Hi Teoh, excellent video as always. I've been using fixatives for my drawings for my whole adult life, and I'd like to add just one comment to your advice. Two or three light coats of fixative are always better than a heavy coat. A heavy coat of fixative is more likely to change the way your sketch looks (especially with pastel, charcoal and pencil drawings) and bleed through to the other side. Light coats give your medium a chance to absorb the chemicals a little at a time and not affect the way your drawing looks, or the drawing on the back side, if they are in a sketchbook.

@teohyc

7 жыл бұрын

+Steve Atkinson Thanks for the tip 😁

@VanmeterFL

3 жыл бұрын

Agreed! The impatient among us are always left with a mess on our hands. 😊

Love, love, love your accent. The way you say "smudging" made me smile "smerging"

@teohyc

8 жыл бұрын

+Bartholo Clumpdink What? There's a difference between smudging and smerging?

@dalex100

8 жыл бұрын

+Bartholo Clumpdink I agree, it makes me smile aswell. But don't take it negatively. I like it :)

@bartholoclumpdink7246

8 жыл бұрын

+dalex100 me too. I love it when he says bristles too.

@teohyc

8 жыл бұрын

***** Thanks. My pressure. lol

@simeonbanner6204

7 жыл бұрын

Cantonese, Hong Kong speaker? I like his accent, there's no "correct" English really. Very informative video too. At art school we hadn't any money so we used hairspray to fix charcoal drawings.

Smurdging! I love it. It's smearing and smudging merged into one word. Genius! Thank you for another educational review. Not only are your reviews informative, but they're enjoyable to watch as well.

@teohyc

7 жыл бұрын

I wonder where I learned that word from. LOL

Some cheaper fixatives can turn yellow over time, so it's good to check information on the can first.

Thank you for sharing your information, Teoh. It is so much better than trial & error. Very easy to follow. Your work is enjoyable to see, too.

I hadn't ever thought of using fixative in my sketchbook until I had the deep black transfer over to a facing painting that was very light. It was all watercolor, and I can only imagine the very humid Florida weather caused enough moisture, it created a bit of a problem. I was able to recover the work, and might fix it just to avoid this problem in the future with really light next to dark sketches. Your explanation of how and when to use fixative was very helpful, as all your videos are! Thank you again, Teoh! Great appreciation!

Thanks for the video! Just took the plunge and used workable fixative. Went great.

Thanks Teoh, you are the go to guy for all art tips! I've learnt loads from you and wanted to say thank you😊

Very glad I found your review here; you have saved me some grief; sorry that some of the fixatives damaged your artwork!

Thanks for posting this video! It helped me out a lot. It hasn't been until recently that I considered using a fixative for my pencil drawings, and this was a great introduction to the many types available! I had no idea! So again, thanks :) Curious, If I'm using only graphite and colored pencil in my sketches, would you suggest the universal fixative?

Thanks for the advice! What sketchbook were you using where you made that sketch on? ( 5:06 )

Thanks. This was so informative. Just what I needed. You are a Great Artist!!!

Watching this in 2021. Your videos are timeless.

Thank You for the information! We bought an art piece in an online auction that turned out to be an ORIGINAL pencil sketch by a famous cowboy artist! It has a little smudging from poor handling and I didn’t know how to protect it. Just what I needed!!

Art's come a long way today. Many pastel artist back in the day used to use VO5 hairspray. It used to be a lot cheaper than many standard fixative sprays and worked fine. Not sure about VO5 today.

Thanks for the informative video. I am a graphite artist and work on bristol board so no bleed thru worries from other types of media.

Hi, I work in Pen & Ink...usually Microns, Uni & Staedtler fine liners on acid-free papers. I was wondering if it is needed to use fixative over my drawings to save them from dust rather than fading.

Thank you so much for you effort and information. I am abit confused if you could enlighten me with fixatives. How about using fixative for artwork that uses poster color to prevent colors from fading?

Great drawings esp. the pen drawings! Thanks for all the info. Testing is the great advice!

i have a question, i do acrylic portraits and sometimes I like to add soft pastel to my art what can do to seal it...this is done on staple back canvas

I have the same fixative!! you can still work o. the drawing after you work on the drawing.

