Animation Cel Sheet
Ultra-clear sheets
ArtCel® blank cels are clear plastic sheets suited to cel painting. With light transmittance of 92% or more, they let you enjoy the color and clarity of the paint laid on them.
- Two types: Neo (PET) and Classic (TAC)
- Sheets in Anime size, A4, B4, A3 and A1, plus 50m rolls
- Order online, or buy at our Shibuya shop in person
Blank cel products
Also sold at our Shibuya shop, as well as online
Neo vs. Classic
Two blank cels, chosen by material
Works in any situation
Blank Cel Neo
Made of a special high-clarity PET produced in Japan. It keeps its clarity while offering excellent toughness and chemical resistance. The thickness is easy to handle, and it keeps better than TAC.
- Material
- PET
- Properties
- Toughness, chemical resistance
- Best for
- Those who value ease of handling and availability
The same feel as in the old days
Blank Cel Classic
Made of traditional TAC (cellulose triacetate). It cuts easily even with scissors, and Newton's rings rarely appear even when cels are pressed together. Beware of hydrolysis.
- Material
- TAC (cellulose triacetate)
- Properties
- Resists Newton's rings
- Best for
- The feel of conventional TAC blank cels; overlapping cels
Roll Cel
A 50m roll,
Blank Cel Neo in roll form. Cut off the length you need for large work that does not fit sheet sizes, or to protect background paintings.
See Neo rollBlank cel specifications
Choose by size and material
| Item | Material | Thickness | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neo sheetSpecial high-clarity PET. Resists aging and is easy to handle | PET | 125μ | Anime size, A4, B4, A3, A1 |
| Neo rollFor large work and protecting backgrounds | PET | 125μ | 50m |
| ClassicFor restoration and repair, overlapping cels and masks | TAC | 100μ | Anime size, A4, A3 |
The punched A4 type fits the 3-hole peg bars familiar from animation studios. It also conforms to the AJA-recommended layout paper standard of The Association of Japanese Animations.
Uses for blank cels
Layer them over line art or backgrounds for artwork that looks like an animation cel
- 1
Making cels
As the support you trace line art onto and finish with paint.
- 2
Overlapping cels
For cels laid directly on one another, choose Classic, which resists Newton's rings.
- 3
Fixing with a peg bar
If you work on layout paper or a peg bar, a punched type is also available.
FAQ
What is a blank cel?
A clear film for painting cels. Layer it over line art or backgrounds to make cels and cel animation.
Neo or Classic: which is better for a first try?
Neo if availability and durability matter most; Classic for overlapping cels and special-effects masks.
Do I need the punched type?
Generally no. Choose the punched type if you want to fix cels to layout paper or a scanner with a peg bar.
Do you ship overseas?
Blank cels ship within Japan only. Purchases from abroad and international shipping are not possible under any circumstances. We also cannot ship via forwarding services or virtual addresses. Inquiries about this will not be answered.