Learn from me - Pastel drawing / painting and more - My patreon art channel lessons (videos + more) - www.patreon.com/wildlifeart My Video (DVD + Downloads)/ebook lessons - www.jasonmorgan.co.uk/ Wildlife reference photos (copyright free) - www.wildlifeart-online.com/ Facebook - facebook.com/jason.morgan.wildlife.art/ Instagram - instagram.com/wildlife_art_jason/

Hi Jason, have you ever considered changing the way you apply the fixative for your test? Rather than spraying the fixative directly on the test piece and only from only a couple inches away, which saturates each color strip with the fixative, first turn the paper over and knock off any pastel dust not adhered to the paper. Then, try laying the test paper flat down on the ground and spraying over it at a perpendicular angle from above, thus, letting the fixative particles fall down onto the test paper below. You may need to experiment with the height needed, but I suggest at least 12-24 inches above, and only make 1 or 2 passes MAX. It will be hard to stop going over and over it, but we are not spray painting a patio chair, but rather applying fixative, thus, less is more. Remember, don't apply the fixative from above pointing the spray nozzle down towards the paper, but rather spray across the paper. Whenever I work with a fixative I ALWAYS test the spray first, to make sure the product is shaken/mixed appropriately and the nozzle isn't plugged and won't be sputtering. A quick test spray shot is fine. It would be great to pick up a can and go, but that's not very realistic because we can't account for how old the product is, what temperature the can has been stored at, if the nozzle needs cleaning, what quality of paper we are testing on, what quality of pastels we have used, how much tooth the paper has to hold the pastel, how many layers of pastels we've put down, etc. As for smudging afterwards, I understand your point, but I don't use fixative to avoid smudging, I use it to avoid loose particles floating down on the framed matboard. BTW, you do awesome work! :-)

@user-wickedflower

4 жыл бұрын

Mark Bendickson cant be arsed reading long winded post but agree with the point of knocking extra off if its not done whilst painting the piece. I put mine in frames as ive never had any luck with any kind of sprays or liquids

@hadenough9186

4 жыл бұрын

That what I think his issue is that he spraying way to close. 12-24 inches. I use Grumbacher and it seems to do find but again I don't spray at too much of angle or within 12 inches. Quick and smooth motion . One pass .

@ppaladino

2 жыл бұрын

That's how we use luminol to detect trace amounts of blood from latent stains in crime scenes. This provide an even mist, making the pattern quite precise. Although there's a beautiful glow effect if a larger drop meets the bloodstain. I'm quite sure applying this way leads to better result in pastel paintings as well.

@sandracarter2493

10 ай бұрын

@@user-wickedfloweryou missed some great information

Finally, someone who does proper testing. This is exactly what i was looking for. I’ll definitely be giving the spectrafix a go, results looked great.

Thank you! Thank you! True professional and compassionate artist.

Thank you so much for your extremely helpful comparison video on fixatives for pastels. It was invaluable! You saved me so much time and money and from any of my future pastel paintings getting ruined. Also, the comments left by your viewers and your responses were helpful as well.

Now used the Spectrafix and I can confirm that it does a decent job without altering the balance of tones and colours.

Thank you for this video. I loved the thoroughness of your tests. You have answered a major question for me. Bravo!

This is a great review and really helped me with my choice. ALSO, your video is amazingly clear/sharp and your lighting is just lovely. Great video.

OMG hands down the best video. Thank you so much for your efforts! I’m so pleased to know there is actually something out there that really works. You’ve earned a loyal follower!

@marthindavis2782

2 жыл бұрын

Hello 👋🏻 hope you’re okay ✅

I love the spectrafix. I also use Colored pencils and when I used the Advanced Colored pencil fixative I was not happy at all. Not only does it darken pastel but it darkens colored pencils. What is worse is about 3 or 4 days later you see this horrible waxy looking oxidation that shows up even on non wax pencils like FBs. Also the end clogs constantly and spits required hot water soaking. I was very happy with Spectrafix not only for pastel but on colored pencil as well. I have extensively tested several brands. It is nice to know the the least costly and oldest works the best. It also allowed me to seal with varnish a pastel yes pastel and colored pencil paintings. Amazing! You nailed it Jason.

Been looking for quite some time for clear answers on some sort of fixative that works. I don't expect pastel work to be sealed completely, but definitely don't want the artwork compromised when handled by framers or buyers - or dust falling to the bottom of the frame. This was so helpful and the comments by other artists is also helping me not lose heart (I almost wanted to throw in the towel with creating artwork with pastels, but I love them so much.) So glad I came across this video, thanks so much for taking the time make it!

