Before you start a painting, you might like to sketch out your idea, to make sure you’re happy with the size and shape of it. Using a pencil seems like the best idea to use on a canvas right?
So, can you use pencil under oil paint? Yes, you can use a pencil to sketch before painting with oil paints, but you will need to add a thin layer of protection between the pencil and the paint. You can do this with a fixative spray, or a very thin layer of gesso made for oil paints. This will prevent any potential bleeding into your paint. Another great option is graphite pencils.
To use a pencil for sketching on canvas, there are a few steps you need to take to ensure that you won’t have any issues with the pencil lifting or bleeding. Luckily, these steps are incredibly simple and will greatly enhance your finished product. Let’s read on to find out more!
How to Use Pencil Under Oil Paint
A canvas is going to have a rougher surface than paper, which can make it a little tricky to use pencil on. The first thing you are going to need to do is create a smooth surface for the pencil to stick to. The best way to do this is by applying a couple layers of oil-safe gesso to the canvas.
Using an oil-safe gesso will not only create a smooth surface for your pencil, but it will also enhance the adhesion of the oil paint to the surface. It is essential to apply thin, even coats of gesso and make sure you give each coat plenty of time to dry before adding the next one. You should apply at least two coats, but you can add more if you wish.
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You will have the best results if you apply the gesso with a wide brush and move in just one direction. Take extra care to cover every spot with gesso or you will end up with an uneven, unprotected surface. Make sure the gesso is completely dry before you try to draw on it.
It is also recommended to use a soft grade pencil for this project. This type of pencil will not cause any damage to the surface like a hard graphite might. Soft grade is also easier to apply to canvas. You will still want to use light pressure when you are using the pencil, so if you need darker lines, you might want to go over the sketch a few times.
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After you have your sketch completed, you are going to want to apply either another thin layer of gesso on top of it or a fixative spray. This will protect both the paint and the pencil during your painting process. This slight protective barrier will keep the pencil from bleeding into the paint and lifting off the canvas.
As soon as your protective layer is completely dry, you can start painting with your oil paint.
Does Pencil Show Through Oil Paint?
Pencil showing through oil paint will completely depend on how thick or thin the paint is. If you like using a thinner oil paint, you will be able to see the pencil underneath. If you like your oil paint to stay on the thicker side, you won’t be able to see the pencil.
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Since oil paint is flexible when it comes to consistency and you are in control of it, you are also in control of whether or not the pencil will show through the paint. It all depends on how much thinner you add to the paint.
If you want to be able to see the sketch through your oil painting, you are going to want to have a thinner oil paint. You will need to add more paint thinner than paint to create a thinner, more transparent color.
If you just want your sketch to be a guideline and not part of your final piece, you will just add less paint thinner than paint. This will make it easier to use the paint while still remaining opaque enough to cover your sketch marks.
The best thing you can do is test out the consistency of your paint before you use it on your actual painting. You can do this on a scrap piece of paper or canvas. Paint some of your oil paint over a pencil line to see if the paint covers it or leaves it visible.
Can You Use Graphite Under Oil Paint?
You can also use graphite to sketch your idea under an oil painting. Some artists have said they notice bleed through with graphite, while others have said they’ve never experienced bleed through. If yCou are worried that bleed through might be a problem, you can always use a protective layer of gesso or a fixative spray to prevent bleeding.
Faber-Castell is an excellent graphite pencil brand. It’s used by artists and professionals, and offer amazing results.
Graphite is harder to cover up than regular pencil, so keep this in mind before you decide to use it. If you don’t mind your graphite marks showing, then you can use it. If you don’t want the graphite marks showing, it is best to use just a regular pencil for the job.
Best Pencils to Use on a Canvas
Regular graphite pencils are the best to use under an oil painting. This is because they have a wide range of hardness. You can choose a pencil that is softer for preventing damage to your canvas, or you can choose one that is harder for more detailed designs.
Softer pencils will also be easier to erase if you make a mistake. Since you aren’t using much pressure and the graphite is only on the surface, you will have a much easier time getting rid of it than you would with a hard pencil.
Another great option to use on a canvas is a colored pencil. This can help you outline exactly which colors you want to use and where you want to use them when you start painting. Colored pencils also have a softer tip, so you aren’t risking any damage to your canvas.
You can also control whether your colored pencil marks are visible or not through your paint, though they will be easier to cover up. This idea is mostly to help you plan out the colors you want to use for your painting.
Final Thoughts
If you enjoy sketching out your paintings before you actually start the painting process, you are going to wonder if it’s possible to do under an oil painting. Luckily, the answer is an easy yes. You can use a pencil to sketch under an oil painting as a guiding outline before you start painting.
As for whether or not the sketch lines will show through the oil paint, you are in complete control of that. If you want the lines to show through, you will mix your paint with more paint thinner. If you do not want the lines to show through, you will mix the paint with less paint thinner.
It is best to use soft-tip pencils on canvas under oil paint to prevent any damage to the canvas. If you want the lines to be darker, you will need to draw over the lines gently a few times. You can also use colored pencils to outline the colors you will use.
Make sure to follow all my tips and recommended products to ensure your oil painting turns out great! Also, don’t forget to check out my other articles for all your painting Q&A’s. Happy painting!
