<p>Using a fixative, as described in previous answers here, is a standard way of protecting one's own work. On an acquired piece, you're free to do whatever you want with your own property. However, it would likely negatively affect the market value or historical value of the piece. On a valuable or historical work, fixative might be viewed similar to &quot;vandalism&quot; since it changes the nature and likely the appearance of the work from what the artist created.</p>
<p>Acquired works should be stored in acid-free archival quality flat files between layers of special paper or else professionally framed behind glass.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-01-07T18:16:13.187Z
2021-01-07T19:04:24.657Z
2021-01-07T19:04:24.657Z
fixer1234
<p>Hairspray definitely works, but I'm not sure whether or not it will yellow over time. You can also buy fixative spray that is artist's quality and presumably tested for its pH and other qualities.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-06-17T06:01:58.623Z
Hair spray will also leave your artwork a little sticky. Krylon makes a fixative you can get at most craft stores. It works on pretty much any medium. I've never seen medium specific sprays. I'm sure you can get more expensive ones at art stores, can't say whether or not it would be worth it though.
DawnPatrol
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-06-16T09:03:00.920Z
2016-06-17T01:48:22.083Z
2016-06-17T01:48:22.083Z
Coffie
<p>Hairspray will work but will yellow over time. Get the Krylon fixative mentioned above. Any hobby store will carry it.  You can also use clear varnish from the paint department at a big box store. </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-06-22T08:27:01.453Z
Varnish seems to be *not recommended* for drawings. E.g. [here](http://www.winsornewton.com/na/discover/tips-and-techniques/other-tips-and-techniques/all-you-need-to-know-about-varnishing-paintings-us) is said: "Varnishes do not work well with Gouache, water colour and drawings because the varnish will be deeply absorbed by the paint and/or paper, becoming an integral part of the picture and could cause discolouration. In addition, varnishes on works created using Gouache, water colour and drawing cannot be removed."
Surb
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-06-22T02:49:46.377Z
2016-06-22T02:49:46.377Z
DebW
<p>You can try using clear plastic or saran type wrap, or a clear window winterizing plastic and use heat to shrink it.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-04-18T19:17:15.003Z
Welcome to Arts & Crafts.  Tapeshvar already suggested plastic food wrap, but let me ask for clarification on the window winterizing shrink film.  It seems like there might be the possibility for that to smudge the work as it shrinks (or bend lightweight media).  The original wording of the answer asked if anyone had tried it, rather than framing it as a proven solution.  Is this something you're aware has been tested and works, or are you just suggesting it as something to try (that maybe should be experimented with on disposable pieces)?  Thanks.
fixer1234
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-04-18T06:27:09.997Z
2020-04-18T09:46:31.000Z
2020-04-18T09:46:31.000Z
Joshua
<p>I remember when I took art lessons when I was a kid. We would spray are drawings with non aerosol hairspray to keep them from getting smudged</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-01-09T12:31:01.223Z
Hello David, and welcome to Arts & Crafts and thank you for taking the time to answer. Several other contributors have already mentioned Hair Spray and the consensus is that it is not a reasonable solution due to the potential for discolouration. However, you have mentioned that it is a 'non-aerosol' spray. Perhaps expand on what the eventual outcome was when it was used and explain the reason why a non-aerosol spray would differ from an aerosol spray.
BeaglesEnd
CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-01-08T21:48:09.797Z
2019-01-08T21:48:09.797Z
David
<ol>
<li><p>The best way would be to heat laminate the work which doesn't yellow out and also is easy and cheap to get it done.</p></li>
<li><p>Framing it in a good double glass frame is another way to keep it safe.</p></li>
<li><p>You could protect the finished work with thin film tapes that are available for mobile lamination which not just protects the work but also will be flexible for carrying just like a paper.</p></li>
<li><p>Simply covering it tight with a food wrapping film will protect it too. but it sure needs another level of protection over it like a glass frame or so as the film itself is very soft.</p></li>
</ol>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-06-17T09:32:32.060Z
Hi Tapesvar. Thank you for the reply and welcome to SE Arts & Craft. However, laminating is permanent and it can be prone to problems such as air bubbles and yellowing. Also, I stated that framing was not an option at this point as the pieces are not on permanent display. What I was looking for was a way to 'fix' the graphite or charcoal to the drawing without using a permanent mechanical process.
BeaglesEnd
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-06-17T09:38:44.917Z
Hi @BeaglesEnd Thank you for welcoming me :)
And if thats the way you wan't then use food wrap film, its highly transparant and protects well. But its like you will have to use and throw it each time you display to others.
Tapeshvar
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-06-17T09:40:40.917Z
The other way can be to use a thin plastic sheets instead of the food wrap film so that this will be like a better way if you don't want anything like food wrap film which is like 1 time use. But this needs you to take good care of it. The safer you handle it, the longer it stays good.
Tapeshvar
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-06-17T08:50:10.797Z
2016-06-17T10:12:20.493Z
2016-06-17T10:12:20.493Z
Tapeshvar
<p>If the pieces are likely to be handled and/or displayed then using fixative sprays is probably the best option. There are two purposely manufactured types:</p>

