Cody Casey
Pan pastels are a fun and versatile medium to work with. They are soft, highly pigmented pastels that come in a pan form and have a chalk-like feel. They can be applied quickly and easily and are known to blend well. To use them, you can pick up the colour with a sponge and apply it to your desired surface. You can also use them with coloured pencils to create a mixed media combo. It is recommended to use a workable fixative to seal the layer and prevent smudging. Additionally, sanded paper is a good option as it allows the pastels to stick well.
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What You'll Learn
Using fixatives vs. varnishes
Using a fixative or varnish is essential when working with pan pastels to prevent smudging and seal your artwork. However, the choice between a fixative or varnish can be a complex decision, as both have their advantages and drawbacks. Here is a detailed guide to help you decide:
Using Fixatives
Fixatives are typically applied as sprays and are designed to prevent smudging and protect your artwork. When using fixatives with pan pastels, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
- Compatibility: Not all fixatives are created equal. Some fixatives are specifically designed for pan pastels, while others may work with various media, including pan pastels. Always check the compatibility of the fixative with your art media.
- Application Technique: Fixatives require precise and careful application. Light and gentle sprays are generally recommended to avoid accidental drips, smudges, and uneven coverage. It is also important to work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors to ensure proper airflow during application.
- Colour Changes: One of the main concerns with fixatives is their potential to alter the colours of your artwork. Some fixatives can cause colours to dull, darken, or lose their intensity. This is especially important when working with pastels, as the delicate hues may be affected. Testing on a small area first is recommended.
- Workability: Some fixatives are designed to be workable, allowing you to build up layers in your artwork. These fixatives provide a solid base for adding more layers of pastels without smudging.
Using Varnishes
Varnishes are another option for sealing pan pastels and offer certain advantages over fixatives:
- Protection: Varnishes can provide a stronger protective coating compared to fixatives. They create a hard, transparent, and water-resistant barrier that shields your artwork from smears and damage.
- UV Protection: Many varnishes contain UV protection, which helps prevent fading and adds archival quality to your artwork. This feature is especially beneficial if you plan to display your artwork in areas with sunlight exposure.
- Finish: Varnishes can give your artwork a desired finish, such as a matte or gloss appearance. However, some varnishes may alter the texture of the surface, so it is important to test and choose a varnish that suits your preferred aesthetic.
- Odour: While some varnishes may have a strong odour, there are odour-free or low-odour options available. It is important to consider your work environment and ventilation when choosing a varnish.
In conclusion, both fixatives and varnishes have their roles in sealing pan pastels. Fixatives are ideal for protecting your artwork during the creation process, allowing you to build up layers and prevent smudging. On the other hand, varnishes provide a stronger final coating, offering protection, UV resistance, and a desired finish to your completed artwork. The choice between the two depends on your specific needs and the effects you wish to achieve.
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Sealing with spray inks
Sealing pan pastels with spray inks is a great way to prevent smudging and add interesting effects to your artwork. Here's a step-by-step guide to sealing pan pastels with spray inks:
Prepare the Pan Pastels:
Start by creating your desired design or artwork using pan pastels. Before sealing, ensure that your pan pastel art is complete and dry. This process will help protect your artwork and prevent smudging or damage.
Choose the Right Spray Ink:
Select a suitable spray ink for sealing. Color Bloom spray inks are specifically mentioned as effective for sealing pan pastels in art journals. You can also use other spray inks, such as acrylic inks, but be aware that different inks may react differently and affect the final appearance.
Test for Compatibility:
It is important to test the spray ink on a small, inconspicuous area of your artwork before proceeding. This ensures that the ink does not smudge the pan pastels or cause any undesirable colour changes. Allow the test area to dry completely before evaluating the results.
Apply Light Coats:
Hold the spray ink bottle about 6-12 inches away from the surface and apply light, even coats. Start with a single light coat and allow it to dry. You can build up the layers gradually to achieve the desired effect and protection. Avoid over-saturating the surface to prevent any pooling or running of the ink.
Evaluate and Repeat:
Once the first coat is dry, gently test if the pan pastels smudge by rubbing a small area with a tissue or your finger. If smudging occurs, apply another light coat of spray ink and let it dry. Repeat this process until the pan pastels are sufficiently sealed and no longer smudge.
Finalize and Enjoy:
Once you're satisfied with the sealing process, allow the artwork to dry completely. You can now safely add additional layers or elements to your artwork without worrying about smudging the pan pastel base. Enjoy experimenting with different media and exploring the creative possibilities!
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Sealing with brush paint
Pan pastels are a fun and versatile medium that can be used to create beautiful works of art. However, they need to be sealed or fixed to prevent smudging and ensure the pastel stays put, especially when adding layers on top. Here is a step-by-step guide on sealing pan pastels with brush paint:
Prepare the Pan Pastels:
Start by choosing the right paper for your pan pastels. Sanded paper, such as LuxArchival, is a great option as it is archival and acid-free, ensuring the longevity of your artwork. Apply the pan pastels to your paper using brushes specifically designed for watercolour or pastel work. These brushes allow for better control and can easily get into small spaces. You can also use reservoir brushes, which allow you to mix the pastel powder with water, creating interesting textures.
