Preparing a graphite drawing for watercolor

Using a dry Cleaning Pad

In Ann Abcott's classes she teaches the use of a "dry cleaning pad".  They are absolutely marvelous for preparing your graphite drawings for watercolor painting.  You rub over them lightly with the pad and the whole drawing lightens up.  Can you see I've done the right side but not the left?  It may be hard to see.

The reason is that wc is so transparent that when you paint, the graphite may show through.  In some cases this is fine.  Even planned.  Other times you'd rather not see the lines.  And once wet, most graphite become pretty permanent.

This drawing (of a steam punk time machine) is done in .03 graphite pencil on 9 x 12 Fabriano 140# hot press paper.