How can I preserve pencil drawings?

Question

I am an artist who works in graphite and color pencils. I would like any advice about protecting drawings from smudges and fading.

Answer 1

This is not high-tech at all, but I use hairspray. A couple of light coats of cheap hairspray (aerosol--if you can find it--the pump stuff doesn't work very well as it tends to squirt larger droplets; the aerosol has a finer mist) will give a cheap, quick protective layer that prevents charcoal and graphite from smearing and smudging, even on rolled up papers.

Answer 2

There are pencil fixatives you can buy in half cans. If you are running on a budget just keep your drawings for now because fixative is still the best way to preserve lead or charcoal drawings. But you can check the local hardware and check out clear matte enamel aerosol cans.

Answer 3

First off, do you use an acid free paper to draw on? That greatly effects the quality of your drawings as far as keeping it in pristine condition because acids in paper make the drawing fade over time and yellow which is bad. There are spray fixatives that help with creating a protective barrier on your art, just make sure to read the instructions and be sure it is made for the purpose of your medium. Matting it and framing it preserves it, or putting it into a presentation book or anything with a protective plastic sleeve. It is with the splurge in order to keep your art looking like new for years to come. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

The fixative that is made specifically for pencil, charcoal, pastels, whatever you're using, I think is better quality than regular hair spray. Get the workable fixative and you can add on top of your drawing, very helpful for trying to get rich blacks without messing up everything else. There's matt finish varnishes and gloss. The cans are about $8 at my local art supply store, but worth it.

Answer 5

Get a spray fixative from your local art store- it sets the pencil etc and helps protect it- I work in paints so I don't know a brand- probably Krylon would be one- ask their help at the store-- GOOD LUCK ON YOUR ART!

Answer 6

I prefer krylon crystal clear fixative.

I used it all through college for everything from pencil to charcoal to pastel to colored pencil pieces. I love it. haha

Answer 7

You might try aerosal hair spray. I know that I have used this on my pastel drawings which worked really well.

Answer 8

I will second the hairspray suggestion. I have used it myself. And, it's relatively inexpensive. Just be careful: light coats! And don't hold the can over a horizontal piece of work.

Answer 9

have you ever tried using an acrylic spray? seems to me that should work. try it on a test piece first though.