Scraperboard

Scraperboard, or scratch board, is a drawing medium that is traditionally a black-coated board with a white layer beneath. We also stock some beautiful specialty scraperboards with gold, copper or silver substrates – as well as a rainbow version!

A wide variety of drawing techniques can be used on scraperboard to give various effects such as cross hatching, parallel lines and dots. The finished illustration often resembles that of wood engraving or linocut printing but is not a print medium in itself. You might remember creating your own ‘scraperboard’ as a child by drawing with wax crayons on paper and then painting over it with black paint/ink mixed with dishwashing liquid. This just goes to show that it’s a fun and exciting medium for people of all ages!

Here we show you the basic steps to creating a scraperboard illustration – but remember you can use it any which way you like – let your imagination run wild!

There is a ton of scraperboard inspiration out there – from traditional to contemporary illustrations to hyper-real portraits. There really are no rules when it comes to this medium. Check out this awesome Pinterest Board to get those creative juices flowing!