Can I ask what you recommend for protecting drawings I made with different permanent markers, such as Sharpie, Razor, Micron ones too,. I find that after hanging my black and white finished ones on the wall with tak removable gum , after a month they start to darken, getting yellow too at times,..we smoke in here too so that's of course additive. I tried laminating with some roll I got in the supermarket, but 1 mistake and my week's drawing is messed up, as it's not easy to laminate bigger size drawings. + they look even if I managed to do it without folds in it, kinda ugly and cheap now. So could I use a spray like you showed, and prevent this,? Or any other useful cheaper methods out there? TY Great Channel BTW.

@teohyc

4 жыл бұрын

Colours changing could be due to your materials. Marker inks are not lightfast and can fade, unless the ink is pigmented. Paper that's not acid free can turn yellow.

Hi Teoh, quick question. Im using a primer (mostly for acrylic painting) on models and found that gel pens are good for detailed work. I generally use acrylic varnish to seal the colour in (and give gloss) but found that the gel pen ink smudges/smears. What fixative would you think can I use to lock the gel ink in, or alternatively, whats a good primer that will keep the gel ink colours on the models? Thanks

@teohyc

6 жыл бұрын

You have to find gel pen ink that is permanent. Perhaps check out coloured technical pens from Copic, Spectrum Noir. Or the Uniball Vision Needlepoint coloured pens. Or Uniball Signo Gelstick. I don't think it's the fault of the fixative when ink smear

Thank you!! This video helps a ton! I'm glad you mentioned to spray fixative on a test piece of paper, I would have been so upset to have mine break up like that. I have many colored pencils and graphite pencils, as well as graphitint from derwent so once it is a little warmer out (It is only 2 degrees Fahrenheit here) I will be using this. Thank you

@teohyc

8 жыл бұрын

+Rebecca Nelson Oh. I forgot to mention. Fixative may change the colours of coloured pencils. Be careful.

@haicautrang5304

8 жыл бұрын

+Teoh Yi Chie okay, thanks!

SMERGING made me smile too! Love it! OOXXOO Linda

@teohyc

8 жыл бұрын

+Linda Bloom I need to check up on that word in the dictionary

great tips just what i needed, note to self, now stop watching tutorials and start making art ;)

I completed a pencil sketch. Now I want to paint it with acrylic paint. Should I spray on a fixative and then paint so the pencil doesn't show through the paint? Thanks Dwight.

I want to know which brands you used with your damaged sketches?

How if fix in coloring art using watercolor pensil, colored pensil or oil pencil with a more layers colors Thank you

Hi Teoh, if I plan to just get my pencil/graphite drawing into a frame (acrylic top, not glass) immediately, then I don't need to use fixative, right? Or will the acrylic sheet affect the graphite and cause some smudging?

@teohyc

6 жыл бұрын

Fixative is optional. Artist use it to protect the artwork, to prevent the paint or graphic from moving around when touch accidentally by hand or other material.

Would the schmicke pastel fixative be to harsh to save a drawing on a canvas to oil paint over? Its all the art store had but i may order something else. After watching this im thing the Krylon workable surface is the right option.

@teohyc

4 жыл бұрын

You should always test it on scrap art and paper first, regardless of the brand or type of fixative

Thank you this was very informative!

im an olevel student giving art and honestly this was very helpful

Thanks for sharing your mistakes so others can avoid them.

@teohyc

8 жыл бұрын

+Kragatar Thanks. I'm glad it's useful \ (•◡•) /

Love your videos man! Very informative keep it up!

@teohyc

7 жыл бұрын

+Tyler Belding Thanks. 😁

Thank you 🙏 love this information ❤️

can you paint on top of the workable fixative if using inkjet canvas?

@teohyc

3 жыл бұрын

Not too sure. You have to test it on scrap paper first

Any idea if these sprays are good for strathmore 400 drawing paper? I tested the grumcher matte fixative on sketching paper and it caused my graphite to have downward streaks but I suspect its because it was on sketching paper.