<ul>
<li>Workable</li>
<li>Final</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Workable Fixative</strong></p>

<p>As the name suggests, this allows you to add additional layers to your work after the spray has been used. </p>

<p>Workable Fixative is a thin solution and it sets up a new toothy (slightly rough) surface for more drawing. You can choose to spray the entire piece or isolated parts. To prevent other areas getting sprayed you can use paper, or frisket, to shield the areas that you don't want to spray. Once the fixative is dry you can continue working on the drawing.</p>

<p>The fact that it provides new tooth can be an advantage as heavily shaded/worked areas can become smooth making it harder to apply further layers of graphite/colour to the piece. So, you can use a workable fixative every few layers to keep a fresh tooth.</p>

<p><strong>Final Fixative</strong></p>

<p>This provides a more durable surface than a Workable Fixative, but this should only be applied once you are certain that you don't what to make any further adjustments.</p>

<p>However, a Final Fixative can cause the piece to darken so many artists do not apply the this layer and simply stop at a Workable Fixative.</p>

<p><strong>Hairspray</strong></p>

<p>Hair Spray has been mentioned as a cheaper alternative to fixative sprays. Below is a <em>summarisation from <a href="http://www.dummies.com/how-to/music-creative-arts/Visual-Arts/Drawing.html" rel="noreferrer">Drawing for Dummies</a></em></p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Hairspray does contain some of the materials of a Fixative but it only works for the short term, and ultimately damages the drawing - the hairspray yellows over time and ruins the drawing.</p>
</blockquote>

<p><strong><em>Do not use hairspray.</em></strong></p>

<p><strong>Applying Fixative</strong></p>

<ul>
<li>Use proper ventilation. Fixatives smells and <em>is hazardous to your health</em>.</li>
<li>Shake the can before spraying and test on a scrap piece of paper away from your drawing. The nozzle can clog &amp; will deposit 'lumps' on your drawing</li>
<li>Directions on the generally say to spray 20-25cm (8-10 inches) from drawing. However, I spray 30-40cm (12-15 inches) from drawing. Make sure it is on a flat surface and not drafty.</li>
<li>Lightly spray first coat horizontally. Let dry for 15 minutes. Make sure the layer is even and smooth.</li>
<li>Lightly spray second coat vertically. Let dry for 15 minutes. Make sure the layer is even and smooth.</li>
<li>Subsequent layers may be added in alternating directions if needed.</li>
</ul>

<p><em>The sprayed areas of your piece will become darker once you have sprayed it and it won't lighten once the fixative has dried.</em></p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-06-23T13:27:10.020Z
2016-06-23T13:27:10.020Z
BeaglesEnd
<p>I have now built up a small portfolio of pencil/charcoal drawings. Most of the time they are kept in my folders, but sometimes they are viewed by friends and relatives. And on the odd occasion displayed at the local community hall.</p>

