This is one of the best ways to preserve your kid’s artwork, especially ones done with charcoal or pastel. When my kids finish a pastel drawing, I either need to take a photo of it and throw it away or put it in a sealed bag. Pastel dust is a lot like a disease, it spreads and gets on everything!
This is where spray fixative comes in!
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Video Notes
- No need to get workable fixative, especially for kids. Just get the final stuff, and use it when your kids are finished drawing
- Both brands work well, but I personally prefer Prismacolor
- Before spraying artwork, remove any excess medium
- Spay in a well ventilated area (outside)
- Hold the can 12″ away from the artwork
- Hold the artwork vertical when spraying
- Spray back and forth evenly and slowly
- Don’t saturate the paper
- A little goes a long way
- It’s a slightly pricey so spray only the artwork you want to keep forever
- Link to How To Shade A Sphere
Final Fixative Vs. Workable Fixative
Final fixative, as it suggests, is for finished artwork. It will protect the work from getting smudged and provides extra protection from the sun.
Workable fixative offers a little less protection and is design to be used in between layers, or preserve your artwork in between sessions.
Caution: Workable fixative will behave like final fixative if you apply it heavily, as our video suggests.