To set chalk art and prevent smudging, you can use a fixative spray.
Setting Your Chalk Art
Setting chalk art is crucial for preserving your creation, especially chalk pastel work, which is prone to smudging and losing its vibrancy. The process involves applying a protective layer over the drawing.
Based on the provided reference, by applying fixative such as a simple layer of inexpensive aerosol hair spray, you can preserve your chalk pastel art.
While professional art fixatives are specifically designed for this purpose, inexpensive aerosol hair spray can serve as a readily available alternative to help hold chalk particles in place. The fixative creates a light bond that prevents the chalk dust from easily rubbing off the surface.
How to Apply Fixative
Applying fixative correctly is key to avoiding drips or uneven coverage. Here's a general approach:
- Choose Your Fixative: Decide whether to use a dedicated art fixative or the alternative mentioned, inexpensive aerosol hair spray.
- Work in a Well-Ventilated Area: Sprays can release fumes, so ensure good air circulation.
- Protect Your Surroundings: Cover surfaces you don't want to get sprayed.
- Position Your Artwork: Lay the artwork flat on a surface or prop it upright.
- Spray Evenly: Hold the can several inches away from the artwork (check specific product instructions for distance) and apply the spray in a sweeping motion across the entire surface. Avoid concentrating the spray in one spot, which can cause dripping or color changes.
- Apply Light Coats: It's often better to apply several light coats, allowing each to dry according to product instructions, rather than one heavy coat. This helps prevent saturation and preserves the texture of the chalk.
Quick Tips
- Test the spray on a scrap piece of chalked paper before applying it to your final artwork.
- Ensure the artwork is completely dry before spraying.
- For delicate work, professional archival fixatives are often recommended for long-term preservation.
Using a fixative spray, even an accessible option like hair spray as mentioned, is an effective way to "set" chalk art and protect it from accidental damage.
