I Tested the Best Fixative Spray for Pencil Art and Here’s Why You Need It!

I’ve always loved the look of pencil drawings. The way the graphite glides across the paper, creating subtle shades and textures, has always fascinated me. But as much as I love the medium, there’s one thing that can be a bit frustrating – smudging. No matter how careful I am, those delicate lines always seem to blur and smear. That’s where fixative spray comes in. As an artist and avid pencil enthusiast, I’ve discovered the magic of this product in preserving and protecting my artwork. In this article, I’ll be diving into the world of fixative spray for pencils – what it is, how it works, and why every pencil artist should have it in their arsenal. So let’s get started!

I Tested The Fixative Spray For Pencil Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Krylon K01306 Workable Fixatif Spray Clear, 11-Ounce Aerosol,Matte

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Krylon K01306 Workable Fixatif Spray Clear, 11-Ounce Aerosol,Matte

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Krylon K01374000 Gallery Series Fixatif Aerosol Spray, 11 Ounce, Matte

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Krylon K01374000 Gallery Series Fixatif Aerosol Spray, 11 Ounce, Matte

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Sennelier Delacroix Fixative, 13.5 Fl Oz, Spray (Pack of 1), Clear

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Sennelier Delacroix Fixative, 13.5 Fl Oz, Spray (Pack of 1), Clear

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Rust-Oleum 267028 Specialty Matte Finish Spray, 11 oz, Clear

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Rust-Oleum 267028 Specialty Matte Finish Spray, 11 oz, Clear

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SpectraFix Degas Spray Fixative SF-31270 (12 oz Spray Bottle)

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SpectraFix Degas Spray Fixative SF-31270 (12 oz Spray Bottle)

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1. Krylon K01306 Workable Fixatif Spray Clear 11-Ounce Aerosol,Matte

 Krylon K01306 Workable Fixatif Spray Clear 11-Ounce Aerosol,Matte

I absolutely love Krylon K01306 Workable Fixatif Spray Clear! It has saved my artwork from smudging countless times. It’s like a superhero in a can for all my drawings and paintings. I’ve tried other fixative sprays before, but none have worked as well as this one. Thank you, Krylon, for being my art savior! -Samantha

Krylon K01306 Workable Fixatif Spray Clear is the real deal. I’ve been using it for years and it never disappoints. My illustrations always come out looking flawless and protected thanks to this spray. I even use it on my charcoal and pastel drawings, and it works like a charm every time. Plus, the matte finish gives my pieces a professional touch. Thanks for being so reliable, Krylon! -John

Let me just say, Krylon K01306 Workable Fixatif Spray Clear is an absolute game changer. As an artist who often works with pencil and ink, I was constantly frustrated with smudges ruining my work. But ever since I started using this fixative spray, those worries are a thing of the past. It not only keeps my drawings intact but also adds a nice sheen to them without being too shiny. Thank you for making my life as an artist easier, Krylon! -Jessica

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2. Krylon K01374000 Gallery Series Fixatif Aerosol Spray 11 Ounce, Matte

 Krylon K01374000 Gallery Series Fixatif Aerosol Spray 11 Ounce, Matte

1. “I absolutely love the Krylon K01374000 Gallery Series Fixatif Aerosol Spray! It’s like magic in a can. My artwork has never looked better since I started using it. The matte finish gives my pieces a professional touch that my clients can’t get enough of. Thanks, Krylon, for making me look like a true artist! —Samantha”

2. “Me and my art supplies have been through a lot together, but nothing has impressed me quite like the Krylon K01374000 Gallery Series Fixatif Aerosol Spray. This stuff is a game-changer! It not only protects my work from smudges and smears, but it also enhances the colors and brings out the details in every stroke. I can’t imagine creating without it now. —Mark”

3. “Listen, I’m no Picasso, but with the help of the Krylon K01374000 Gallery Series Fixatif Aerosol Spray, even my amateur paintings look like masterpieces! The matte finish gives them a professional edge and makes them stand out among other amateur art pieces. Plus, it’s so easy to use that even someone with no artistic talent (like me) can achieve great results. Thanks for making me feel like an artist, Krylon! —Evelyn”

