I’ve tried it to set the oil pastels to create further layers. It worked and the clear film is sturdy and resistant, making the painting or drawing workable. It also lends a matte surface that also helps hold the waxy textures of oil pastels. For water-based media that are typically prone to bleeding and smearing, this fixative can also provide an essential coating for ample stabilization.

If you’re an artist looking for professional-grade protection for your charcoal sketches and artwork, then SpectraFix is the perfect fixative for you. A fixative spray acts as a protecting film that preserves the quality of an oil pastel painting, keeping it at its finest condition. It can work as a finishing coat to complete your work or as a workable fixing spray to continue the process and adjust the colors or add layers of pastels. That said – I think you could paint directly on them with oils as the oil paint doesn’t have alcohol in it. Unless the ink is loose on the surface and can be wiped off by the action of the paint brush, it shouldn’t be re-activated. As always when trying a new technique, experimentation is key. I would make a small sample of the inks, let them dry 24 hours and try painting directly with oil and see if they smear, if not you are good to go. But you won’t be able to then spray the UV Protect spray on top of the oil paint until it is fully dry, after six months or so. So you might want to do the two sprays anyway, just to make sure any exposed part of the alcohol painting that is left after the oil painting is done, doesn’t later fade away. However, unless you have the time and inclination to do more research into what kind of art materials work the most effectively, professional-grade fixative sprays are likely your best bet. Can you use hairspray as a drawing fixative?

Varnishing a Watercolour – the Testing Results

Consider using a respirator mask and wearing gloves. Fixatives typically have a strong toxic smell that burns your nose and may cause headaches. You can also use gloves to keep the fixative off your skin as you use it. I’ve tried using it on unprimed canvas and oil pastel paper and it works great. But it is also compatible with all gritted or sueded papers, pastel papers, stone, leather, unglazed ceramic stone, and wood panels.

These fixatives typically come in aerosol spray cans that allow hassle-free application. When sprayed on an oil pastel drawing or artwork, the pastels stay in place and become much easier to work on. When it works as a final coat, a fixative seals the artwork and shields it from smudging, color fading, dirt, and dust. It offers a fast, odorless application that eliminates potentially toxic fumes and heavy waiting outdoors. Plus, it’s lightfast and water-resistant so you can even use it outdoors! Sennelier Latour Pastel Fixative When it comes to protecting your artwork from smudging, fading, or other damage, fixatives are your best friends.If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, buying ready-made fixatives remains the best practice.

Fixative typically comes in the form of a can, and its purpose is to set artwork with dry media such as pencil, charcoal, pastel, or wet media that has dried. Two coats are required to seal the surface on both paper and canvas. The surface was slightly waxy and the water beaded up on it when I ran a wet brush over it. Grumbacher is an excellent brand to seal charcoal. Not only is Grumbacher Final Fixative it colorless, fast-drying, and flexible – but it also comes in a choice between glossy and matte finishes- allowing me to experiment with different looks.

All of these products have a good longevity (sometimes called being archival) when used with oil and acrylic on canvas and paper. There should be no difference when used with watercolour. They are artist-quality materials and when the solvents have evaporated you are left with just resin or wax. Some are specifically labelled for use with watercolour, but they are all sound for use with watercolour.