@teohyc

4 жыл бұрын

You should not spray so much. Just spray lightly, but spray a few layers.

have you ever tried cold wax for oil painters? what are your thoughts?

can i use the mod podge clear acrylic spray as a fixative for water based markers?

@teohyc

3 жыл бұрын

It depends on how colours are made for those markers. Whether the colours are pigmented or dye based (can't use fixative or colours will separate).

Hi Mr. Thank you for your video on how to preserve artwork! What is the full name of the spray that I could use for colored pencil portraits??

@teohyc

4 жыл бұрын

Daler Rowney and Schmincke sells fixatives. I’m sure there are other brands

Thanks for this! I'm new to using fixative. Do you know if pieces completed in marker need fixative?

@teohyc

5 жыл бұрын

You don't need fixative for markers. Important thing to note is, if you want to use it with markers, test it on scrap paper first. Marker ink, unless they are archival, will break up when sprayed with fixative.

Very helpful....please make a comment about fixative for mixed media (crayon, acrylic, intense and graphite)

thank you for this!!!

Hi Teoh, I got the Krylon UV resistant gallery series clear gloss fixative. I am less than 18 and would not be spraying the spray, but. after reading the writing on the back, I do not want my loved ones to get brain problems or anything. How do you spray the spray without endangering yourself? Also, I got it on Amazon, and it did not say anywhere that the product was so toxic and I cannot return it. I am so sad that I have to tell my mom that she threw $10 in the trash can.

@teohyc

4 жыл бұрын

Just spray it outdoors and you’ll be fine

Can you fixativ on acrylic paint? I’m doing something with mixed media, .charcoal pencil and acrylic paint on wood. Thanks

@teohyc

5 жыл бұрын

You can but acrylic is already permanent when dry. You may want to use the workable fixative.

hi, just want to ask, is fixative waterproof? or let say the drawing got wet, will it keep the drawing safe withouht damaging if its coated with fixative?

@teohyc

2 жыл бұрын

Not sure whether it's waterproof or not. Anyway, even if there's no fixative, you should avoid getting your art wet, e.g. may grow mold.

So what do we use to seal non pigment ink? I’m planning a project and trying to figure out how to waterproof regular fountain pen ink so it won’t bleed everywhere if it gets a bit wet

@teohyc

2 жыл бұрын

Not sure about that. Ink doesn't really need fixative because the ink is already fixed and won't move. Non-pigmented inks are usually dye-based inks. The ink will break apart when fixative is sprayed on it. Anyway, regardless of what you want to use on the ink, test it on sample drawing/writing first.

if I use a workable fixative does that mess up acrylic paint I want to use fixative on my adult coloring books I use colored pencils all the time but I do want to start using acrylic paint for background and I don't know if a fixative would mess that up can you answer that question for me thank you

@teohyc

7 жыл бұрын

+Catrena Belgamh It should not be a problem with acrylic. Just try on some scrap artwork first.

@dellasim7861

6 жыл бұрын

Hi! How about for watercolo, gouache and india ink? Does fixative work with those medium for added protection?

@lunabistudioo

5 жыл бұрын

Della Simbulan i want to know too!! Specially for gouache please

Really helpful! Thank you!!

Could you use a fixative on a watercolour mural that has been painted on a bedroom wall?....

@teohyc

6 жыл бұрын

+Interllect123 I guess you can. Try on a small area first.

@exstalle2736

6 жыл бұрын

The fixative smell would be really strong and dangerous

@viv5493

6 жыл бұрын

•_•

Can I use krylon uv spray varnish instead? Its for ink and watercolor

@teohyc

5 жыл бұрын

You can. Make sure to test first before using on your actual art.

Can i still use workable fixative on my piece of art from using mixed media of graphite, charcoal and sharpie markers without ruining my artwork? If not what other measures do I use to protect it?

@teohyc

5 жыл бұрын

Test the fixative on scrap piece of paper with sharpie marker. If I remember correctly, the fixative will break down the sharpie ink.

thank you very much teoh

Can you use normal clear spray paint mattle finish that is used for metal & wood?