You ARE the master ! Thanks for sharing so generously with us - learn SO much from you other than through errors !!!

Thank you for trying theses products and sharing your results!

Thanks for this review. I don’t use the Spectrafix because mine comes out in spots, but someone here mentioned that the company has a new type spray bottle to put it in so I just ordered one. I use a little pan pastel with my coloured pencils, so the Spectrafix should be perfect for it! Yay 👍

This is very helpful and the test are so thorough! I'm a beginner in art and you definitely saved me some money.

I use the spectrafix sprayed with an air brush. It works perfectly with pan pastels as well as other soft pastels. The control and consistently that I get with the air brush is the secret i think. A natural product with no smell and no danger to you or the environment.

@mo5570

4 жыл бұрын

rico viselli how do you use with airbrush? Do you have to thin the spectra fix?

I'd been advised against using fixative on pastel, but was very concerned about the pastel dust falling off. So great to find your video here! Thanks for your honest in-depth review, and so easy to see the results, Spectrafix definitely the way to go :)

Thank you Jason. Extremely helpful and useful information.

Well you should 1) spray from far away 2) not spray 2 times at same place 3)not leave any wet spots. It is not varnish, no need to cover it fully with 500 layers - it will work with a tiny amount of spray. This info must be written on the spray can.

This is sooo helpful. I use pastels for painting portraits, and the aerosol fixatives act like fake tans. I'm excited to try spectrafix. Thank you, Jason.

Jason Morgan You are the top of testing 💫 I hope the manufactorers see this and make a new fixative formula

Love, love your comparison videos. I admire your art, I can only hope that with patience and practice that one day I can achieve the skills you have mastered. Your comparison vids are indispensable for actually seeing how different brands work, from papers and pencils, all the way to the fixative. Thank you for doing these, it helps us make an informed decision on the tools and the products that will help us along our with our studies!

@wildlifeartjm

6 жыл бұрын

T DiRobbio my pleasure.

@marthindavis2782

2 жыл бұрын

Hello Terry hope you’re okay ✅

Thank you so much for this review!

Thank you your videos- I’m learning so much!

I am so happy to find this video, because I feared I might have bought a fixative (Spectrafix) that does not stand with high expectations, but I am happy that you have justified my love for the product:):)

I've been experimenting with soft pastel more lately and have deterred from it because the fixatives that are often recommended completely muddied the actual art work and the vibrancy was gone. This video was really helpful.

Wonderful video. Thank you for these proper side by side testing. I see it changes the color and looks splotchy in some areas. I have only painted five pastels now. I was looking for a way to keep the pastel dust to a minimum.

Thanks as a newbie I can use all the information I can get. Great information

Thank you for taking the time, that was a big help!

Thank you for such a thorough and concise review.

Thank you for such a thorough review! I have 4 different cans of fixitive I never use anymore because of color shift, and cant return to the store because I've already cracked the seal. Such a waste!

Brilliant, thank you Jason.

An outstanding video! Thank you so much for your contribution to the community.

Recently I discovered SpectraFix and ordered their whole line of products. What I was very pleased about this product line is the ability to buy refills that fit with the refillable hand spray bottles. Easy light type of spray and easy on the hands, especially if you're doing large pieces or a lot of them. I spray not directly vertically onto the art but horizontally over the top to give a nice light even spray. Just getting to try the products out on my multi-media art and am happy with the results. I even used the Glass varnish product over top too and for some of my art, it's great, no need for glass and very little reflective shine on the surface. Thank you for taking the time to demonstrate for us!

Well done Jason , excellent presentation. I work with the the Brush and Pencil with my coloured pencils pieces and it splutters like crazy. I spray then even it out with a brush. I tried the Spectra fix and it does not have enough tooth for Coloured pencil although its likely excellent as a final finishing fixitive.

Dear Jason, I also tried various fixatives and came to the conclusion that spectrafix works best. But as it is offered in a Pump bottle sometimes I had bubbles on my drawing, so I used the Airbrush and the result was perfekt - also for bigger Formats Cheers from Germany Christine

@etcmontessori

9 ай бұрын

Although the spectrafix formula comes in a bottle that is ready to apply, they do sell the concentrate as well which you mix with alcohol. The concentrate is sold in 3 oz bottles that are easily transported through airport security. I apply it using a continuous spray bottle after I have mixed it. The results are perfect and I have found that my artwork can be safely transported without any major issues. I also use it between layers.

Thank you for sharing this. It’s been very helpful.

Thanks so much for your efforts here and for sharing.

Really excellent video Jason, the thorny question of fixing has bugged me for ages, so you’ve provided much food for thought here. Cheers! Dare I ask, whats your take on framing?

