Is there anything else that can be used instead of fixative on pastels to keep them from smudging?

Question

I've used fixative but it can make the pastels look darker or spotty. Ant tips?

Answer 1

Hi:

I've heard several tips on using fixatives. Several well known pastel artists I know use LasCaux fixative, but to apply, you need the pastel surface to be vertical, and spray in sweeping motion across the face making sure to extend well past the end of the surface in a quick motion and be at least 15-18 inches away. The reason you have the surface vertical is so that the larger droplets of fixative will fall away.

I think this fixative changes the pastels the least, and I don't think there is a single fixative that doesn't change them at least a little. A lot of artists just get used to what the fixatives do, and sometimes intentionally use their effects to modify pastel paintings.

You might be interested in checking out the online artist community wetcanvas. Basic membership is completely free, and there are currently more than 110,000 worldwide members. There is a pastel channel you might be interested, and many pastel artists post information there. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

The two best ways are:

1)Tape a sheet of paper to the back and flip that over your art. This will keep your art best if you are storing it. (even when you used fixative this is highly recommended as it still is very fragile)
It is about the next best thing to
2) framing it behind glass.

If your work becomes 'dark and spotty' you are to close to your work and apply to much in one go.
Apply the fixative with sweeping motions and at least half an arm-length away. You should not be able to see you even did anything. One layer at a time and allow a minute or two before the next layer. 2 Layers should be enough.

Practice on a window that has some sunshine on it. You'll be able to see if you do it right. If you see dripping you are to slow or to close. If you miss spots or places are to thin you are to fast or to irregular in speed. Specially 'the move' will need some practice to get a 'perfect layer' on your work. It will give you the confidence you did enough for your art.

You can easily clean it with some detergent, warm water and a kitchen towel.

Answer 3

Sorry, but there is nothing which will duplicate the taste of real eggs, just as there is nothing which duplicates the use of real butter. Just ask Julia Child. She NEVER did a substitute for either eggs OR butter. The reason is the egg yolks which contain fats and proteins which is where the majority of the flavor COMES from. The whites, by themselves, simply cause the flour to adhere to the surface. You could try just using the whites only to see what you get. The whites may allow some of the egg flavor to come through without the fats and proteins of the yolk. Or, you could try milk or just water as the wetting agent to make the breading stick. The whole point is to make the coating stick so it becomes an integral part of the surface which is what gets the oil and separates the meat from the oil that you fry in. You might as well roast the chicken like a turkey instead of frying and skip all of the oil and fats. The eggs are the least of your worries about the fats and such if you are deep frying.

Answer 4

I have also used hairspray in the past and it works fine and will not hurt your art work. The tip about keeping the art work vertical or nearly vertical is a good one and don't get to close whether you are using hairspray or fixative. MOST IMPORTANT... put on light layers of fixative and let it dry. Go back and put another on later but keep it light. You can repeat this several times. Just don't spray a lot on at one time and get the surface very wet, that is when you will mess up your work.

Answer 5

Hi,

Good answer from Artistpw.
Hairspray....well....is it archival ?
A good fixative will cost 10 to 15 bucks and it may last one year. Do you really think it's worth to save a couple of bucks and buy hairspray for that ?
Make sure to give at least 10 minutes between light applications.

Kind regards,

José

P.S. good brands : Lascaux and Latour (from Sennelier).
I use Talens concentrated fixative because I cannot access the other ones. Ah ! and pastels will ALWAYS smudge.

Answer 6

I use hair spray (just the cheap brand) and I use it from a distance of about 18" over the painting that is laying flat. When spraying move in a circular or side to side motion so not too much is put on any area. Putting too much on is what makes it look dark and spotty. Make sure to shake the can well before spraying.

Answer 7

Lascaux Fixative

Answer 8

The cheap hairsprays work very well (such as aqua net). I also found tht the Wal-Mart brand of clear varnish spray worked nicely, and did not leave a glaze as you would suspect.

Answer 9

Try hairspray. We used it in college for pastels

Answer 10

i have no idea if it would hurt your art or not but maybe hairspray? but you should probably try it on a small piece first