I've been experimenting with grafix double matte drafting film for a few months now, and it's honestly changed how I approach my technical drawings and layered artwork. If you've spent any time at a drafting table or an art desk, you probably know that finding the right surface is half the battle. You want something that doesn't fight back when you apply pressure, but also something that can handle a bit of a beating if you need to erase a mistake for the tenth time.
It's Not Just Your Basic Plastic Sheet
When most people think of film, they think of something slick, clear, and difficult to write on. That's definitely not the case here. The "matte" part of the name refers to the texture, or the "tooth," that's been added to the surface. It feels a bit like a very high-end, smooth paper, but with the structural integrity of a polyester base.
The coolest part about this specific film is the "double" aspect. This means the matte finish is on both sides of the sheet. Most films only give you one side to work on, leaving the back side slick and unusable. Having that texture on both sides opens up a lot of creative doors that you just don't get with standard paper or single-sided films.
The Double-Sided Advantage
I didn't realize how much I'd use the back of the sheet until I actually had it. In architectural work or complex illustrations, being able to flip the sheet over and add background elements or shading on the reverse side is a game-changer.
Because the film is translucent—not fully transparent like glass, but enough to see through—whatever you put on the back shows through with a slightly softer look. It creates a natural sense of depth. I've seen people use this to add color with colored pencils or pastels on the back while keeping their sharp, black ink lines on the front. It keeps the ink from smudging and gives the whole piece a professional, layered quality.
Why Pencil and Ink Feel Different on This Film
If you're a fan of mechanical pencils or lead holders, you're going to love how they feel on grafix double matte drafting film. On regular paper, the lead can sometimes feel "mushy" or get soaked into the fibers. On this film, the lead sits right on top of the tooth. It feels crisp. You can get incredibly fine lines that stay sharp, which is exactly what you want for detailed drafting or intricate stippling.
Ink is a similar story. Whether you're using technical pens, fine liners, or even a traditional dip pen, the ink doesn't feather. You know that annoying thing where ink follows the fibers of the paper and makes your sharp line look fuzzy? That literally can't happen here because there are no fibers. The ink dries on the surface, and once it's set, it looks incredibly bold and black.
The best part, though? Erasing. We all mess up. On paper, if you erase too hard, you risk tearing the surface or leaving a "ghost" image. With this polyester film, you can usually take an electric eraser or a moist vinyl eraser and lift the graphite or ink right off. It's very forgiving, which is great if you're like me and change your mind about a layout halfway through.
Durability That Puts Vellum to Shame
I used to use a lot of vellum, but I've mostly made the switch to grafix double matte drafting film because it's just tougher. Vellum is basically paper treated with oil or plastic, and it's notorious for reacting to humidity. If the room gets a little damp, vellum starts to ripple and wave, which is a nightmare if you're trying to draw a straight line with a T-square.
Since this film is a polyester base (essentially Mylar), it's dimensionally stable. It doesn't care if it's humid or dry. It stays flat. It's also nearly impossible to tear by hand. You'd have to really go at it with a pair of scissors or a craft knife to make a dent. It also won't yellow over time, which is a huge plus if you're creating something you want to keep for years. It's archival-grade stuff, so your work stays looking as fresh as the day you finished it.
A Few Projects Where This Stuff Really Shines
While it's technically "drafting" film, don't let the name limit you. I've found it's useful for way more than just floor plans.
- Mixed Media: Because it's so sturdy, you can throw a lot at it. I've seen artists use light washes of acrylic or specialized inks to create really ethereal-looking portraits.
- Stencils: Since it doesn't tear easily, it makes for great DIY stencils. You can cut out intricate shapes and use them over and over again without the edges fraying.
- Overlays: If you're working on a complex project, you can tape a sheet of film over your original sketch. This lets you "trace" your own work to clean it up without having to start from scratch or use a light box.
- Botanical Illustrations: The way light passes through the film makes it perfect for drawing plants and flowers. The translucency mimics the look of a leaf or a petal in a way that solid white paper just can't.
Some Quick Tips Before You Start Drawing
If you're going to pick up some grafix double matte drafting film, there are a couple of things you should know to make your life easier.
First, watch out for the oils on your skin. Because the surface is non-porous, the oils from your hands can sometimes leave spots that make it harder for ink to stick. I usually keep a "bridge" (just a scrap piece of paper) under my hand while I work, or I wear one of those two-finger drawing gloves. It sounds a bit extra, but it keeps the surface pristine.
Second, be patient with drying times. While ink looks amazing on this film, it takes a little bit longer to dry than it does on standard paper. If you're used to sketching quickly and moving your hand across the page, you might want to slow down or work from top to bottom to avoid any unwanted smears.
Lastly, think about your lighting. Since the film is translucent, if you're working on a dark desk, the film will look darker. If you put a white sheet of paper behind it while you work, the colors and lines will pop a lot more, and it'll be easier on your eyes.
Is It Worth It?
Honestly, yeah. It's a bit more expensive than a standard pad of drawing paper, but the quality of the results is worth the extra few bucks. There's a certain "pro" feel to working on film. It forces you to be a little more intentional with your lines, but it also gives you the freedom to experiment with layers and erasing in a way that other materials don't allow.
Whether you're an architect, an illustrator, or just someone who likes to doodle with a really nice pen, grafix double matte drafting film is one of those supplies that you didn't know you needed until you tried it. It's reliable, it's tough, and it makes everything you draw look just a little bit more polished. Give it a shot on your next project—I bet you'll notice the difference immediately.