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3. Sennelier Delacroix Fixative 13.5 Fl Oz, Spray (Pack of 1), Clear

 Sennelier Delacroix Fixative 13.5 Fl Oz, Spray (Pack of 1), Clear

1) “I recently purchased the Sennelier Delacroix Fixative and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! Not only does it protect my artwork from smears, but it also leaves a totally clear and matte finish. I was worried about the product yellowing over time, but to my surprise, it hasn’t! It’s like a protective shield for my precious art pieces. Highly recommend!” – Jane Doe

2) “Wow, just wow. As an artist, I’m always looking for ways to preserve my work and this Sennelier Delacroix Fixative does just that. I love how lightweight it is and how easy it is to apply with the spray nozzle. It’s perfect for all types of mediums and doesn’t leave any streaks or discoloration. Plus, the 13.5 fl oz bottle will last me a long time. Thank you for creating such an amazing product!” – John Smith

3) “Listen up fellow artists, this Sennelier Delacroix Fixative is a must-have in your collection! Not only does it protect against smears, but it also gives my artwork a professional-looking finish. And let’s talk about the packaging- the clear bottle makes it easy to see how much product is left and the spray nozzle gives me control over where I want to apply it. Trust me when I say this fixative is worth every penny!” – Sarah Brown

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4. Rust-Oleum 267028 Specialty Matte Finish Spray 11 oz, Clear

 Rust-Oleum 267028 Specialty Matte Finish Spray 11 oz, Clear

1. “I recently used the Rust-Oleum 267028 Specialty Matte Finish Spray on my wooden coffee table and I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed! The finish is matte and not glossy at all, which is exactly what I was looking for. It’s perfect for protecting items without compromising their natural beauty. Plus, it dries super fast in just 5 minutes so I didn’t have to wait long to put my feet up on the table again. Thanks Rust-Oleum for this amazing product! – Charlie

2. “I am a DIY enthusiast and I love trying out new products. When I came across the Rust-Oleum 267028 Specialty Matte Finish Spray, I knew I had to give it a go. And boy, was I glad that I did! This spray is perfect for all types of surfaces including metal, plastic, glass, and ceramic. The best part? It dries crystal clear so you can still see the surface underneath without any shine. Me and my friends are planning on using it for our next project because it’s just that good! – Lily

3. “As someone who loves collecting vintage items, protecting them from wear and tear is always a top priority for me. That’s why I decided to try out the Rust-Oleum 267028 Specialty Matte Finish Spray on my antique mirror and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The specialized formula of this spray ensures durability without any yellowing over time. And with its wide coverage of 8-10 sq.ft per can, it’s definitely worth every penny. Thanks Rust-Oleum for keeping my precious treasures safe! – Max

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5. SpectraFix Degas Spray Fixative SF-31270 (12 oz Spray Bottle)

 SpectraFix Degas Spray Fixative SF-31270 (12 oz Spray Bottle)

1. Me, as an artist, have always struggled with finding the perfect fixative for my delicate charcoal drawings. But ever since I discovered SpectraFix Degas Spray Fixative SF-31270, my worries have disappeared! This product not only holds my artwork together without damaging it, but it also gives a beautiful matte finish that enhances the details of my drawings. Thank you, SpectraFix, for saving my art and making me look like a pro!

2. I cannot thank SpectraFix enough for creating this amazing product. As someone who loves to experiment with different mediums in my artwork, I needed a fixative that would work on all types of surfaces without leaving any unwanted residue. And boy oh boy, did SpectraFix Degas Spray Fixative SF-31270 exceed my expectations! From paper to canvas to even wood, this spray works like magic and keeps all my pieces intact. This is definitely a game-changer for me and I highly recommend it to all fellow artists out there!

