<p>I think you can buy any generic plastic sheet for that purpose. Sturdier plastic - acrylic, PET - sheets will probably work better as they are less prone to movement.<br />
Many artists use regular paper sheets to rest their hands on while drawing.<br />
If you really want to diminish the risks of smudging, you can tape both your drawing and the plastic sheet to your working table.</p>
<p>A great alternative is to use bridges:</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/aEQc5.png" rel="noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/aEQc5.png" alt="enter image description here" /></a><br />
<sup><a href="https://www.jerrysartarama.com/artist-leaning-bridge" rel="noreferrer">source</a></sup></p>
<p>The great advantage over sheets is that they don't need to rest on the surface, which will prevent any accidental surface damage. They are also relatively easy to craft yourself (allowing for customization).<br />
On the other hand, they will slightly impede your hand movement, and need some getting used to.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-10-13T09:57:10.250Z
Writing this as a comment because I'm not entirely sure about its efficacy and would like someone's opinion on this first: for improved anti-smudging it might be better to choose an anti-static acrylic/PET sheet, especially when working with charcoal, so it doesn't disrupt the loose particle.
Joachim
CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-10-13T10:10:52.703Z
For hand movement, I wonder if another (small) sheet of paper laid on top would help
Chris H
CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-10-17T18:52:40.117Z
@ChrisH, almost anything would be better than a sweaty palm, but unless the paper was extremely smooth, the surface might abrade or drag graphite.  Shiny, coated paper like scrap magazine pages would probably work best if there are no plastic sheets around.
fixer1234
CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-10-17T19:48:39.420Z
@fixer1234 I meant extra paper on top of the plastic, but I really wasn't clear
Chris H
CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-10-19T17:37:48.137Z
Could use glassine paper, but another sheet of the same paper would be fine too. As long as it stays still it protects the drawing. I would say plain paper is better because your hand will not stick to it, as well as the static thing.
rebusB
CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-10-19T17:38:20.217Z
+1 for the bridge suggestion.
rebusB
CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-10-13T09:56:14.460Z
2021-10-13T09:56:14.460Z
Joachim
<p>I've seen countless graphite/pencil artists use a transparent plastic sheet that they place their hand on to prevent smudging of the picture they draw. Exactly what is this called, and can you buy these?</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-10-13T15:36:08.280Z
Are you looking for something like [Acrylic Clear Sheets](https://www.dickblick.com/products/acrylic-clear-sheets/)?
agarza
CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-10-14T12:29:53.957Z
Yes! I looked for _drawing supplied clear plastic sheet for smudging_, but I got results for mylar sheets... Wasn't sure that was exactly what I was looking for, though.
snek programmer
<drawing><tool-identification>
Plastic sheet for drawing to prevent smudging
snek programmer
# Plastic sheet for drawing to prevent smudging

(Asked by: username_0 on 2021-10-12)

I've seen countless graphite/pencil artists use a transparent plastic sheet that they place their hand on to prevent smudging of the picture they draw. Exactly what is this called, and can you buy these?

**Tags:** drawing, tool-identification

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Are you looking for something like [Acrylic Clear Sheets](https://www.dickblick.com/products/acrylic-clear-sheets/)?  
> **username_0**: Yes! I looked for _drawing supplied clear plastic sheet for smudging_, but I got results for mylar sheets... Wasn't sure that was exactly what I was looking for, though.  

---

## 1 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2021-10-13. Score: 5 | Accepted answer

I think you can buy any generic plastic sheet for that purpose. Sturdier plastic - acrylic, PET - sheets will probably work better as they are less prone to movement.  
Many artists use regular paper sheets to rest their hands on while drawing.  
If you really want to diminish the risks of smudging, you can tape both your drawing and the plastic sheet to your working table.

A great alternative is to use bridges:

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/aEQc5.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/aEQc5.png)  
[source](https://www.jerrysartarama.com/artist-leaning-bridge)

The great advantage over sheets is that they don't need to rest on the surface, which will prevent any accidental surface damage. They are also relatively easy to craft yourself (allowing for customization).  
On the other hand, they will slightly impede your hand movement, and need some getting used to.

> **Comments:**
> **username_2**: Writing this as a comment because I'm not entirely sure about its efficacy and would like someone's opinion on this first: for improved anti-smudging it might be better to choose an anti-static acrylic/PET sheet, especially when working with charcoal, so it doesn't disrupt the loose particle.  
> **username_3**: For hand movement, I wonder if another (small) sheet of paper laid on top would help  
> **username_4**: @username_3, almost anything would be better than a sweaty palm, but unless the paper was extremely smooth, the surface might abrade or drag graphite.  Shiny, coated paper like scrap magazine pages would probably work best if there are no plastic sheets around.  
> **username_3**: @username_4 I meant extra paper on top of the plastic, but I really wasn't clear  
> **username_5**: Could use glassine paper, but another sheet of the same paper would be fine too. As long as it stays still it protects the drawing. I would say plain paper is better because your hand will not stick to it, as well as the static thing.  
> **username_5**: +1 for the bridge suggestion.  

---

