fixatives

[kimbas]

I am looking for an explanation on fixitives and how they are used for cp, did a search first nadda. I have recently switched from that 80lb paper to strathmore and I seem to be loosing or by rubbing hand across while working smearing seems to happen and loosing the top layers(is that normal). I am such a newb. to all these things. Thanks

[Elankat]

Hi Kimbas. I went ahead and moved this thread to Studio, Materials, & Framing.

A lot of people will use a slip sheet under their hand to prevent smudging. This can be a simple sheet of paper, some glassine, or a plastic sheet. Others (often those working in graphite or charcoal) will work from left to right, top to bottom. A slip sheet is the more common thing to use in cp.

Loosing the top layers can be a sign that you have no more tooth on your paper.

Fixative comes in 2 varieties. Regular or Workable. Most cp artists use a workable fixative. This helps fix the cp to the paper, but allows you to continue to blend and layer. When used at the end, it can help prevent wax bloom (where wax rises to the surface and gives a cloudy look). Using a workable fixative can also help give a bit more tooth to the paper so you can add a couple more layers. Some of us have had some definite problems caused by fixative. For me, it was flaking on a couple of pieces...probably due to an bad can of fixative.

However, it won't prevent all smudging and can cause some issues with blending or flaking. In general, I think it's best to use a slip sheet and to wait until near the final layers before spraying. Then, spray lightly and let dry well. Grumbacher Miston is a good one to try.

Another thing, I'd really recommend you try Stonehenge paper. You didn't mention what kind of Strathmore you are using. There are one or two kinds of Strathmore that work well for cp, but most don't have enough tooth. Stonehenge is very popular with cp artists because it will hold a ton of layers.

[kimbas]

I am using bristol strathmore bad news ehh? and thanks kindly for the explanation...................

[Elankat]

Some people do well with the Bristol. I believe Jeffrey Smart Baisden uses it. You'd want the 500 series Vellum finish.

[rosemary]

I was wondering if several layers of fixative with UV protection ingrediant in the fixative would be just as good as using Prismacolor pencils new non fading pencils. Rosemary

[christine]

Rosemary,

I'm wondering the same thing. I have only been using CP's for about two years now and couldn't believe the fade when I recently matted and framed some older work. I had to touch them up and spray them down before I could have them framed (time consuming and frustrating). I'm now using a UV protection and UV glass, but I have recently started using lightfast CP's on the top of the work (can't give up some of the old colors that I love).

I'm curious about those who just used a fixative with UV protection BEFORE the new lightfast CP's were introduced.

Christine

[rosemary]

I am thinking that the new colors are a marketing tool, to make us artists go out and buy buy buy those these lovely colors and keep us updating.
I have never used the UV glass or fixative as of yet.
I have not doubt lost color from that, but, it never has particularly bothered me, cause it wasn't that noticable. I have been using colored pencil off and on for many years, cause I did not do crewel work or embroidery well. But, I do have pieces that are close to the time I started on colored pencil some time ago, and they are just fine. Rosemary

[Bebble]

Found out about the flaking! - my entire last piece was 100% burnished and ooooh so smooth and shiny...well, not after that UV spray :mad: Suddenly there were thousands of tiny hairs sticking straight up :eek: and they were white - not good at all...some places tried to flake if something rubbed it and others had to be retouched to get color back.

Think it'll be ok though after it's framed but still made me mad I lost all my texture (and the fact that it was the one going to the museum! :( )

Is there any that can be used and still keep my burishing? If not what about at least leaving it smooth and not hairy (sorry, but it looked like stubbly legs and I wanted to take a razor to it :annoyed: ) ?

Would still like to know about UV - I'd add it on top of a layer of something else if it would help!

Brandy

(And yes, I DID test before - the hairs didn't really show on the test piece)

[rosemary]

What kind of spray was it. I won't use it. Have you ever been able to get a hold of framing glass that was UV proof? Rosemary

[Bebble]

Hmmm... it was Krylon UV matte - I know I should have had something good in already but I forgot to order and that was all I could find at Hobbie Lobby! :blushing:

I'd have framed w/ the good glass (we do have UV around here) but the museum insisted that they wanted to frame it themselves...I couldn't be sure that they'd use the right glass so I did what I could before sending it off.

Brandy

[Maria Teresa Barreto]

Hello, I am living in South America until the end of April and I have a couple of pieces I need to finish. I am unable to find fixatives as nobody here ever heard of C.P. paintings. Somebody told me I can use Hair Spray, can you coment on this. Have you ever heard of anybody using Hair Spray on Color Pencil Art ? I am waiting for your answer. Thank you in advance: Maria

[bmac]

I would not recommend using hair spray. I've never used it, but I've heard others advise not to!!!

[caulfield]

Here's the link to the one that Ranjini (Paapu) said was the best for all these problems

http://www.dickblick.com/zz217/14/

Lascaux fine art fixative

It is expensive but if it won't melt the pencil, change colors etc then the price is worth it! I just ordered two bottles.

[Maria Teresa Barreto]

Hi bmac: thank you for answering my question. Hair spray is out !
If I understood it right, Rosmary said she doesn't use any fixatives, is that correct. Can I frame my work without any fixative?. Can you or Rosemary comment about this? I need to frame my paintings. THANK YOU !!!

[Arlene]

Hi bmac: thank you for answering my question. Hair spray is out !
If I understood it right, Rosmary said she doesn't use any fixatives, is that correct. Can I frame my work without any fixative?. Can you or Rosemary comment about this? I need to frame my paintings. THANK YOU !!!

ahh how quickly they forget. ;) (Maria was my student for 18 months) If you don't want to get wax bloom (that filmy look) then you need to spray.

[Maria Teresa Barreto]

Hi Arlene: It's so wanderful to hear your comment, remainds me of the time when you made us pay attention and I felt like a first grader !! which I was in CP painting. Here I am in Paraguay and without a fixative! any ideas?

[Arlene]

i think it would be best to wait till you're back in the states to spray. Our

[Paula P]

Some people do well with the Bristol. I believe Jeffrey Smart Baisden uses it. You'd want the 500 series Vellum finish.

Coming in late here, but I use Strathmore 500 Series illustration board, 4 or 5 ply, and like it a lot. You can use either side, which is a plus.

I got into this because I also paint, and have always loved illustration board (goes back to school days) and this works well for me for colored pencil work too. Or maybe I've just refined my technique to work on this board...:)