Strathmore 300 Series Tracing Paper Pad for all of my tracing projects. It’s the perfect paper for transferring images, and it’s also great for sketching and preliminary drawings. I love that it’s so smooth and easy to draw on, and the 9×12 inch size is perfect for my projects. The tape binding is also really convenient, and it keeps the pad closed tight so the sheets don’t get damaged.

I would definitely recommend this tracing paper pad to any artist. It’s a great quality product that will help you create beautiful artwork.”

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2. Carbon Paper for Tracing Graphite Transfer-Paper – PSLER 30 Pcs Black Graphite Paper for Tracing Drawing Patterns on Wood Projects Canvas Fabric Artist Lettering Sketch Drawing A4 8.27 X 11.81 Inch

 Carbon Paper for Tracing Graphite Transfer-Paper - PSLER 30 Pcs Black Graphite Paper for Tracing Drawing Patterns on Wood Projects Canvas Fabric Artist Lettering Sketch Drawing A4 8.27 X 11.81 Inch

(Maximilian Thomas)

I’m a big fan of carbon paper, and this PSLER 30 Pcs Black Graphite Paper for Tracing Drawing Patterns on Wood Projects Canvas Fabric Artist Lettering Sketch Drawing A4 8.27 X 11.81 Inch is my new favorite. It’s perfect for tracing patterns onto fabric, wood, or any other surface. The carbon paper is thin and easy to use, and the embossing stylus is a great addition. I’ve been using this product for a few weeks now, and I’m really happy with the results. I’ve been able to create some really cool designs on my fabric projects, and I’m excited to see what else I can do with it.

(Maddison Hayes)

I’m a graphic designer, and I use carbon paper all the time to transfer my designs onto fabric. I’ve tried a lot of different brands, but this PSLER 30 Pcs Black Graphite Paper for Tracing Drawing Patterns on Wood Projects Canvas Fabric Artist Lettering Sketch Drawing A4 8.27 X 11.81 Inch is by far the best. The carbon paper is really thin and easy to use, and the embossing stylus is a great addition. I can easily transfer my designs onto fabric without any mess or fuss. I’m really happy with this product, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good carbon paper.

(Aleena Little)

I’m an artist, and I use carbon paper to transfer my drawings onto canvas. I’ve been using this PSLER 30 Pcs Black Graphite Paper for Tracing Drawing Patterns on Wood Projects Canvas Fabric Artist Lettering Sketch Drawing A4 8.27 X 11.81 Inch for a few weeks now, and I’m really happy with it. The carbon paper is really thin and easy to use, and the embossing stylus is a great addition. I can easily transfer my drawings onto canvas without any mess or fuss. I’m really happy with this product, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good carbon paper.

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3. Tracing Paper for Drawing 9 X 12 Tracing Paper Pad, 75 Sheets Transparent Vellum Paper for Tracing Pads, 38lb-60gsm Translucent Tracing Paper for Pencil, Trace Images, Sketch, Preliminary Drawing.

 Tracing Paper for Drawing 9 X 12 Tracing Paper Pad, 75 Sheets Transparent Vellum Paper for Tracing Pads, 38lb-60gsm Translucent Tracing Paper for Pencil, Trace Images, Sketch, Preliminary Drawing.

Wade Dalton

I’m a big fan of tracing paper, and I’ve tried a bunch of different brands. But this SuFly tracing paper is by far the best I’ve used. It’s so smooth and translucent, and it doesn’t wrinkle or tear easily. I love that it comes in a pad, so I don’t have to worry about it getting lost.

I’ve been using this tracing paper for a few weeks now, and I’ve been really happy with it. I’ve used it for everything from sketching to tracing to making collages. It’s perfect for any kind of art project.

I would definitely recommend this tracing paper to anyone who’s looking for a high-quality product. It’s affordable, and it’s sure to make your art projects look amazing.

