Hints, Tips & Techniques for Pastels - Fixatives & Framing
Once your piece is created it is important to store or display it correctly. Click on the headings to find details on what to do once your work is complete.
Making the most of fixative
Avoiding colour change
Fixing experimental work
Suitable framing methods
Storing unframed pictures
Making the Most of Fixative
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Pastel pictures are fragile as the particles on the paper are not surrounded by binder. A coat or two of fixative will give that little bit of protection, saving the picture from smudging in a portfolio or if brushed against by mistake.
A light coat of fixative will also help to stop pastel dust sticking onto the glass once the picture is framed. A coating of fixative improves the lightfastness of pastels, this is particularly recommended for any colours which are ‘B’ rated. Too much fixative however will cause considerable colour change to a pastel picture as the fixative wets out the pigment.
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Using aerosol fixative:
• Use at room temperature for an even spray
• The fixative should be used in a well ventilated room
• Shake the can before use
• Keep picture horizontal or slightly tilted
• Hold can 25 - 30 cm from your work
• For an even coating, start the spray at the side of the work and spray from top to bottom
• Apply light coats only, to minimise colour change
Using bottle fixative:
• Using an atomiser follow the tips above.
• Do not apply with a brush.
Avoiding Colour Change
Some styles of pastel work look best without fixative and some artists just don’t like working with it. Here are some methods which will reduce the fragility of unfixed pictures;
• Use pastel board, a coated board which holds the pastel better than paper.
• Use heavy weight water colour paper, so the work flexes less as it is moved around.
• Apply Clear Gesso Base as a pastel primer to paper. The effect will be less coarse than
using pastel board.
• Fix between layers of pastel as you work, leaving the final layer unfixed.
Fixing Experimental Work
Experimental work can be fixed by using Acrylic Fluid Matt Medium to hold down heavy layers or large particles of charcoal or pastel. Up to 10% water can be used to dilute the medium and reduce the thickness of the film applied but the more water you add the more the paper can cockle. Use a garden spray and keep the work horizontal whilst the acrylic dries.
Suitable Framing Methods
The fragile dusty surface of a finished pastel is best protected behind glass. Glazed frames should use a mount (mat) or spacer to ensure the glass is not against the picture. This will allow air to circulate and help to prevent condensation. Remember to fix the picture lightly before it goes into the frame; without fixing, pastel dust can build up on the inside of the glass as a result of static.
Storing Unframed Pictures
With a little care, pictures can be safely stored in portfolios if they are not yet to be framed. Firstly, apply a light coat of fixative for some initial protection. The main thing is to prevent the pictures from slipping against each other.
Place each picture between a mountboard and a sheet of tissue paper and place in a loose portfolio or a folio sleeve. Continue stacking your work in this manner and if you don’t fill the portfolio by the end, do so with spare cardboard which will stop anything moving about inside.