@wildlifeartjm

6 жыл бұрын

double mount + behind glass

Thanks a lot for that Jason. I was wanting to try the Spectrafix but didn't hold much hope for the claims, but then I found your video. Like you I've had a lot of rubbish results from the pressurised ones, darkening everything, washing out all kinds of subtle gradations that took ages to get just right and generally ruining the work. I'll be trying out the Spectrafix.

Jason thank you for your video. I've been using pastels for several years and like you I've tried all sorts of fixatives including the ones you have showcased. Absolutely agree with your opinion, I've yet to find a a fixative that wouldn't discolour/change or whatever you would like to call it. The Brush and Pencil fixative is only for colour pencil so I didn't expect this to work. Perhaps the paper may have something to do with it, however I've been using Pastelmat for years and don't need to use any sort of fixative (so I don't). It would be great if the manufacturers could make a fixative that wouldn't discolour your work!

@wildlifeartjm

6 жыл бұрын

spectrafix is the best so far, very minimal discolouration

@peterp6227

5 жыл бұрын

Xrissart is there any other pastel paper brands besides PastelMat that you recommend that wouldn't need fixative?

excellent review. Thank you so much for showing us.

Thank you so much it helped me a lot and saved my money.

The brush and pencil applicator was a great disappointment for me as well. I have read that others have had problems with the applicators, all new cans were being used so came to the conclusion that there is a problem there. Pretty expensive to buy as well, total waste of my money! Thanks for your very informative testing, a great help to all artists who use fixatives.

Thanks. So helpful!

Thank you for the testing i realy appreciate the info

Thanks for the review. I heard Spectrafix was great but people had a problem with it being a pump can. I saw somewhere, someone used a Flairosol bottle with the Spectrafix and it worked wonderfully. I have both in my cart!

@anitatovey2031

6 жыл бұрын

I've just ordered a Flairisol as my Spectrafix spray drives me nuts!

@Jodysfunstuff

6 жыл бұрын

i also just ordered the Flairosol bottler along with the Spectrafix.

Thank you so so so much for this! ❤

Anyone who watches this video and doesn't run to Patreon shouldn't be privileged to watching your videos. I'm ready to write those manufacturers who didn't provide you with the products you needed--shame on them! Sorry it took me so long, had a terrible accident and lost a year of my life. Back on it now and signed up to help! God bless you Jason!

Spectrafex is looking good! I like to mix media a bit, so if I find that it's safe for my watercolor, I'll be very pleased.

The Brush and pencil fixatives both the texture and final are highly unstable. When they do work it’s great but they splutter half the time dumping huge droplets on your artwork. I tend to seal a layer with the spectra effects which I love. Then if I want more tooth I will put a layer of B&p’s texture fixative and if that splutters I quickly grab a brush and brush it in glad that I presealed with the Spectra effects!

Thanks so much, for your help...have you tried hair spray...

Thanks that,s a very good useful informational video.and worth subscribing to.

Thanks you, I bought Spectrafix, but I still never used It, so your tests are very useful!

invaluable info, thanks so much on this, I too have spent a lot on the useless ones. Don"t quote me but the Blair Aerosol did not seem too bad.

Thanks, thats really helpful for me😮👍

You're the hot topic! Thanks so much for this invaluable info. A few minutes watching your videos can save us hundreds of dollars. You're so Patreon worthy to support!

@marthindavis2782

2 жыл бұрын

Hello Leah hope you’re okay ✅

I have found the same thing as you. I have tried many fixatives and find that the only fixative that ever works for me is the "workable" kind to use only if I need to get more tooth. I makes me crazy to have to spend extra hours to get the brightness and delicate changes in tone back. I have not, at this point tried the Lecaux spray since the price is dear & the chance of it really working is not very considerate. If you try it or know others who have I would appreciate your thoughts.

Great video and thank you for your time in preparing excellent testers for us at your expense. Sorry you had to spend money on these products. One question, you stated that Spectra Fix was good for sealing layers of pastel but isn't a final sealant for the work of art (paraphrased). Without testing (and spending more money), what do YOU use to seal your final pastel artwork? I'm good with your recommendation. Thanks in advance!

That's good to know. I use the spectrafix because it's not toxic. Great that it's most effective too.

Thanks for this video, I've only experienced problems with fixative when using PASTELMAT. When I use my canson pastel paper, or other papers that aren't sanded, it never leaves spots or changes the colour. :(.

@user-wickedflower

4 жыл бұрын

Patricia pastlemat states no fixative needed on their surfaces

did I miss it? how do you get the spectrafix fluid into the flairosol sprayer?