@teohyc

6 жыл бұрын

+Emmanuel Co Not sure about that.

Very useful and detailed explanation. Thank you :-)

Hi, have you tried the Schmincke Pastell Fixative on your water-colour? For UV protection? Does it dissolve or smudge? Thanks.

@teohyc

8 жыл бұрын

+SerenityReceiver I've not tried that on watercolour, but I suppose it should be no problem. But you should just get the universal one.

@SerenityReceiver

8 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your fast answer :)

Hello Teoh. I've made a sketch in which the main and central figure was drawn with pencil and some lines with sailor permanent black. The rest of the sketch was painted with watercolor. I want to fixate the main figure. What kind of fixative would you use, fixative for pencil or for watercolor?would a pencil fixative damage the watercolor? Thank you

@teohyc

5 жыл бұрын

It doesn't matter whether the fixative is for pencil or watercolour. Test the fixative first before you spray on your ink and watercolour art. Sometimes the fixative will change the colours of the watercolour slightly.

@Bright-It

4 жыл бұрын

Teoh Yi Chie Best advise. Test, test and test it!

is there any particular brand that you would recommend or just any brand is fine ? and also does fixative reduce the graphite shine?

@teohyc

6 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure if the matte surface fixative can remove the graphite shine. That would be the one I would try.

Hey! Thanks for this amazing video!! I used it for once in my life and that ruined one of my soft pastel painting 😞😞😞 the spray blew up some colors and Also for the water in it, some colors mixed up automatically! Is there any other way to use it without any problems? Please give me a solution! If you want, you can check out my channel! I also make some art tutorial. Please give me some suggestions. Thank you!!

@teohyc

7 жыл бұрын

Try a test spray first before you use it on your actual art. Spray from a distance so that the spray will not blow the pastel off the paper.

thank you! this has been a problem of mine

Hi ! This was super helpful ! But I’m wondering, is there any good fixative for gouache/watercolour ? I’m a widdle worried that the paint would reactivate but my paintings are smudging in my sketchbook ,,,

@teohyc

2 жыл бұрын

You can get a general purpose fixative from Schminke or Derwent. Make sure to test on sample art first

@newmoonteadrop8952

2 жыл бұрын

@@teohyc thank you I’ll try those brands !

does this remove pencil shine?

Q: i have some artwork drawn on ballpoint pen on my sketch pad... is it advisable to use fixative to preserve it? if so, what type of fixatif should i use? its just an ordinary writing ballpen im talking about... t.y.

@teohyc

3 жыл бұрын

It's not necessary to use fixative on ballpoint pen ink. But if you want to use fixative, test it on sample drawing first. Many ballpoint pen inks are not pigmented and when sprayed with fixative, the colour will break apart.

even though you don't have to worry about watercolors smerging 😉, would the spray-fix help to keep colors from fading if you have a piece displayed somewhere and not just in a sketchbook? Wasn't sure if that was what the whole UV thing was about, love your videos btw.👍

@teohyc

7 жыл бұрын

Colours will still fade when exposed to light. UV coating could help protect it but I'm not too sure about it. You've got to check out what the manufacturer says about their UV spray.

@durtyDraws

7 жыл бұрын

Teoh Yi Chie thanks for the response, really appreciate it! 🙏

Do these fixatives protect artwork against fading due to exposure to light? If not, what would you recommend?

@teohyc

8 жыл бұрын

+LickingMugs They don't protect against colours fading. As much as possible, use lightfast materials.

how you protect your drawing paper from yellowing. i keep mine inside the pages of book in a cool place, would that be alright?

@teohyc

7 жыл бұрын

Paper that turns yellow usually have some acidity in them. That's why you see paper makers list their paper as acid free. Acid-free paper are less likely to turn yellow. Another way to help prevent paper from turning yellow is to keep them away from sunlight. But paper do age and will turn yellow, some faster than others.

@beckyholt

7 жыл бұрын

Yellowing can also be caused by the oils from your fingers on the paper as well as by acidity in the paper making process. Try to buy Acid free or archival papers for your important work they are easy to find and cheap to buy. Good luck.

