What makes this special?

Advanced Colored Pencil Final Fixative is acid-free, odourless, non-toxic, and non-yellowing, and seals coloured pencil drawings without impacting colours. It is quick-drying and safe for indoor use. It is specifically formulated for coloured pencil artwork on rigid (non-flexible) surfaces. It hardens when dried and permanently bonds to wax medium. It protects against smudging and preserves layering.

How do you use it?

It is recommended to use sanded, rigid and non-absorbent surfaces with Final Fixative. If using other paper types, it is recommended to make sure that the paper is capable of withstanding liquid application and test to ensure that it will not buckle or warp after a few coats of spray. Some papers are created using a very weak adhesive which is sensitive to ethanol. Because both the Textured and Final Fixatives contain ethanol, it is important to make sure the paper is suitable.
This fixative does not work if used on plastic drawing surfaces, unless it is applied directly onto the layered colour. Any surface you use it on will need to have been designed to accept liquids, since the Brush and Pencil Fixatives are not acrylic-based so contain some alcohol to speed up their drying time.
Make sure to test the Final Fixative on a scrap piece of paper first.
Use and store the Fixative at room temperature.
For the even application of the Textured Fixative, it is very important to shake the can vigorously for at least two minutes prior to your first use of the day. Subsequent usage only requires a quick shake. However, after about two hours, the contents will have separated again and will need to be shaken for two minutes again. This allows the propellant to mix with the liquid fixative in the can so that they can be completely and evenly evacuated with a fine mist. If the fixative liquid and propellant are not mixed well, the propellant-fixative mixture will be evacuated out of the can unevenly and some pockets of gas will be expelled that carry no liquid, as well as some “blobs” of liquid with insufficient quantities of gas. This will create bubbles of fixative and uneven coverage on the surface.
When you begin spraying, the immediate “jet” from the nozzle has the strongest impact. Therefore, for best results start spraying beside the paper surface, move across and turn back once you have moved past the surface on the other side. Do not start spraying or change direction on top of your artwork. These are issues that all aerosols have and are not unique to Brush and Pencil's Fixatives.
Clean your nozzle regularly. Any dried residue will result in uneven mist and can lead to larger droplets. A quick soak in warm water followed by a rinse under running water will loosen any dried residue. Wipe the nozzle dry and replace. To load it prior to use, simply spray a small amount away from your surface. Make sure the nozzle is open and clean.
For best results, spray from a distance of 20 cm to 30 cm from the artwork and start spraying beside the working area, moving across to the opposite side, turn beside the surface and move back, slightly overlapping the first sprayed area. Cover the whole area and let it dry completely. Then, apply another layer in the perpendicular direction. This way, droplets will be well distributed on the surface and dry evenly.
The Final Fixative seals the painting and preserves it, thus preparing it for varnish application. If opting to varnish your coloured pencil painting, it is recommended to allow at least 14 days between the use of the Fixative and the varnish to allow the Fixative time to fully cure.

Want to explore more resources?

There are some fantastic resources that are available from artist sites and artist YouTube channels. There is much to be learnt from other artists!

Would you like to buy it?

Brush and Pencil Advanced Colored Pencil Final Fixative is available from the Magic Pencil Shop.