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Question on Techniques to Prevent Graphite Shine in Realistic Drawing
Hi Ali, I hope this message finds you well.
I am passionate about realistic drawing and usually work primarily with charcoal, although I often incorporate graphite pencil for fine details. The challenge I face is that when I integrate graphite, the finished piece develops an unwanted shine, which affects both the uniformity and the overall presentation of the artwork.
Could you please advise me on the best techniques or combinations for working with graphite and charcoal without producing this shiny effect? I am particularly interested in learning about:
-Recommended types or grades of graphite suitable for this kind of mixed-media work.
-Application or sealing methods that help maintain a matte texture.
-Any tips on integrating both materials for a professional, consistent finish.
Thank you in advance for your time and for any guidance you can share to help me refine this technique.
Best regards,
Ali2 Comments-
Hi Linda, thank you for your thoughtful question and kind words! 😊 and yesss you’re absolutely right.. that unwanted graphite shine can really take away from the matte realism we aim for in hyperrealistic drawings. I tried experimenting iwth this some time ago and let me share some techniques that have worked well for me:
First of all, Stick to matte-finish pencils like Staedtler Mars Lumograph Black or Fabercastell’s Matte pencils etc (especially 6B–8B). They blend carbon into the graphite and reduce shine significantly.
Seondly, Use charcoal in your darkest areas, and keep graphite for midtones and highlights. Avoid pressing too hard with graphite and build tones with soft layering and blending.
Another trick that worked for me is sealing. Using very light layer of matte fixative (like Winsor & Newton or Lascaux) can help, but spray from a good distance and test first, as fixatives can alter tones.
Also, try a slightly textured surface like Strathmore 400 series or hot-pressed watercolor paper to break up reflection without sacrificing detail.
Combining both mediums takes practice and it’s like mixing oil with water hahah, but I get it, experimenting is the only way to find what works and I do i t all the time so hats off to you for trying. your approach is already advanced. Just keep experimenting and refining and let me know how it goes.
Ali1 -
Hi Linda,
I like to use mediums that are convenient, because of my painful hands. And at the same time avoiding that annoying shine of dark graphite pencils.
The shine in graphite is mostly present in the dark pencils. Like Ali said, you can use Faber castell Pitt Matt. For really dark details I usually use 10B-12B-14B. The 14B always surprises me. Even if I think it can’t be darker this one always makes it even darker.
Sadly, these pencils aren’t made in powder for the large areas. You can make your own powder, but I’m more a ‘lazy’ artist and it’s too much work for me 🤣 Instead…
I use watersoluble graphite. There are multiple brands and I like to experiment -not on my artwork though- on different kinds of paper and comparing the darkness of them.
I’m not a big fan of charcoal because it can give such a mess and believe me, I look like a Halloween figure after using such type of medium.
Pure graphite pencils are also awesome to use. I ordered a set on Temu a while ago just for fun and wow… I was amazed by the darkness AND lack of oily shine
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