Your Favorite Fixative and Why?

eyedoc1956 · #1 12-13-2010, 10:45 AM

I'd love to see a poll for this, but don't see a button for it anywhere here.

I am new to pastels and have tried an older can of Grumbacher with terrible results...lots of spotting. Otherwise, I've been using Krylon "Workable Fixative" with what I think are decent results. I've seen some 4-year old discussions online here about how Krylon deadens pastels, though I've noticed little effect. Perhaps it's because I'm using it so sparingly.

Also, in those older threads, there's been a good deal said about Spectrfix...that it seems decent, but it gets the paper pretty wet, and some have had curling. So...before I buy a new can of fixative, I'd love your imput!

One last question: if you fix, do you really still need to double mat your piece when framing it? Sure would be nice to get around the added hassle and expense of double matting!!!

Thank you all!

Brian

Merethe T · #2 12-13-2010, 10:56 AM

A common question for new pastelists, and there's quite a lot of threads about it on Wet Canvas(as you've seen) - if you check out the our library you should find more info: Materials, or Archives. If you use the forum jump button at the bottom right you'll find all sub-forums for Pastels, where we keep valuable and informative threads.

To answer your question - I don't use fixative on finished paintings.

I have yet to find a fixative that doesn't change the colors, and I'd rather frame them unfixed and keep the colors clean. I sometimes use fixative on the first layer just to avoid my initial drawing, or to create more tooth between layers when needed. I use Sennelier Latour, it changes the colors somewhat, but as long as I don't fix my final layers it doesn't matter anyway. I haven't experienced any problems with framed pastel paintings, even if I don't double mat the painting. This is my way, but others may have better advice for you if you want to use fixative on finished work.

**DAK723** · #3 12-13-2010, 11:21 AM

Here are a couple threads about fixative from a few months ago:

http://wetcanvas.com/forums/showthre...light=fixative

http://wetcanvas.com/forums/showthre...light=fixative

Personally, I have had good results with Lascaux. I like Spectrafix for its more health friendly nature, but I have had a couple problems with spots that remained. I have found that the Spectrafix is most effective when sprayed fairly heavily, while I use an extremely light spray with the Lascaux. Since the spray effects the pastel color and value, I usually need to redo some touches after spraying, so the final piece still has a fair amount of unsprayed dust, so I usually either double mat or use spacers. The amount of "dust" will depend on the paper you use, the softness of the pastel, the amount of fixative, etc, so there is no real way to know if dust getting onto the glass will be a problem. I have single matted, especially for smaller pieces, with no trouble, but usually double mat just in case - and because it looks better, in my opinion.

Don

eyedoc1956 · #4 12-13-2010, 12:39 PM

You know...I think I'll just try not fixing for a while and see how that works.

Thank you. I did check out the archives, and that did help.

Brian

**allydoodle** · #5 12-13-2010, 01:04 PM

I almost never use fixative. I do have a bottle of Spectrafix (it is a liquid in a pump bottle), but I've never used it on pastels. I used it a couple of times on charcoal sketches done on Canson paper, and it it worked out fine. I just don't feel the need to fix my pastels, especially those done on sandpaper. The pastel adheres fine, and I really don't like to run the risk of changing the colors. That's just me. I know there are others that like fixative a lot, and their work is beautiful, so I think it is just a personal preference.

Lynndidj · #6 12-13-2010, 02:34 PM

When I fix, which is not often, I only use SpectraFix because it is non-toxic.

Lynn

klord · #7 12-13-2010, 10:27 PM

Ok, I'm a total rebel here! I love my Krylon Workable Fixative! I've tried others, and I'm sure they work beautifully for other folks, but my Krylon is a workhorse for me. All fixatives will alter the pigment in some way, no matter what, as it changes the chemical properties of the pastel.

Just my two cents...

**allydoodle** · #8 12-13-2010, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klord

Ok, I'm a total rebel here! I love my Krylon Workable Fixative! I've tried others, and I'm sure they work beautifully for other folks, but my Krylon is a workhorse for me. All fixatives will alter the pigment in some way, no matter what, as it changes the chemical properties of the pastel.

Just my two cents...

I can't argue with success Kim....... Love your work.

klord · #9 12-15-2010, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allydoodle

I can't argue with success Kim....... Love your work.

Thank you, Chris! It's the fumes!!

Likewise, to you.

Colorix · #10 12-15-2010, 09:37 AM

Kim, definitely the fumes! ;-) That's the stinkiest fixative I've ever tried! But, to quote Chris, can't argue with success! Mmmm, maybe I'd *need* a whiff of those fumes... :-D

Seriously, Kim, do you fixate the top layers?

klord · #11 12-16-2010, 02:10 AM

Charlie, it is the smelliest. Funny, I've tried several others, and after the many years of using the Krylon, the other fixatives really smell icky to my sense of smell! I always joke, when I am teaching a workshop, that the only reason I use the fix is because I love the smell ;-))

I say all this with the a warning to all, to please spray in a well ventilated area!

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