Thank you for your report!
We have received your report and it is currently under investigation by a forum moderator.
Pastels without glass. Is it possible?
Welcome to the forum.
Here you can discuss all things art with like-minded artists, join regular painting challenges, ask questions, buy and sell art materials and much more.
Make sure you sign in or register to join the discussions.
Hang on Studio Wall
This is a Studio member-only feature!
Join our Studio membership and save your favourite Painters Online content, from gallery artwork to step-by-step guides, to your own online mood boards. Create your go-to place for inspiration and learning. Plus, members can also enjoy a range of exciting features including monthly art videos and a digital magazine library.
If you are already a Studio member, simply login to your account.
Not a Studio member? Why not try our free 30-day trial - no commitment, no credit card required
Message
Posted
I have been looking for many years for opportunities that would allow replacing heavy and outdated glass with another material. I tried using a lot of fixatives, even hairspray and (you probably would be horrified) even furniture varnish.
Some pastelists first apply fixative to the finished pastel and then varnish. I don't know the method, but it allows you to get rid of the glass
Please share your experience or information about this. After all, glass causes difficulties for delivery, increases the costs and thereby reduces the demand for pastels.
Edited
by Varvara Vitkovska
Posted
Most of the advice I’ve read for pastels is that fixative is not required for pastel paintings if they are of good quality on pastel paper with a “good tooth”. I have used fixative but it can dull the highlights on a finished painting and have stopped using it. Even after applying fixative Some of the pastel can be rubbed off. I’ve not read about anyone using varnish on a pastel painting. I think glass is recommended when framing because that is what is best for the pastel painting. Some have said that using acrylic can attract some of the pastel from the painting.
Posted
Varnish is definitely not to be recommended, there’s no way that can work without destroying the delicate surface of the pastel.
Glass is not outdated by any means, but if you are sending work out via the postal system use the latest clear Perspex which is both light and durable - you can’t tell the difference!
Ideally, pastels need to have a double mount, the underneath one being cut slightly smaller to allow any pastel that may drop off to settle unnoticed.
I agree with Christine that pastel is better left untouched, although I must confess that I do generally give mine a very quick and light spray using an atomiser, I don’t use anything in spray cans if I can help it.
Posted
Pastels are my favourite medium to use but they are tricky to store and I usually put crystal paper between the paintings for storage. I have been framing those which are good enough with Perspex as it is much easier to handle and lighter than glass. I always stay clear of fixatives as they alter the colours completely.
Posted
Pastels are my favourite medium to use but they are tricky to store and I usually put crystal paper between the paintings for storage. I have been framing those which are good enough with Perspex as it is much easier to handle and lighter than glass. I always stay clear of fixatives as they alter the colours completely.
Posted
I'm not good with pastels - some have worked.... But I don't like the medium, and vice-versa.
However - I agree very much with Alan Bickley here. Glass is not outdated - either for pastel or watercolour - and does your painting many more favours than any acrylic sheet will do. I collect pocket watches - and avoid those with a plastic/acrylic crystal, or replace them with glass as soon as I can, and for the same reason, or some of the same reasons. Glass just looks better - it's clearer, more scratch resistant, it doesn't yellow, it's far easier to clean, but yes, it is a bugger to post, not only because of the fragility, but also because of the weight.
I've never yet found a fixative which didn't dull the colours in the final layer - and have had to restate the highlights sometimes, leaving them un-fixed. Not ideal, but then that's why I don't like the medium. Varnishing? I can't for the life of me see how that's going to work without ruining the essential qualities of pastel.
Some media present problems in shipping and preservation that are basically insurmountable - you have to live with them, and find yourself a trustworthy courier - worth the expense, if you're going to do your best for the painting.