Protecting art done in pencils

[Shootydog]

Is it necessary to apply any type of fixative to a finished pencils piece? Do I need to be concerned about fading if I just leave the piece alone?

[Claudio]

I had a framer (archivist) once tell me that pencils can last longer than any of us will! He said that framing with u/v resistant glass is a must if you want to display. Either way, keep it out of direct light.

[cheekyj2112]

As far as I'm aware the pencils themselves aren't in danger of fading but they can smear or come off if they come into contact with anything including portfolio sleeves. If you frame it under glass then it's probably fine. If not you can get a spray on fixative from an art shop but be sure to test it on something less valuable. It can come out gloopy or you may spray it on unevenly the first times you try.

Personally I don't bother with fixatives.

 

 

[Eric Seffinga]

You could use a fixative to try and keep it from smudging with handling, but honestly the handling (grease from fingers) and fixative would be worse for the piece in the long run.

 

Store it such that fingerprints can't smudge it. Other than that, the pencil graphite will no doubt outlast the paper it's drawn on.

 

 

 

-e.