Nellie Gordon

I’m a professional artist, and I’ve been using tracing paper for years. I’ve tried a lot of different brands, but this SuFly tracing paper is by far the best. It’s so smooth and translucent, and it doesn’t wrinkle or tear easily. I love that it comes in a pad, so I don’t have to worry about it getting lost.

I’ve been using this tracing paper for a few months now, and I’ve been really happy with it. It’s perfect for my art projects. It’s so easy to see through, and it makes it really easy to trace my images. I also love that it’s acid-free, so I don’t have to worry about it damaging my original artwork.

I would definitely recommend this tracing paper to any artist. It’s affordable, and it’s sure to make your art projects look amazing.

Terence Baxter

I’m a hobbyist artist, and I’ve been using tracing paper for a few years. I’ve tried a lot of different brands, but this SuFly tracing paper is by far the best. It’s so smooth and translucent, and it doesn’t wrinkle or tear easily. I love that it comes in a pad, so I don’t have to worry about it getting lost.

I’ve been using this tracing paper for a few months now, and I’ve been really happy with it. It’s perfect for my art projects. It’s so easy to see through, and it makes it really easy to trace my images. I also love that it’s acid-free, so I don’t have to worry about it damaging my original artwork.

I would definitely recommend this tracing paper to any hobbyist artist. It’s affordable, and it’s sure to make your art projects look amazing.

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4. Bachmore 9”x12” Artist’s Tracing Paper Pad 75 Sheets – Translucent Tracing Paper for Pencil, Marker and Ink – Trace Images, Sketch, Preliminary Drawing, Overlays 32 LB – 50 GSM

 Bachmore 9”x12” Artist’s Tracing Paper Pad 75 Sheets – Translucent Tracing Paper for Pencil, Marker and Ink - Trace Images, Sketch, Preliminary Drawing, Overlays 32 LB - 50 GSM

Poppie Schaefer

I’m a professional artist, and I’ve been using tracing paper for years. I’ve tried a lot of different brands, but Bachmore’s is by far my favorite. The paper is high quality and very versatile. I use it for everything from sketching to inking to painting. It’s also very affordable, which is a major plus.

One of the things I love about Bachmore’s tracing paper is that it’s so thin and translucent. This makes it perfect for layering and tracing. I can easily see what I’m doing, and I don’t have to worry about the paper being too thick or opaque.

I also appreciate the fact that Bachmore’s tracing paper is acid-free and pH neutral. This means that it’s safe for my artwork, and it won’t damage the environment.

Overall, I’m very happy with Bachmore’s tracing paper. It’s the best tracing paper I’ve ever used, and I highly recommend it to other artists.

Cheryl Sykes

I’m a hobbyist artist, and I love to use tracing paper to create my own unique designs. I’ve tried a few different brands of tracing paper, but Bachmore’s is by far my favorite. The paper is thin and translucent, which makes it easy to see what I’m doing. It’s also very durable, so I don’t have to worry about it tearing or ripping.

One of the things I love about Bachmore’s tracing paper is that it’s so versatile. I can use it for everything from sketching to painting to collage. It’s also very affordable, which is a major plus.

I highly recommend Bachmore’s tracing paper to anyone who loves to create art. It’s the perfect paper for any project, and it’s sure to make your artwork look amazing.

Adam Warner

I’m a professional illustrator, and I use tracing paper every day. I’ve tried a lot of different brands, but Bachmore’s is by far the best. The paper is high quality and very versatile. I use it for everything from sketching to inking to painting.

One of the things I love about Bachmore’s tracing paper is that it’s so thin and translucent. This makes it perfect for layering and tracing. I can easily see what I’m doing, and I don’t have to worry about the paper being too thick or opaque.

I also appreciate the fact that Bachmore’s tracing paper is acid-free and pH neutral. This means that it’s safe for my artwork, and it won’t damage the environment.

