What do you spray on a charcoal drawing to prevent it from smudging?

Question

I've drawn on a large canvas.

Answer 1

I agree with HG...hair spray works wonders, even on paper

Answer 2

Use several light sprayings of Clear Gloss, a Finish which is clear latex enamel. Crylon is the manufacturer, and you can find it at Michael's (a great craft/art supply store) or any other arts & crafts store. They have the spray available in matte finish too. As you will be applying the coating with spray, you will not damage the charcoal artwork. Several light sprays will work a lot better than one heavy spray. Let the finish dry between coatings.

Answer 3

I'm assuming you mean after the drawing is finished.........

During the drawing process I lay a paper towel over the part I might rub my arm in.

When the drawing is finished, it should be placed under glass in a frame to keep it from smudging. I don't know of any product that would seal the charcoal without affecting the paper in a negative way.

I see that others adivsed the use of hairspray. This will cause the paper to turn brownish over time.
Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Krylon makes some clear coat products in spray cans: workable fixative will still smudge while you're working, but cut down on the dust and smudging. Dulling spray, matte spray, satin crystal clear are their other sprays that will seal your charcoal in.

Answer 5

Hair spray does work, there is also something called Fixative.

The one I use is made be Krylon and works well. There is also workable fixative which will allow you to continue working after you've sprayed the piece but will help prevent smudging.

Answer 6

Try using a harder grade graphite, if you haven't got fixative to seal the finished sketch then hairspray is a good substitute. - Learnt from college. I haven't heard of a glove for this use but perhaps your skin is trapping moisture that's smudging the page. Hand sanitisers are good for taking out oil from the skin that may be a factor to smudging. Also, make your skin extra dry with talcum powder, your hand will glide over the paper without smudging.

Answer 7

Go to Wal-Mart and buy what's called Workable Fixatif spelled like that too. You sray on a considerable amount, but the great thing with this is that you can draw back into it. No erasing just adding. Hair spray might yellow your paper or canvas. and ends your work. no more adding to it.

Answer 8

Hair fixative would be your best inexpensive way to go. Other than that, a transparent acrylic spray, like the ones made by Krylon will do the job.

Answer 9

Aquanet. Or Krylon tripple thick. Whatever it is, make sure you use areosol. Pump sprays will saturate the canvas too heavily in some places and not at all in others.

Answer 10

Aqua Net Hairspray is by far the best