Hi! If I have both pastel and acrylic paint on paper/canvas, shall I use a fixative first and apply liquid acrylic varnish on top?

@teohyc

2 жыл бұрын

The varnish should protect the surface too so there's no need to use it together with fixative

@jeerAreej

2 жыл бұрын

@@teohyc however i notice that the pastel tends to smudge when i apply the varnish 🥲 so am wondering if i shd spray fixative first then varnish over

@teohyc

2 жыл бұрын

@@jeerAreej Oh yeah, need to have fixative over the pastel first. But always test on a scrap piece of art first.

@jeerAreej

2 жыл бұрын

@@teohyc ahh ok thats what i thought. Thank you so much!

Have you tried cold wax medium? I use it on watercolor paintings when I don't have a frame with glass in it.

@teohyc

4 жыл бұрын

I’ve not

@teohyc

4 жыл бұрын

I’ve not

There may be an easier way to protect the watercolors and maybe pencilsketches (I haven't tried that with pencil sketches to be honest). I use wax for that, a cheap version would be something like Ranger Distress Glaze, that you just rub onto the painting or drawing. It makes it waterproof and has still a matte finish. I used it for watercolor postcards and it worked fine.

@teohyc

6 жыл бұрын

+LanaGoesArt Fixative spray is easiest way to protect the art. They aren't too expensive either.

@_tianawong

6 жыл бұрын

It can be toxic. You should spray outside. I think you can also use hairspray as a safer and cheap alternative.

I have liquid fixative that I got in a gouache set, I have no idea how to use it.

@bizzydreamin402

7 жыл бұрын

You sure it's not liquid masking fluid?

Here's one. From Bic ball point pens to archival ink, there appears at times an inconsistency between dried areas and new ink. It's horrendous and very noticeable. Same pen. Same ink. Shade in one half of a dark area. Come back a day later and pick up where you left off, and bam! There appears a purple-ish or satin blotch showing your new ink over the old ink, Workable fixative is the only solution I have found for this as recoating the entire area in fresh ink has ZERO effect on the blotch.

I was wondering if this kind of fixatives (for pastels, pencils) can be used to seal alcohol ink painting on Yupo paper ... ?

@teohyc

5 жыл бұрын

Alcohol ink will probably break when sprayed with fixative.

@Margot4454

5 жыл бұрын

@@teohyc I finally got the product I had in mind asking you and it's Inkjet Fixative Varnish Spray Review By Photo Paper Direct. I sprayed it on some dry alcohol ink splotches and it didn't smudge or leak so I think it works. There is no info on the ingredients, solvent but it is made for inkjet so...... however, there are many kinds of inks.... I thought you might want to know it after I asked you a question - an artist never knows what thechiques or medias the future holds for him :))) I also subscribed and I'm browisn through your vids finding something important and interesting at every turn ! You have a very rare ability to explain things in a clear way - thank you very much :)

Can I spray it over my prismacolor artwork?

Do you only use fixative for graphite, charcoal, pastel and alike? Or you can use it for paint as added protection?

@teohyc

6 жыл бұрын

You can. You have to get the appropriate fixative for the medium you're using.

can I use lacquer clear spray paint as a fixative? I need answers please

@teohyc

6 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure about that.

i dont know if anyone has experience with this but i have a problem with my fixative. i didnt use it in a while and when i shake and spray the consistency is not like a spray, but just the gluey substance coming out. anyone know what to do?

@teohyc

4 жыл бұрын

The fixative has probably solidified inside the can.

Is there any difference between a fixative and varnish? Can varnish be used on charcoal?

@teohyc

3 жыл бұрын

I've not used varnish so I can't say much. It's best to fixative made specially for the medium

This work with costumized sneakers ?

Great info.

I did heat embossing calligraphy on a canvas and I found black marks on my calligraphy letters and the canvas also got dirty after a few months I’m confused on what to use Please recommend a good spray to protect heat embossed artwork on canvases

@teohyc

5 жыл бұрын

You can get any general purpose art fixative.

which fixative is good for prismacolor premier colored pencils?