Hi, Jason. Do you happen to know a source for Spectrafix in Europe? I live in Germany and this product can't be found in any of the art shops. I tried ebay but all I get is based in US. Thanks!

Very helpful, thank you.

The Brush and Pencil Final Fixative I bought did the same thing; it splatters large droplets on the paper, no matter what I do, and they dry dark and change the color of the paper and colored pencil.

Thank you!! Oh my God! this video, safe my money! Thank you!🙏🏻❤🙏🏻

I had the same problems, blotches on the paper, with Sennelier Latour Spray Fixative for Pastels..

THANK YOU!!!

Hello thanks for this. I tested the spectra on my paper (bristol smooth 300 series and it damaged my paper. I am not sure if it is the paper or if I sprayed too much but it came out as drops. Is it my paper?

Could you use PanPastels on a wooden panel or watercolour canvas and seal it was fixative spray?

I wish I had seen this before buying one yesterday 🤦‍♀️ I've ordered the Daler Rowney one based on another review but it still did alter the colours more than I think the Spectra fix does

I have a bottle of Spectrafix but even spraying vertically gives me droplets. I've just ordered a Flairosol spray bottle so fingers crossed!

I also use spectrafix as well.

Spectra Fixative is decent. I would advise to wipe the spray nozzle after use, and even after each individual spray to avoid spattering. Otherwise works very well, I agree.

Thank you!!!

It might be better spraying the Spectrafix using an airbrush....I'm going to give it try....Cheers

If l wanted to keep a label on a bottle and preserve the label. Would this work? Or would you recommend another product?

Cool, which camera is taken?

Good review

My brush and pencil spray spatters the fixative as well.

Thanks a lot for that video, I thought I was stupid because I had always problems with any kind of fixative. The last time I tried one, I bought one from Schmincke. Also pretty expensive and ruined a just finished painting competly, I was not able to save it. It erased a lot of the finer shades and details and with all the blotches on the paper it was ruined.

@wildlifeartjm

5 жыл бұрын

yes i have tested that one - bad too

Suprised at the Spectrafix, but good to know about how it actually works. Interested to see the Sennelier results since they actually make pastels so they should actually know. Left to be seen though. As for the Krylon, it will either not change the colour, but not fix the pastels or it will fix the pastels and darken the colours. Not sure how much it will though.

@wildlifeartjm

6 жыл бұрын

Maria Rev I tried it. Only very slightly better than the other can sprays. I won't be using it

@SmillyDonut

6 жыл бұрын

Jason Morgan - Wildlife Art Thank you for letting me know. I greatly appreciate it and this review.

Thanks!

This was really helpful, I really appreciate this video. The first time I did a pastel I sprayed workable fixatif...it significantly altered my painting. Very frustrating.

@suzannw9098

4 жыл бұрын

Sara Mohammad I tried workable Fixitif on watercolor paper as well as sanded pastel paper. It darkened the pastels on both and in some cases completely obliterated the finer delicate dots, lines or speckles. I'd only use it if absolutely necessary on lower layers. I'm using Uart paper and it doesn't seem necessary to spray any longer.

@marthindavis2782

2 жыл бұрын

Hello suzann hope you’re okay ✅

Hi I just had a question ... can I use the winsor and newton fixative spray on OIL PASTELS??? Also is it a need(fixative) for oil pastels ? Your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks. Ps.. I use sennelier oil pastels but shops here (Qatar)dont stock the sennelier fixative tried ordering online and shipment got cancelled cause of dangerous goods... the only one available here is WnN fixative hence the dilemma!

Hello, i love working with soft pastels, i use rembrandt soft pastels on a hahnemuhle pastel fix and when i applied fixative its turns a little bit dark but its ok, the fixative that i use is the Latour sennellier, but i tried on pastelmat paper and it ruins the drawing, but i dont know why, obviously the pastelmat paper its way better than the other, but i don't know how this happened ?

Once a pastel piece has been sprayed with fixative, do you think it could be framed without glass, especially if it was on a surface like Ampersand Pastelbord? If so, would it be necessary to use varnish over the fixative?

@tehrihumbert876

2 жыл бұрын

'with fixative, do you think it could be framed without glass'..... 3 years later, answer is : NO !!!!!

Could you use the spectrafix through an airbrush for larger pieces, or would it clag up?

@Oshia666

4 жыл бұрын

You can buy it in concentrate so I wouldn't see why not, I've used airbrushes for varnishes before and it works much better than any aerosol.

I teach colored pencil and The Brush and Pencil spits and blobs, everyone says this. I am buying the Spectrafix because of this review and I will try it with my Pan Pastels. Thank you!

