How To Seal A Pencil Drawing

How to Seal a Pencil Drawing: Protecting Your Artwork for Years to Come

Creating a stunning pencil drawing is only half the battle. Preserving your hard work and ensuring its longevity requires proper sealing. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods to seal your pencil drawings, protecting them from smudging, fading, and damage. We'll explore different sealant options, application techniques, and crucial considerations for achieving professional-looking, long-lasting results.

Why Seal Your Pencil Drawing?

Before diving into the how-to, let's understand why sealing your pencil drawing is essential. A protective sealant offers several key benefits:

• Preventing Smudging: Accidental smudges and fingerprints are the bane of many artists. A sealant creates a barrier, safeguarding your delicate lines and shading.
• Reducing Fading: Exposure to light can cause pencil drawings to fade over time. Sealing helps to minimize this fading, preserving the vibrancy of your artwork.
• Adding Durability: A sealed drawing is better equipped to withstand handling and the rigors of display or storage. This is particularly important if you plan to frame or exhibit your work.
• Enhancing the Appearance: Some sealants provide a subtle sheen, enhancing the overall appearance and depth of your pencil drawing.

Choosing the Right Sealant for Your Pencil Drawing

Several options are available for sealing pencil drawings, each with its advantages and disadvantages:

Fixative Spray:

This is a popular choice among artists due to its ease of application. Fixative sprays are designed to adhere to the paper fibers, creating a protective film. They are available in different formulas, including matte, satin, and gloss finishes. Remember to test on a scrap piece of paper first to ensure compatibility with your paper type.

• Pros: Easy to use, widely available, various finishes.
• Cons: Can sometimes alter the appearance of the drawing (especially with heavily layered work), requires good ventilation due to the aerosol.

Workable Fixative:

Workable fixative allows you to apply further layers of drawing on top of a previously sprayed area, making it a great choice for layering or adding details to a drawing after initial completion.

• Pros: Allows for layering, less likely to dramatically change the appearance.
• Cons: Can be less readily available than aerosol fixative.

Archival Varnish:

Archival varnishes are specifically formulated for preserving artwork and are known for their longevity and minimal impact on the drawing's appearance. They generally come in a brush-on formula.

• Pros: Excellent for long-term preservation, often museum-quality.
• Cons: Requires careful application to avoid brushstrokes and uneven coats, may require more experience to use effectively.

How to Seal Your Pencil Drawing: A Step-by-Step Guide

Regardless of your chosen sealant, follow these general steps:

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Ensure you have adequate ventilation, especially when using aerosol sprays. Protect your work surface with a drop cloth or newspaper.
2. Clean Your Drawing: Gently remove any loose particles or debris from your drawing.
3. Test Your Sealant: Always test your sealant on an inconspicuous area of the paper or a scrap piece of similar paper to check for any adverse reactions.
4. Apply the Sealant: Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully for application. For sprays, hold the can at the recommended distance and apply thin, even coats, allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next. For brush-on sealants, use light, even strokes.
5. Allow to Dry Completely: Allow the sealant to dry thoroughly before handling or framing your drawing to avoid smudging or damaging the protective layer.

Choosing the Right Paper

The paper you use also impacts the longevity and success of the sealing process. Heavier weight papers, such as cartridge paper or illustration board, generally hold up better under sealing and are less likely to warp or buckle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Will sealing damage my drawing? Using the appropriate sealant and following the application instructions correctly minimizes the risk of damage. Always test on a scrap piece first.
• How often should I seal my drawings? This depends on the sealant and the environment. A high-quality archival varnish may provide years of protection without reapplication.
• Can I seal a colored pencil drawing? Yes, but choose a sealant specifically designed for colored pencils or delicate artwork.

By following these steps and choosing the right sealant, you can protect your precious pencil drawings for years to come, ensuring your artistic legacy endures. Remember to always prioritize the preservation of your artwork and invest time in learning the proper techniques for sealing your creation.