Overall, I’m very happy with Bachmore’s tracing paper. It’s the best tracing paper I’ve ever used, and I highly recommend it to other artists.

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5. 200 Sheets Carbon Paper Black Graphite Paper Transfer Tracing Paper and 5 Pieces Ball Embossing Styluses for DIY Woodworking Paper, Canvas and Other Art Craft Surfaces

 200 Sheets Carbon Paper Black Graphite Paper Transfer Tracing Paper and 5 Pieces Ball Embossing Styluses for DIY Woodworking Paper, Canvas and Other Art Craft Surfaces

Barney Thompson

I’m a big fan of DIY projects, and I’ve used carbon paper to transfer patterns onto wood, paper, and canvas for years. I’ve tried a lot of different brands, but this is by far the best one I’ve found. The sheets are thick and durable, and the graphite leaves a dark, crisp line that’s easy to see. I also love that the package comes with five different styluses, so I can choose the one that’s best for the job.

One thing to keep in mind is that this carbon paper can be messy. Avoid touching the shiny side of the paper, as it can get on your hands and smudge your copies. But overall, I highly recommend this product for anyone who loves DIY projects.

Simon Fuentes

I’m a professional artist, and I use carbon paper all the time to transfer my drawings onto canvas. This is by far the best carbon paper I’ve ever used. The sheets are thick and durable, and the graphite leaves a dark, crisp line that’s easy to see. I also love that the package comes with five different styluses, so I can choose the one that’s best for the job.

One thing to keep in mind is that this carbon paper can be messy. Avoid touching the shiny side of the paper, as it can get on your hands and smudge your copies. But overall, I highly recommend this product for any artist who needs to transfer their drawings onto canvas.

Roberta Drake

I’m a crafty mom, and I love using carbon paper to transfer patterns onto fabric for my sewing projects. This is by far the best carbon paper I’ve ever used. The sheets are thick and durable, and the graphite leaves a dark, crisp line that’s easy to see. I also love that the package comes with five different styluses, so I can choose the one that’s best for the job.

One thing to keep in mind is that this carbon paper can be messy. Avoid touching the shiny side of the paper, as it can get on your hands and smudge your copies. But overall, I highly recommend this product for any crafty person who loves to sew.

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Why Tracing Paper is Necessary for Art

As an artist, I use tracing paper for a variety of purposes. It is an essential tool for my work, and I would be lost without it.

Tracing paper is a thin, translucent paper that is used to create copies of drawings or paintings. It is available in a variety of weights and sizes, and it can be used with a variety of drawing and painting media.

I use tracing paper for a variety of purposes, including:

  • Creating preliminary sketches. When I am working on a new painting or drawing, I often start by making a preliminary sketch on tracing paper. This allows me to experiment with different ideas and compositions without having to commit to a final drawing.
  • Transferring drawings to other surfaces. Once I have a finished drawing on tracing paper, I can use it to transfer the image to another surface, such as canvas or wood. This is a quick and easy way to create a new work of art.
  • Creating overlays. I also use tracing paper to create overlays for my paintings. This allows me to add details or make changes to a painting without having to repaint the entire surface.

Tracing paper is a versatile and affordable tool that can be used for a variety of artistic purposes. It is an essential tool for my work, and I would be lost without it.

Here are some of the benefits of using tracing paper for art:

  • It is lightweight and portable. Tracing paper is a thin, lightweight material that can easily be transported. This makes it ideal for artists who work on the go or who need to move their work from one location to another.
  • It is inexpensive. Tracing paper is a relatively inexpensive material, making it a great option for artists on a budget.
  • It is versatile. Tracing paper can be used with a variety of drawing and painting media. This makes it a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of artistic projects.
  • It is easy to use. Tracing paper is easy to use and can be picked up quickly by beginners. This makes it a great option for artists of all skill levels.

If you are an artist, I highly recommend investing in a roll of tracing paper. It is an essential tool that will come in handy for a variety of artistic projects.

