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How do I put my design on my watercolor paper?

My friend I have 4 answers:

1. Use a light table
2. Use a window
3. Graphite paper
4. #2 Pencil Graphite transfer

#4 is the easiest and cheapest route, though any option will get the job done. Read more below to decide for yourself!

1. Light Table

• Layer 1: light table
• Layer 2: Design you want to transfer printed on copy paper. (gently secure on one side with masking tape)
• Layer 3: watercolor paper (gently secure on one side with masking tape)
• On top! Draw lightly with pencil on watercolor paper.

I have a non-LED version of this light table I’ve had a while, but there looks to be lots of fun slim options now.

2. Use a Window

While any window can technically become a Lightbox, there are few things that will give you success.

1. First, it’s best to be a sunny day.
2. Choose a window that has the light coming directly in.
3. Use papers that are thinner– you don’t want to have to trace through watercolor paper and cardstock.

• Layer 1: window with a lot of light coming in.
• Layer 2: Design you want to transfer printed on copy paper (gently secure on one side with masking tape)
• Layer 3: watercolor paper (gently secure on one side with masking tape)
• On top! Draw lightly with pencil on watercolor paper.

Note: North-facing windows will never have direct sunlight if you’re in mainland USA.

3. Graphite Paper

• Layer 1: watercolor paper (gently secure with masking tape)
• Layer 2: Graphite paper, darker side down  (gently secure on one side with masking tape)
• Layer 3: Design you want to transfer printed on copy paper (gently secure on one side with masking tape)
• On top! Draw with colored pen or pencil on printed design. Adjust pressure according to preference.

Downside: While this method is rockin’ awesome for acrylic painting, the bold graphite lines do not erase (at least the brand I bought) for watercolor.
So keep that in mind if it fits for your project. Typically it’s okay to have pencil lines showing, but it shouldn’t detract from the artwork itself.

4. #2 Pencil: Graphite Transfer

• Beforehand: messily draw with a pencil and good amount of pressure on the BACK of your printable about where the lines are. You can cover the whole area, or just where the design is. Easier to see when placed on light table, using regular copy paper. The darker the scribbles, the better it will transfer.
  (Do NOT do this on top of your watercolor paper or you might transfer the actual design backwards)
• Layer 1: watercolor paper (gently secure on one side with masking tape)
• Layer 2: Design you want to transfer printed on copy paper, design facing up as expected, so scribbled graphite faces watercolor paper (gently secure on one side with masking tape)
• On top! Draw with colored pen or pencil on printed design.

Note, for all of these, it’s a good idea to place your hand by the tape and gently peek to make sure the transfer is successful partway through. Avoid shifting layers or you’ll get a messy transfer that doesn’t line up correctly.

 

I’ll have a cute video soon, but hopefully this will get you going! The sky is the limit on what you can transfer and create!