How Do I Stabilize a Pastel Painting

Are you tired of watching your beautiful pastel paintings fade away or smudge due to lack of stability? Do you struggle with finding the right technique to preserve your artwork for years to come? If so, then this article is just for you.

Pastel painting is a unique medium that requires special attention and care to maintain its vibrancy and longevity. However, many artists struggle with stabilizing their pastel paintings, leaving them disheartened and frustrated. But worry not, as we have researched and compiled the best techniques to help you stabilize your pastel paintings like a pro.

In this article, we will explore various methods that can help fixate your pastel artwork, prevent smudging, and ensure its protection for years to come. So whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, keep reading to discover the secrets of stabilizing your pastel paintings!

Common Reasons Why a Pastel Painting May Need to be Stabilized

Pastel paintings are often delicate and prone to smudging. There are several reasons why a pastel painting may need to be stabilized:

1. Smudging:

Pastels can easily smudge due to their powdery nature, which makes them vulnerable to accidental rubbing or brushing against any surface. When they get smudged, the colors can merge together, ruining the original artwork.

2. Fixative Fading:

The fixative used on pastel paintings is designed to help hold the pigments in place and prevent smudging. However, if not applied correctly or over time, the fixative can fade away, leaving the painting vulnerable.

3. Environmental Factors:

Environmental factors such as humidity or temperature changes can also affect pastel paintings, causing the colors to become unstable and potentially leading to smudging.

To prevent these issues, it’s important to stabilize a pastel painting before framing or displaying it.

Materials Needed to Stabilize a Pastel Painting

Here are some common materials needed for stabilizing a pastel painting:

1. Fixative Spray:

Fixative spray is essential for stabilizing a pastel painting. This product helps seal the pigments in place and prevents them from smudging or fading away over time.

2. Masking Tape:

Masking tape is used to protect any areas of the painting that do not require fixing.

3. Workable Fixative Spray:

If you plan on reworking areas of your pastel painting after fixing it, you’ll need workable fixative spray that allows you to add more layers without damaging the previous ones.

Note:

Different brands of fixative spray are available in the market, and each has its own characteristics. It’s important to choose a high-quality fixative that will not alter the colors or texture of your painting.

Preparing the Surface of a Pastel Painting Before Stabilizing It

Before applying any fixative, it’s essential to prepare the surface of your pastel painting:

1. Dusting:

Gently brush off any dust or debris from the surface of your painting with a soft-bristled brush or a clean cloth.

2. Masking:

Use masking tape to cover any areas you don’t want to be fixed, such as signatures or borders.

3. Testing:

Before applying fixative on the entire painting, test on a small area first to check if it alters the colors or texture.

Once you’ve prepared your pastel painting, it’s ready for stabilization.

The Best Method for Applying Fixative to a Pastel Painting

Here are some steps to follow when applying fixative spray on a pastel painting:

1. Shake Well:

Shake the can well before use to ensure that all ingredients are mixed correctly.

2. Spray from a Distance:

Hold the can at least 12 inches away from your painting and apply one even coat over the entire surface in quick bursts.

3. Let Dry:

Let your painting dry completely before reworking or touching it again.

Repeat this process until you achieve the desired level of stability for your artwork.

Reworking a Pastel Painting After it has Been Stabilized

Sometimes, after fixing a pastel painting, you may want to add more layers or touch up certain areas. Here are some tips for reworking a pastel painting after it has been stabilized:

1. Use Workable Fixative:

If you plan to rework your painting, use workable fixative spray that allows you to add more layers without damaging the previous ones.

2. Be Gentle:

When reworking your painting, be gentle and avoid pressing too hard with your pastels or tools. This can damage the existing layers and cause them to smudge.

3. Let Dry Fully:

After reworking, let your painting dry fully before applying another layer of fixative or framing it.

What to Do if Your Pastel Painting Still Smudges After Being Stabilized

Even after stabilizing your pastel painting, it may still smudge due to accidental rubbing or other factors. If this happens, here are some steps you can take:

1. Don’t Panic:

If your painting smudges, don’t panic. Try not to touch the area and leave it alone until you have a chance to fix it.

2. Apply More Fixative:

Apply more fixative spray over the affected area and let it dry completely before touching or working on the painting again.

Note:

If you’re having difficulty fixing a smudged area of your pastel painting, seeking professional help from a conservator may be necessary.

Drying Time for Fixative on a Pastel Painting

The drying time for fixative spray on a pastel painting depends on various factors such as humidity level and temperature. Here are some general guidelines:

1. Wait at Least 24 Hours:

Wait at least 24 hours for one coat of fixative spray to dry fully before applying another layer or reworking your painting.

2. Test Dryness:

To test if your painting is completely dry, gently touch an inconspicuous area with a clean finger. If there is no color transfer, your painting is dry and ready to be worked on again.

Precautions When Handling or Storing a Stabilized Pastel Painting

Here are some precautions to take when handling or storing a stabilized pastel painting:

1. Wear Gloves:

When handling your pastel painting, wear gloves to avoid leaving any fingerprints or oils on the surface.

2. Store Flat:

Store your pastel painting flat in a climate-controlled area away from direct sunlight, humidity, and dust.

3. Avoid Touching:

Avoid touching the surface of your pastel painting as much as possible to prevent smudging or damaging the fixative layer.

By following these precautions, you can ensure that your pastel paintings remain stable and vibrant for years to come.

In order to stabilize a pastel painting, it is important to properly fix the pastel layers with a spray fixative and store the artwork in a protective sleeve or frame.

Frequently Asked Questions about How Do I Stabilize a Pastel Painting

How do you stabilize pastels?
Place the piece onto the foam board, then use scrapbooking tape to secure each corner.

How do you seal a soft pastel painting?
To use the key, make sure to use gentle and short strokes. Don’t overdo it or spray too much paint, as it will create a mess. Use short bursts of the key to get the job done.

What can I use as a fixative for pastels?
A number of artists who work with soft or powdery drawing materials like charcoal, pastel, or chalk find hairspray to be a cost-effective substitute for art fixatives sold commercially.

How do you keep pastels from rubbing off?
To ensure additional safety, I utilize a plastic sheet. However, an alternative option is to use a glassine paper. Using a specific type of paper, such as glassine, will provide the best level of protection. Another piece of paper can also be used as an alternative.

How do you protect pastel drawings without fixative?
When you work on colored surfaces, it can cause the light to fade away. To avoid this, I prefer to use a different approach, such as treating the surface like a valuable work of art.

How do you set pastel art?
To stabilize and protect pastel art from dust, fixative is applied through spray. Different liquids such as alcohol, casein, and resin are used as a base for fixative, and they dry quickly.