Using a Black Carbon for Tracing

Chris sent us the following enquiry regarding using a Black Carbon for his tracing:

Hi Colin, I followed the instructions for direct tracing to pastel paper from your leaflet. I used black carbon paper and produced a thin light line on the paper. This tended to smudge and not cover well when I applied the pastels. I am wondering if I've mis-interpreted the instructions? I am considering purchase of your grids but wouldn't the same thing happen? Perhaps I should just use the grid system to free draw the subject onto the pastel paper and then rub out the grid lines to leave the image. Have you any advice please? It will be appreciated very much.

Some black carbon paper can smudge so it is wise to make sure that the black carbon is of a good quality. However the Tracedown graphite paper we use will only leave a feint line and this will not interfere with the pastel.If the line is too feint then by using a HB or F grade graphite pencil this line can be strengthened, if it is felt that this line might show through the pastel then it can easily be lightened by using a good quality pencil eraser.