M. Giraude’s laurel scroll showing interlinear and filigree lines.

For years I’ve fussed over painting straight lines on a scroll. I keep coming back to starting with a ruler and light pencil lines then painting over those lines. The problem is when you use light intensity paints like pink, white, or yellow you see the pencil line through the paint making them seem gray. Unappetizing.

Is there a better way to paint straight lines? 

Whether you’re painting precise interlinear text lines or diapering on your scroll, there’s a way you can get them done with success.

For scrolls, I use a ruler and a sharply pointed small round brush or a dip pen. The brush size depends on the line width you want.

I’ve used a bridge without success because it seemed too bulky, but maybe I should have bought a different one. I have better results with a ruler and a brush or dip pen. 

PJ Holden published his video Sep 28, 2016 on his YouTube channel by the same name.

Although I describe how to use a brush to do this, you can also use a pen to rule straight lines. Here’s how.

Firmly prop your ruler at an angle with your hand, raising it high enough so only the brush’s metal ferrule touches your straight-edge. Hold the brush’s ferrule firmly against the ruler and have the bristle point just touching your support. Stroke the brush or pen steadily down the length of the straight edge making your line.