<p>I've started to notice finger marks and tiny smudges on the artwork. As none of pieces are permanently displayed I don't want to frame them.</p>

<p>What is the best way of preserving and protecting my pencil/charcoal art without having to put them behind glass?</p>

<p>One of my friends said that you could use hairspray? Is that the right way to go?</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-01-08T15:20:08.973Z
Related: [How to preserve comic pages drawn by pencil?](https://crafts.stackexchange.com/questions/8833)
Joachim
<drawing><preservation><pencils><charcoal>
How can I protect my pencil & charcoal drawings once complete?
BeaglesEnd
# How can I protect my pencil & charcoal drawings once complete?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2016-06-16)

I have now built up a small portfolio of pencil/charcoal drawings. Most of the time they are kept in my folders, but sometimes they are viewed by friends and relatives. And on the odd occasion displayed at the local community hall.

I've started to notice finger marks and tiny smudges on the artwork. As none of pieces are permanently displayed I don't want to frame them.

What is the best way of preserving and protecting my pencil/charcoal art without having to put them behind glass?

One of my friends said that you could use hairspray? Is that the right way to go?

**Tags:** drawing, preservation, pencils, charcoal

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Related: [How to preserve comic pages drawn by pencil?](https://crafts.stackexchange.com/questions/8833)  

---

## 7 answers

### Answer by username_0 on 2016-06-23. Score: 10 | Accepted answer

If the pieces are likely to be handled and/or displayed then using fixative sprays is probably the best option. There are two purposely manufactured types:

* Workable
* Final

**Workable Fixative**

As the name suggests, this allows you to add additional layers to your work after the spray has been used.

Workable Fixative is a thin solution and it sets up a new toothy (slightly rough) surface for more drawing. You can choose to spray the entire piece or isolated parts. To prevent other areas getting sprayed you can use paper, or frisket, to shield the areas that you don't want to spray. Once the fixative is dry you can continue working on the drawing.

The fact that it provides new tooth can be an advantage as heavily shaded/worked areas can become smooth making it harder to apply further layers of graphite/colour to the piece. So, you can use a workable fixative every few layers to keep a fresh tooth.

**Final Fixative**

This provides a more durable surface than a Workable Fixative, but this should only be applied once you are certain that you don't what to make any further adjustments.

However, a Final Fixative can cause the piece to darken so many artists do not apply the this layer and simply stop at a Workable Fixative.

**Hairspray**

Hair Spray has been mentioned as a cheaper alternative to fixative sprays. Below is a *summarisation from [Drawing for Dummies](http://www.dummies.com/how-to/music-creative-arts/Visual-Arts/Drawing.html)*

> Hairspray does contain some of the materials of a Fixative but it only works for the short term, and ultimately damages the drawing - the hairspray yellows over time and ruins the drawing.

***Do not use hairspray.***

**Applying Fixative**

* Use proper ventilation. Fixatives smells and *is hazardous to your health*.
* Shake the can before spraying and test on a scrap piece of paper away from your drawing. The nozzle can clog & will deposit 'lumps' on your drawing
* Directions on the generally say to spray 20-25cm (8-10 inches) from drawing. However, I spray 30-40cm (12-15 inches) from drawing. Make sure it is on a flat surface and not drafty.
* Lightly spray first coat horizontally. Let dry for 15 minutes. Make sure the layer is even and smooth.
* Lightly spray second coat vertically. Let dry for 15 minutes. Make sure the layer is even and smooth.
* Subsequent layers may be added in alternating directions if needed.

*The sprayed areas of your piece will become darker once you have sprayed it and it won't lighten once the fixative has dried.*


---

### Answer by username_2 on 2021-01-07. Score: 3

Using a fixative, as described in previous answers here, is a standard way of protecting one's own work. On an acquired piece, you're free to do whatever you want with your own property. However, it would likely negatively affect the market value or historical value of the piece. On a valuable or historical work, fixative might be viewed similar to "vandalism" since it changes the nature and likely the appearance of the work from what the artist created.

