Fixatives
In drawing, a fixative is a liquid, similar to varnish, which is usually sprayed over a finished piece of artwork, usually a dry media artwork, to better preserve it and prevent smudging.
Modern fixatives are usually alcohol based, and hydrocarbon propelled. Certain manufacturers produce fixatives specified for a certain media only, such as soft pastel fixatives. Modern fixatives are elevated in quality in terms of transparency, colourlessness, age-resistance and UV resistance, which prevents yellowing and fading caused by exposure to light.
Fixatives are more often than not highly toxic and potential health hazards to the respiratory system, hence should only be used in a well ventilated area. Such fumes may also cause irritation to the eyes. Hydrocarbon contents are also flammable and should not be placed near an open flame or any incandescent sources.
Artwork media requiring fixative include drawings done in pencil, charcoal, and pastel. An artist will often fix layers of a work in progress, in order to easily add further layers. Such a technique requires a workable fixative. Fixative is most commonly available in aerosol sprays. Fixative can also come in a liquid form that can be used from the bottle via a manual spray diffuser. This form is better for one's lungs and has less of an impact on the environment.
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Krylon Workable Fixatif 11oz
$26.45
A matte finish coating, specially formulated for use with pastel, charcoal and pencil. Acid-free and perfect for drawings, sketches and layouts. In 11 oz. cans. |
Krylon Fine Art Fixatif 11oz
$33.85
This spray fixatif offers invisible protection of artwork without dissolving pastel whites and light colors. Provides final and workable protection. It contains UV light absorbers and stabilizers. Safeguards pastel, charcoal, pencil and chalk from dusting, smudging and fading. Previously named Pastel Fixatif. |
SpectraFix Casein-based Fixative 12oz
$26.99
SpectraFix is a casein-based pastel fixative that utilizes milk protein and grain alcohol to provide a non-toxic, fully archival fixative for pastel, charcoal, conte, watercolor, gouache and multi-media techniques. It holds and protects media without darkening or dulling colors. It can also be used under oil paintings to hold a preliminary charcoal or pencil sketching and provide a barrier between the oil paint and the drawing. It is all natural, odor-free and can be sprayed indoors without obnoxious odors or unhealthy fumes. It is available in a 12 oz. non-aerosol pump fine mist plastic spray bottle. |
Grumbacher Final Fixatives 12oz - Matte
$25.98
A final fixative for dry media including pencil, charcoal and pastels. It is non-yellowing and can be worked when dry. It is typically used on paper, but can also be used on photographs, printed materials and ceramics. Also known as Tuffilm. In 11.75 oz. cans. Available in matte finish. |
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Winsor & Newton Artist Fixative 11oz
$18.60
To preserve works for the long term, or momentarily to prevent smudges while working, this colorless medium can be applied to works of charcoal, pastel, pencil and chalk immediately. While the fixative is durable and protects the surface of drawings, it can also be applied while working, as a medium. Fixatives also enable the top of the surface to be continually worked by the artist. This transparent fixative will not affect the color of pastel, although it may darken the color tone, yet at the same time it improves the adhesion of particles to the surface and lightfastness. |
Lascaux Fine Art Fixative 10oz
$49.95
Lascaux Fixative can fix, seal and protect almost anything, making it the Swiss army knife of fine art fixatives. This indispensable multi-purpose fixative can be used for watercolor, pastels, graphite and charcoal drawings. It is non-yellowing and does not change the hue of colors upon drying. It resists aging, and is non-matte. It makes an excellent initial sizing on wood panels and other rigid supports. The fixative comes in a 300 ml (10 oz) aerosol can and contains no fluorocarbons. |
Sennelier D'Artigny Oil Pastel Fixative
$36.45
Made from a vinyl resin and alcohol base, this totally transparent fixative leaves a clear and glossy film to protect oil pastels against dust and smearing. It comes in a 400 ml (13.5 oz) aerosol spray can. The only fixative designed specifically for oil pastels. |
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