Protecting pencil drawings involves preventing smudging, fading, and damage through careful handling, storage, and the use of protective materials.
Safeguarding Your Graphite Artwork
Pencil drawings, especially those created with soft graphite, are susceptible to smudging and surface damage. Protecting your work ensures its longevity and preserves the details and nuances of your artistic effort.
Use Interleaving Paper
One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect a drawing from smudging when stacked or stored is to place a barrier sheet over the artwork.
- Parchment Paper: This translucent waxy paper is one of your best allies when it comes to preserving your graphite drawings. Although parchment paper is the optimal choice—the graphite will keep better in place—you can also put a white sheet of paper on the drawing to protect it. Its smooth, non-abrasive surface prevents graphite from lifting or transferring onto other surfaces.
- Glassine: A thin, smooth, translucent paper commonly used by artists and conservators for protecting delicate artwork surfaces.
- Acid-Free Tissue Paper: A softer option suitable for more delicate surfaces, ensuring no chemical interaction with the paper or graphite.
Apply a Fixative Spray
Fixatives are sprays designed to bind the graphite particles to the paper surface, making them resistant to smudging.
- Types: Available in workable (allows for further drawing) and final (creates a more permanent barrier) varieties.
- Application: Apply in light, even coats in a well-ventilated area. Follow the product instructions carefully regarding distance and drying time. Testing on a scrap piece of paper is recommended.
- Considerations: Fixatives can slightly alter the appearance of the drawing, sometimes darkening values or adding a sheen. Choose a matte finish if you want to avoid shine.
Proper Storage Solutions
How you store your drawings significantly impacts their preservation.
- Portfolios & Sleeves: Store drawings flat in acid-free portfolios or clear, archival polyester sleeves. This protects them from dust, dirt, moisture, and physical damage.
- Flat File Cabinets: Ideal for larger collections, providing a stable, flat storage environment. Ensure the drawers are clean and the drawings are interleaved.
- Framing: For display, frame drawings using acid-free mats and backings. Using UV-protective glass or acrylic is crucial to prevent fading from light exposure. Ensure the artwork does not touch the glass.
Careful Handling
Minimizing direct contact with the drawing surface is key.
- Always handle drawings by the edges of the paper.
- Avoid touching the drawn surface, as oils from your skin can attract dirt and cause staining or smudging over time.
- Use clean hands or wear cotton gloves when handling important pieces.
Environmental Control
Store drawings in a stable environment away from extreme temperatures, humidity, and direct sunlight. High humidity can encourage mold growth, while dryness can make paper brittle. Light, especially UV light, causes fading.
By combining these methods – using interleaving paper, applying fixatives, opting for proper storage, and practicing careful handling – you can effectively protect your pencil drawings for years to come.