@marthindavis2782

2 жыл бұрын

Hello Genie hope you’re okay 👍

I have the same problem as you with the fixative from brush and pencil and was wondering if this was normal. And i used it on my pencil drawing. I diddnt like that....while everyone is so happy with this product.

@jackcoppedge3183

6 жыл бұрын

I had the same results with Brush and Pencil so I have to assume all are bad and therefore a waste of our money. How can people sell this junk knowing it doesn't work?

I’m super happy with spectra fix, except for w/conte. I’ve not found a fixative that actually keeps it from smudging. I spent 15yrs in a lab as a QC chemist. Wonder if they do batch tests on these cans or rely on old data?? B&P adds tooth to the paper for cp, so it’s a must have for cp work.

Would love to try but not available in the U.S. at this time and, unfortunately, Jackson cannot ship it here. Can't find any information as to when it will be sold here.

Excellent video. Thank you for taking the time and $ to do this. Any advice on how to ship commissioned work? I would think that would need fixative for sure. Comments?

@wildlifeartjm

6 жыл бұрын

Kelley Butler not necessarily. Just put glassine on the front and tape it. Like I show on the how to store pastels video. Then board each side.

How did you fix your work in the past, Jason?

I never had much luck with Spectrafix fixative, it is awful in my experience because it's a squirt bottle - so a lot of large droplets come out of the bottle rather than an even mist even after cleaning the cap... It's interesting to see it working here and I'm curious how you're getting it to play nice with you! As for the BrushAndPencil fixative, if it's spitting and spluttering for you, you need to clean the head of the spray can, because it's clogged. Give it a good wash in soapy warm water and dry it off, and that'll get it spraying a fine and even mist again. That said, it's really meant for coloured pencil as the chemicals inside it binds to the wax from applied coloured pencil rather than the paper, so I strongly doubt it would work well at all with pastel in the first place! Looks like W&N fixative worked horribly here, yeesh! I think I'll be sticking to not fixing my pastel art with anything haha. Or maybe I'll give spectrafix another try after seeing it work for you. Thanks for doing this comparison it was really interesting to see how well the Spectrafix spray held up!

@wildlifeartjm

6 жыл бұрын

I cleaned the nozzle etc and everything else - no better. if it does this mid spray pastels would be ruined unfortunately. as you mention it is meant for coloured pencils though.

@UltramarineBlu

6 жыл бұрын

Same for me with Spectrafix! I like it because it works and doesn't alter the colors much at all, but I don't know how to avoid the droplets.

@wildlifeartjm

6 жыл бұрын

with spectrafix, spray with ypur paper almost vertical, a

@UltramarineBlu

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the tip, I will do this way! :) It makes sense, and I know I always tried it with the paper horizontal.

@Jodysfunstuff

6 жыл бұрын

i just ordered Spectrafix with the Flairosol container to try it out. hoping this will help with water droplet issue.

I was at the factory from the brand Royal Talens. They told me, the binder of the pastels is clay (kaolin) this is a white color. When you spray the fixative, the binder becomes transparent, therefore colors become darker. They told me, don’t spray the last layer that is the lightest from color. Also, it is only you can do another layer and not because the pastels are sticking on there background. Even if you spray multiple bottels it’s stil colors you’re fingers.

Brush and Pencil Advanced Colored Pencil Fixative - Texture Finish, 9 oz i have found this workable fixative which is different to their final fix one. I have ordered it from Jacksons. Will let you know if it works for me on soft pastels. I want a product that darkens texturises and seals enough to add layers.

Interesting results. I know you mentioned that the Brush and Pencil Colored Pencil Fixative was not meant for pastels but I think by including it anyway (despite technical difficulties) and comparing it to other fixatives, it just sets this brand up to fail. Would like to have seen another viable option.

@jackcoppedge3183

6 жыл бұрын

Why don't you just get another supplier for your spray cans, yours' was the only one that I tried that sputtered and spit out globs of spray and caused big bubbles on the surface. Did you not test this before going into production?

@COLOREDPENCILMagazine

6 жыл бұрын

We don't make this product.

@daviahenningham

6 жыл бұрын

My brush and pencil fixative sprays properly

Hi Jason, I am using oil pastels on my foamiran flowers. However, they are hard to blend on a delicate product (0.06mm) thick. So, I purchased some soft pastels. Now my problem is, how do I stop it from just coming off of my final flower? Do you have any suggestions?

@marthindavis2782

2 жыл бұрын

Hello Susan hope you’re okay ✅

What about the smell? How long does it last?