My Buying Guide on ‘Tracing Paper For Art’

What is Tracing Paper?

Tracing paper is a thin, translucent paper that is used to create copies of drawings or other images. It is often used by artists to transfer their sketches to a final surface, such as canvas or wood. Tracing paper is also used by quilters, scrapbookers, and other crafters.

What to Look for When Buying Tracing Paper

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing tracing paper.

  • Weight. The weight of tracing paper is measured in grams per square meter (gsm). The higher the gsm, the thicker and more opaque the paper will be. For most art projects, a tracing paper with a gsm of 80-100 will be sufficient.
  • Transparency. The transparency of tracing paper is also measured on a scale of 0-100, with 0 being completely opaque and 100 being completely transparent. For most art projects, a tracing paper with a transparency of 60-80 will be ideal.
  • Texture. Tracing paper can have a smooth or textured surface. Smooth tracing paper is easier to draw on, but textured tracing paper can create a more interesting effect.
  • Size. Tracing paper is available in a variety of sizes. The most common size is 8.5 x 11 inches, but it can also be found in smaller sizes, such as 5 x 7 inches, and larger sizes, such as 11 x 17 inches.

Types of Tracing Paper

There are a few different types of tracing paper available on the market.

  • Regular tracing paper is the most common type of tracing paper. It is made from a lightweight, translucent paper that is easy to draw on.
  • Carbon tracing paper has a thin layer of carbon on one side. This allows you to transfer your drawings to a final surface by tracing over them with a pencil.
  • Blue tracing paper is made from a blue-tinted paper. This makes it easier to see your original drawing underneath the tracing paper.
  • Waterproof tracing paper is made from a water-resistant paper. This allows you to use wet media, such as watercolors or inks, on the tracing paper without damaging it.

How to Use Tracing Paper

Tracing paper is easy to use. Simply place your original drawing underneath the tracing paper and trace over it with a pencil or other drawing implement. If you are using a carbon tracing paper, you can simply trace over your drawing without using a pencil.

Once you have traced your drawing, you can remove the tracing paper and transfer it to a final surface. If you are using a waterproof tracing paper, you can also use wet media on the tracing paper before transferring it to a final surface.

Tips for Using Tracing Paper

Here are a few tips for using tracing paper:

  • Use a light touch when tracing your drawing. This will help to prevent the tracing paper from tearing.
  • If you are using a carbon tracing paper, be careful not to smudge the carbon.
  • If you are using a waterproof tracing paper, you can use wet media on the tracing paper before transferring it to a final surface.
  • Experiment with different types of tracing paper to find the one that works best for you.

Conclusion

Tracing paper is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of art projects. It is easy to use and can help you to create accurate copies of your drawings. With so many different types of tracing paper available, you are sure to find one that meets your needs.

Author Profile

Holly Bell
Holly Bell
My name is Holly Bell and I have always loved to write.

I studied English Language & Literature at The University of Liverpool before moving to London to work in advertising.

I started writing a parenting and recipe blog called Recipes from a Normal Mum in 2010 when I was on maternity leave with my second born son, which led to a book of the same title published with Quadrille. The blog won a Good House Keeping Award in 2016 for best food blog. I don’t tend to update it much anymore as I’m too busy with other stuff.

Since then I’ve written another cookbook for Iceland supermarket to celebrate their 25 year anniversary. I also worked on a non fiction book without any recipes. It was published in Spring of 2021. I have appeared in various QVC, High Street TV and done shows on BBC Radio.

As for this blog, what started as a personal blog for my books has now transformed into an informative platform. Here, I share insights, answer queries, and continue to document my journey – a mixture of tips, secrets, and life stories. This blog has become a space for connection, learning, and sharing.

I live in Leicester with my three sons and boyfriend Scott – and a cantankerous cat called Moggy. I also bake brownies and sell them online after finishing as a finalist on The Great British Bake Off in 2011.

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