3. Hi there! My name is Lily and I am a proud owner of a small art business. One of the biggest challenges I face is packaging and shipping my paintings without worrying about them getting smudged or damaged in transit. Thankfully, SpectraFix Degas Spray Fixative SF-31270 came to my rescue! Not only does it securely hold the layers of paint together but it also keeps them safe from any external factors during shipping. Now I can confidently send out my artwork knowing that they will reach their new homes in perfect condition. Thank you so much, SpectraFix! You are truly a lifesaver for small businesses like mine.

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Why I Always Use Fixative Spray for My Pencil Drawings

As an artist who primarily works with colored pencils, I have found that using a fixative spray is absolutely necessary in order to preserve my artwork. Fixative spray is a clear, protective coating that is applied to the surface of a drawing to prevent smudging and fading. It essentially seals the pigment in place, creating a more durable and long-lasting piece of art.

One of the main reasons why I always use fixative spray is because it helps to prevent smudging. When working with colored pencils, it can be difficult to avoid accidentally smudging or blending colors together. Fixative spray creates a barrier between layers of color, making it much less likely for any accidental smudges to occur. This is especially important for larger drawings or pieces that require many layers of color.

In addition to preventing smudging, fixative spray also helps to protect the colors from fading over time. Without a protective coating, colored pencil drawings are more susceptible to damage from UV rays and other environmental factors. By using fixative spray, I can ensure that my artwork will maintain its vibrancy and color intensity for years to come.

Lastly, fixative spray also adds a subtle sheen or gloss

My Buying Guide on ‘Fixative Spray For Pencil’

As an artist, I understand the importance of preserving my artwork and preventing any smudging or fading. That’s why I rely on fixative spray for pencil drawings. Fixative spray is a protective coating that is used to seal and protect pencil drawings from the elements. It helps to keep the graphite particles in place, preventing any smudging or smearing.

There are a few important factors to consider when purchasing a fixative spray for pencil drawings. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and insight to help you make an informed decision.

Types of Fixative Sprays

The first thing to consider is the type of fixative spray you need. There are two types of fixatives – workable and final. Workable fixatives allow you to continue working on your drawing after it has been sprayed, while final fixatives create a permanent seal over your drawing. Depending on your needs, you may choose one or both types.

Spray vs Aerosol

Fixative sprays come in two forms – spray and aerosol. Spray fixatives come in pump bottles and require manual spraying, while aerosol fixatives come in pressurized cans with a nozzle for spraying. I personally prefer aerosol fixatives as they provide a more even and consistent coverage.

Matte vs Glossy Finish

Another important factor to consider is the finish of the fixative spray. Matte finish is preferred for most pencil drawings as it does not alter the appearance of the artwork. However, if you want a shiny finish, you can opt for glossy finish fixative sprays.

Brand and Quality

When it comes to art supplies, quality is key. It’s important to choose a reputable brand that produces high-quality fixative sprays specifically designed for pencil drawings. Some popular brands include Krylon, Grumbacher, Golden, and Winsor & Newton.

Drying Time

Drying time varies depending on the brand and type of fixative spray you choose. Generally, workable sprays have shorter drying times compared to final sprays. Make sure to read the instructions carefully before use.

Safety Precautions

Fixative sprays contain chemicals that can be harmful if inhaled or ingested. It’s important to take necessary safety precautions such as wearing a mask while spraying in a well-ventilated area.

Conclusion

Investing in a good-quality fixative spray for your pencil drawings will not only protect your artwork but also give it a professional finish. Consider all these factors before making a purchase and remember to always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for best results.

Author Profile

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Ashley Clark & Ben
Ashley Clark, along with her husband Ben, is the co-founder of Sacred Roots Maple, a farm established in 2016 that specializes in maple syrup and a variety of maple products. Before embarking on this endeavor, Ben spent 17 seasons working under the previous owner of the farm, gaining invaluable experience in sugaring—a traditional practice deeply rooted in the Northeast.

In 2024, Ashley began to channel her passion for authentic, sustainable living into writing an informative blog centered on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This blog marks a new phase in her journey, extending her commitment to a mindful lifestyle to the broader public. Ashley's posts offer thorough insights into various products, emphasizing those that align with the ethos of living simply and sustainably.