@teohyc

8 жыл бұрын

+Angel Pellot Any fixture that says it can be used with coloured pencils or pastels should do fine.

is it advisable to use fixatives in a linen paper printed using an ink jet?

@teohyc

7 жыл бұрын

No. Ink jet ink is usually dye based and will break apart when fixative is sprayed.

Can I use a clear spray paint instead? It's kinda hard to find fixative here

@teohyc

6 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure about that.

Can I spray fixative on canvas? I paint on canvas tote beg using acrylic and poster colour should I use fixative to keep the colour?

@teohyc

5 жыл бұрын

Actually acrylic is permanent so it doesn't need spraying. But watercolour is too. Not sure about poster colour. You can use fixative to protect the surface. But test on sample or scrap art first.

@teohyc

5 жыл бұрын

For keeping the colour, that has got to do with the lightfastness. Fixative may not make a fugitive colour last. Or you can research UV fixative.

High quality video! 😆😆😆

so what's the verdict with ink or pen drawings? no fixative?

@teohyc

4 жыл бұрын

Ink doesn't require fixative since it doesn't move on its own.

Great advise!

Fixative for gouache please!!

Are those type of fixatives good for shoes ? Or foldable material in general

@teohyc

3 жыл бұрын

Not sure about that

@ernoldeus5017

3 жыл бұрын

@@teohyc thank you

Hello hello, I need advice! I am drawing with i k on top of a watercoloured background and rhen gluing it to a canvas thats. Een painted with acrylic. When I use a soray fixative or a matte medium alot of it smudges including the pen. What should I be using so this doesnt happen? Ive ruined two pieces and am discouraged.

@teohyc

7 жыл бұрын

First, single out the cause of the smudges. Test your pen, matte medium, watercolour and acrylic separately on separate pieces of paper. Some pens that are not pigmented may smudge. Materials that are dyed based are going to react chemically with the fixative to smudge. Always test the fixative before using because when sprayed on the wrong material, it could damage your art.

@craftycrafter1960

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks! What is a good drawing pen/ink to use? Everything Ive tried so far activates with medium on it. Is there nothing that wont?

@teohyc

7 жыл бұрын

Crafty Crafter What have you been using? Which specific pen? You should use pigmented ink, e.g. India ink, or those inks made by De Atramentis.

@craftycrafter1960

7 жыл бұрын

Ive mostly drawn with pentel energel, sharpie pen, unibol. I think this may be the problem.

@teohyc

7 жыл бұрын

Crafty Crafter That could likely be the problem. I'm not sure about Pentel Energel but Sharpie is definitely a dye based ink (waterproof though) so the black colour will break apart when sprayed with fixative. The Pentel pen is also likely to use dye based ink because there's no mention on whether or not it is waterproof. As for the Unibol, or is it Uniball, some of their pens are pigmented and will withstand fixative. You have to look for the waterproof pens by Uniball. They use some sort of Super-Ink thing. I use a lot of Uniball pens for my art. Uniball also produce gel-pens that use pigment ink that's safe with fixative use. E.g. Uniball Gel Impact.

Does the fixative say works with ink and marker?

@teohyc

4 жыл бұрын

With ink it usually doesn't say. Reason is it depends on the ink you use. If you use dye inks, the colours will break no matter which fixative you use. So you must use pigmented inks to be safe.

can i use spray paint ??🙃

Can we use this in color pencil art made on the wall?

@teohyc

4 жыл бұрын

You can

@minigailnedumaran4032

4 жыл бұрын

@@teohyc thank u

please show links to products and show names of product.

Does this make it ok to frame? It being pressed against glass/acrylic?

@tormentedxmind1695

6 жыл бұрын

I don’t want it to transfer or anything does this make it 100% sealed?

@teohyc

6 жыл бұрын

It is okay to seal. The spray will dry to paper dry.

Is there an advantage of Final Fixative vs Workable?

@teohyc

6 жыл бұрын

I'm not too sure about Workable fixative. I recommend testing out first before using it for actual painting. It's difficult to guess how the medium would react on the fixative.

Cheers mate!

thank you, most informative

@teohyc

6 жыл бұрын

Welcome \ (•◡•) /