Acquired works should be stored in acid-free archival quality flat files between layers of special paper or else professionally framed behind glass.


---

### Answer by username_3 on 2016-06-16. Score: 2

Hairspray definitely works, but I'm not sure whether or not it will yellow over time. You can also buy fixative spray that is artist's quality and presumably tested for its pH and other qualities.

> **Comments:**
> **username_4**: Hair spray will also leave your artwork a little sticky. Krylon makes a fixative you can get at most craft stores. It works on pretty much any medium. I've never seen medium specific sprays. I'm sure you can get more expensive ones at art stores, can't say whether or not it would be worth it though.  

---

### Answer by username_5 on 2016-06-22. Score: 1

Hairspray will work but will yellow over time. Get the Krylon fixative mentioned above. Any hobby store will carry it. You can also use clear varnish from the paint department at a big box store.

> **Comments:**
> **username_6**: Varnish seems to be *not recommended* for drawings. E.g. [here](http://www.winsornewton.com/na/discover/tips-and-techniques/other-tips-and-techniques/all-you-need-to-know-about-varnishing-paintings-us) is said: "Varnishes do not work well with Gouache, water colour and drawings because the varnish will be deeply absorbed by the paint and/or paper, becoming an integral part of the picture and could cause discolouration. In addition, varnishes on works created using Gouache, water colour and drawing cannot be removed."  

---

### Answer by username_7 on 2020-04-18. Score: -1

You can try using clear plastic or saran type wrap, or a clear window winterizing plastic and use heat to shrink it.

> **Comments:**
> **username_2**: Welcome to Arts & Crafts.  username_9 already suggested plastic food wrap, but let me ask for clarification on the window winterizing shrink film.  It seems like there might be the possibility for that to smudge the work as it shrinks (or bend lightweight media).  The original wording of the answer asked if anyone had tried it, rather than framing it as a proven solution.  Is this something you're aware has been tested and works, or are you just suggesting it as something to try (that maybe should be experimented with on disposable pieces)?  Thanks.  

---

### Answer by username_8 on 2019-01-08. Score: -1

I remember when I took art lessons when I was a kid. We would spray are drawings with non aerosol hairspray to keep them from getting smudged

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Hello username_8, and welcome to Arts & Crafts and thank you for taking the time to answer. Several other contributors have already mentioned Hair Spray and the consensus is that it is not a reasonable solution due to the potential for discolouration. However, you have mentioned that it is a 'non-aerosol' spray. Perhaps expand on what the eventual outcome was when it was used and explain the reason why a non-aerosol spray would differ from an aerosol spray.  

---

### Answer by username_9 on 2016-06-17. Score: -1

1. The best way would be to heat laminate the work which doesn't yellow out and also is easy and cheap to get it done.
2. Framing it in a good double glass frame is another way to keep it safe.
3. You could protect the finished work with thin film tapes that are available for mobile lamination which not just protects the work but also will be flexible for carrying just like a paper.
4. Simply covering it tight with a food wrapping film will protect it too. but it sure needs another level of protection over it like a glass frame or so as the film itself is very soft.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Hi Tapesvar. Thank you for the reply and welcome to SE Arts & Craft. However, laminating is permanent and it can be prone to problems such as air bubbles and yellowing. Also, I stated that framing was not an option at this point as the pieces are not on permanent display. What I was looking for was a way to 'fix' the graphite or charcoal to the drawing without using a permanent mechanical process.  
> **username_9**: Hi @username_0 Thank you for welcoming me :) And if thats the way you wan't then use food wrap film, its highly transparant and protects well. But its like you will have to use and throw it each time you display to others.  
> **username_9**: The other way can be to use a thin plastic sheets instead of the food wrap film so that this will be like a better way if you don't want anything like food wrap film which is like 1 time use. But this needs you to take good care of it. The safer you handle it, the longer it stays good.  

---

