how to seal charcoal drawings

Daniel Parker

3 min read

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16-01-2025

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Charcoal drawings possess a unique, expressive quality. However, their delicate nature makes them susceptible to smudging and damage. Sealing your charcoal artwork is crucial to preserve its beauty and longevity. This guide will walk you through different methods for sealing charcoal drawings, helping you choose the best option for your artwork and skill level.

Why Seal Your Charcoal Drawings?

Before diving into the methods, let's understand why sealing is so important. Charcoal is inherently fragile. Without a sealant, your artwork is vulnerable to:

• Smudging: Accidental contact can easily smear the charcoal, ruining the artwork.
• Fading: Exposure to light can cause the charcoal to fade over time.
• Damage: Dust, humidity, and even handling can damage the delicate charcoal particles.

Sealing creates a protective barrier, preserving your hard work for years to come.

Choosing the Right Sealant: A Comparison of Methods

Several methods exist for sealing charcoal drawings, each with its own pros and cons. The best choice depends on your desired finish and experience level.

1. Hairspray: The Quick and Easy Option

Hairspray is a readily available, inexpensive method. It's excellent for a quick fix, particularly for less formal pieces.

Pros: Affordable, readily available, easy to apply. Cons: Offers minimal protection, can leave a slightly sticky residue, may alter the charcoal's tone slightly, not archival quality.

How to Use: Hold the can 8-12 inches away and apply a light, even coat. Avoid over-spraying. Allow to dry completely before handling.

2. Fixative Spray: The Artist's Standard

Fixative spray, specifically designed for artwork, offers superior protection compared to hairspray. It's a popular choice among artists.

Pros: Provides better protection than hairspray, available in various formulas (matte, satin, gloss), relatively easy to apply. Cons: More expensive than hairspray, can still slightly alter the charcoal's tone if over-sprayed. Some fixatives are not archival quality. Look for archival-quality options for long-term preservation.

How to Use: Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Apply light, even coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Work in a well-ventilated area.

Important Note: Avoid using workable fixative, designed for layering, unless you intend to continue working on the piece.

3. Glass or Acrylic Coating: For Maximum Protection

For ultimate protection, especially for valuable or large-scale pieces, consider glass or acrylic coatings.

Pros: Offers the most protection against smudging and damage, provides a durable, long-lasting finish. Cons: More involved process, requires more skill and precision, more expensive.

How to Use (Acrylic): Apply a thin, even coat of archival-quality acrylic varnish using a soft brush. Allow to dry completely. Multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat to avoid runs and drips.

How to Use (Glass): Frame the artwork under glass, ensuring a proper seal to protect it from dust and moisture.

4. Framing Under Glass: The Classic Approach

Framing under glass is a tried-and-true method for preserving artwork. This method offers excellent protection and enhances the piece's presentation.

Pros: Excellent protection from environmental factors, enhances presentation, adds value to the artwork. Cons: Can be expensive, requires careful handling during framing.

How to Use: Select a frame and archival-quality matting appropriate for the artwork's size. Carefully insert the artwork into the frame under glass.

Choosing the Right Sealant for Your Needs

Here's a quick summary table to help you decide:

Tips for Success

• Work in a well-ventilated area when using sprays.
• Test the sealant on a small, inconspicuous area first to check for any unwanted effects.
• Apply thin, even coats to avoid runs and drips.
• Allow each coat to dry completely before applying another.
• Handle the artwork carefully after sealing to avoid smudging.
• Store your sealed artwork properly to protect it from light and humidity.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively seal your charcoal drawings, preserving their beauty and ensuring they remain a cherished part of your collection for years to come. Remember to choose the method that best suits your needs and skill level. Your artwork deserves the best protection you can provide.