Fixative issues for Pastel Artwork

jillderek

I am using a good well known brand of fixative on my pastel paintings and still the pastel dust seems to be fairly loose, can anyone offer advice on the best way to prevent this

jillderek

Can anyone offer advice on the use of fixatives for pastels. Even though I use a good quality fixative my work still sheds dust which causes problems when transporting and framing

MadamX

Have you tried hairspray? I find it works really well. No preference for any particular brand. A couple of light coats, allowing each to dry between applications.

jillderek

Thanks a million I will get hairspray and give it a try - here's hoping

bassjenni

Hi hairspray is ok but not as good as fixatives made for the purpose. There are universal fixatives which will do both pencil, charcoal and pastels, however these may not be strong enough so i suggest using a soft pastel fixative like Schminckes Fixative for pastel which is much stronger hold but may dull the pastel work if overused. The universal fixatives and the fixatives stated for just pencil and charcoal are not as strong and will not offer the same protection for soft pastels. hope this helps