Transform Your Home With A Simple Graphite Paper Wall Hack

Do you love the look of wallpaper but can't seem to find the right design for your home? Wallpapering is one of those home projects that can completely change up the look of a room, but this method does not come without its downsides. One of the most prominent disadvantages is how stubborn and difficult it can be to remove when you're ready for a change. Instead of settling for a design you don't completely love, try creating your own wall art with a graphite paper hack. All you have to do is use the paper to trace a design onto the wall before you paint over it and bring it to life.

The reason this hack works lies in the science behind graphite paper, which is also called transfer paper or carbon paper. This specific type of paper has graphite particles on just one side that are essentially moved onto another surface by applying pressure in the shape of the design. It's an incredibly popular material for artists and generally simple to use, though there are some drawbacks to keep in mind. Graphite can be somewhat difficult to remove, so be sure to work carefully if you're experimenting with wall placement or plan to cover it with a trendy paint pattern to make your walls less boring.

The first step to this DIY wall hack is to pick out the design or pattern you'd like to transfer to the wall. This can be any type of image, but you'll want to make sure it's as clear and high-quality as possible. Next, take your carbon paper and place it with the shiny side face down against the wall (leaving the dull side facing you). Use some painter's tape to help keep it in place. Now take your drawing and place it over the contact paper, so the image is facing you. Use more tape to keep the drawing secure. You don't want it to move around too much, as this can affect your accuracy.

This next step is where you'll actually start tracing over the image so it's transferred to the wall. Use a pencil (standard or mechanical) or even a colored pencil to help keep track of where you've traced. Take your time with this portion, being sure to hit every detail with roughly the same amount of pressure for an even appearance. The more accurate your outline, the better the final product will be. Once the entire drawing is traced, repeat across the wall until you have your design. Painting is the last step, whether you decide to go in with a brush or use something a little more unique, like a paint pen, to really enhance the details. You can also use this paint hack to create a statement piece on doors or cabinets.

If you've decided to avoid making one of those common wallpaper mistakes homeowners make and want to simplify the redesign process, the graphite paper wall hack is ideal. However, there are some important things to keep in mind when working with this material to help avoid any unnecessary bumps in your DIY road. For example, with graphite being a somewhat difficult marking to remove from walls, you'll want to opt for a carbon paper with no wax coating, because the wax is designed to protect the carbon and makes it even more difficult to erase. While the wax is meant to help bind the graphite to the paper and prevent smudging, it can leave behind a residue. And of course you want to be certain your design and painting techniques match your vision, whether whimsical, crafty, or artsy. It's going to be on your wall for a while.

You'll also want to avoid the mistake of throwing away your graphite paper once you've finished with this wall hack. Unlike some transfer options like foil sheets, graphite paper allows you to use the same piece multiple times before needing to grab a new one. Make sure you're not tossing out these sheets and spending extra cash when you can use one sheet for multiple projects.