Seal with Brush Paint:
Once you are happy with your pan pastel creation, it's time to seal it. Choose a suitable brush paint that will act as a sealant. You can use a varnish, such as DecoArt Media Ultra-Matte Varnish, specifically designed for sealing artwork. Mix the varnish with water in a small spray bottle in a 1:1 ratio. Shake the bottle well to ensure the varnish and water are thoroughly combined.
Apply the Sealant:
Spray a light mist of the varnish mixture over your artwork. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying a second coat. Test the pan pastels to see if they smudge after the second coat. If they do, apply another light coat of the varnish mixture and let it dry. You can also use a brush to gently apply the varnish mixture to your artwork, being careful not to disturb the pan pastels.
Additional Tips:
- It is recommended to use a workable fixative before applying the varnish to seal previous layers of colour and improve layering.
- Always work in a well-ventilated area when using fixatives and varnishes.
- If you want to add more pan pastel layers after sealing, you will need to remove the varnish first.
- Experiment with different brush types and techniques to achieve the desired effect and always remember to clean your brushes properly after use.
By following these steps, you can successfully seal your pan pastel artwork with brush paint, ensuring its longevity and allowing you to create beautiful and long-lasting creations.
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Using glassine and framing
Using Glassine:
Glassine is a unique, smooth paper known for its non-stick and acid-free properties. It is an excellent tool to prevent smudging and protect your pan pastel artwork. Here's how you can use it:
- Keep a sheet of glassine under your hand while working: This prevents any transfer of oils from your skin onto the paper and safeguards your artwork from smudges.
- Cover your finished artwork with glassine: Until your artwork is framed, use glassine paper to cover it. This protective barrier will keep the pastel art safe from smudging and moisture. It is transparent, allowing you to view your artwork without fully exposing it.
- Use glassine for storage: Glassine's non-stick nature makes it ideal for storing your pan pastel artwork. It won't stick to your art, ensuring its safety during storage.
Framing:
Framing your pan pastel artwork is crucial for its protection and presentation. Here are some tips for framing:
- Use spacers: Spacers are an alternative to the traditional mat used in framing. They keep the pastel artwork away from the glass, creating a sense of depth and showcasing the artwork's texture.
- Consider the frame's aesthetics: The frame you choose can enhance the overall look of your artwork. Play with different frame colours and styles to find the one that best complements your pastel piece.
- Seal your pan pastels: Before framing, consider sealing your pan pastels to prevent smudging and ensure their longevity. You can use products like SpectraFix, a casein-based sealant, or create your own mixture of half water and half DecoArt Media Ultra-Matte Varnish, spraying it lightly over your artwork.
- Choose the right paper: Selecting a suitable paper for your pan pastels is essential. Sanded paper, such as LuxArchival, is a popular choice as it is archival and acid-free, ensuring the longevity of your artwork.
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Using fabric medium and modpodge
Using fabric medium and Mod Podge to seal pan pastels is a viable option, but it does come with some considerations. Mod Podge is a decoupage medium that is not specifically designed for use with oil pastels, but some artists have had success using it as a fixative. When using Mod Podge as a sealant, it is important to apply it evenly and in thin layers to avoid oversaturating the pastels, which can cause the colours to dull or the pastels to dissolve. Spray-on sealants are generally recommended over brush-on applications, as they can smudge the pastel pigment.
Fabric medium can also be used as a sealant for pan pastels, but it may change the colour of the fabric and leave a pebbly or sticky finish. This can be avoided by diluting the fabric medium before spraying it on.
To seal pan pastels effectively, start by completing your pastel work on your desired surface and blending the colours to your satisfaction. Once complete, use a workable fixative to seal the layer by spraying it evenly and thinly across the surface in a well-ventilated area. You can then choose to add additional layers of pan pastels or other mediums, such as oil or acrylic paint.
If UV protection is a concern for your artwork, you can finish by applying varnish or another sealant. However, varnishes may affect the ability to add further layers to your work, so consider your artistic process and desired outcome when choosing your sealants.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a fixative spray, a varnish, or another sealant to seal Pan Pastels. Popular products include DecoArt Media Ultra-Matte Varnish, Spectrafix, and Lascaux.
Mix half water with half DecoArt Media Ultra-Matte Varnish in a small spray bottle. Shake well. Spray a light mist and let it dry. Spray a second coat and let it dry. Test to see if the Pan Pastels smudge, and if they do, spray again.
Some fixatives and sealants can cause colour changes in Pan Pastel artwork. To prevent this, you can try using a varnish or a casein-based sealant like Spectrafix. If you notice colour changes after applying a fixative, you can add additional Pan Pastel colours to adjust the highlights and depth.
