Techniques - do you use fixative?

[ranzangel]

Hi all - I'm kind of new to the team, and also somewhat new to colored pencils for serious pieces to offer for sale. I am wondering - do you use spray fixative on your finished products? If so, what brand, type (workable / non-workable, etc.), and why do you (or don't you) recommend it? Thank you - Angela

[Former_Member]

Hi Angela ~ welcome to the team. Hmmm ... I don't use fixitive on my colored pencil drawings, but it would probably be a good idea. I do use it on the drawings that have colored pencil and oil pastel, to keep the oil pastel from smearing ... I use workable fixitive, but non-workable would be fine too. I look forward to seeing what you do with colored pencil.

[ranzangel]

Linda - you can see some of them on my blog:
http://www.ranzangel.blogspot.com/
I won't list them until I decide if I'll be spraying them or not ;) thanks for the note!

[silentmagician]

I use fixative on the colored pencils. I do a lot of work on wood, so this allows me to brush on the wood finish without it smearing, but I also like that the fixative gives some extra protection if my work gets bumped around or rubbed against. The other benefit is it evens out the surface and keeps the waxy pencils from getting hazy. I used Prismacolor final fixative for several years and was happy with it. It comes in both matte and gloss.

[Former_Member]

Using fixatif on color pencil gives it a great look, plus it protects the color... check out my listing to see fixatif on a color pencil drawing: https://www.etsy.com/listing/128334127/original-keefe-overby-drawing-beautiful?ref=shop_home_feat

[ranzangel]

thanks all!

[Former_Member]

Hi Angela,
I use workable fixative, a couple of light coats with some drying time in between. Then I will use Matte final fixative, again a couple of light coats with some time in between. I use Grumbacher brand and be sure to spray where it is well ventilated.

[ranzangel]

just curious - why so many coats?

[Former_Member]

Closed due to lack of participation.