Check the label before using a fixative to see if it works for in-progress pieces or just as a final coating. Take time to let this spray dry completely before making changes to your art. Otherwise, it’ll definitely smudge.
Depending on the kind of finish you’re going for, choose a matte, semi-glossy, or high-gloss spray. Find these sprays at your local art store or online. Double-check that the product you’re buying is for oil pastels and not some other medium. It should say “oil pastel” or “pastel” somewhere in the product description.
Check the front of the bottle to make sure the finish is glossy. You don’t want a matte surprise if you’re looking for gloss!
Matte is perfect if you want to avoid any potential changes to your piece’s coloring and shading.
Look for a product that has acrylate in the ingredients list. Avoid hairsprays that include conditioners (steer clear of ingredients like dimethicone, silicone, oil, glycol, and vitamins A and E). Test the hairspray on a small section of your art to see how it changes colors, shadowing, and shading.
Use glass instead of plastic or plexiglass. Plastic and plexiglass attract dust, which you definitely don’t want coming near your art.
This is a quick way to cover art until you decide what you want to do with it. You might not be sure if it’s finished yet, or you might need to clear up some space for a different project.
Using a cold laminator rather than a hot one sometimes works better because there’s no heat to change the oil pastels.
If you can’t get outside or if you just hate the smell, wear a face mask while you work.
You can usually find additional info and tips on the brand’s webpage.
If you’re outside and it’s windy, set the piece inside a large box, leaning against the side. This should keep the fixative from blowing back on you.
Let the test section dry completely so you can check the final result before moving on.
Keep in mind that you’re not trying to drench your art in fixative. Instead, you’re applying light, thin layers to create an even coating over the entire piece.
If you want, set a fan in front of the piece to help it dry faster.
If you’re applying a “workable” fixative, check the product for recommendations about how many coats you need to use. Most pieces need 2-3 layers of fixative.
