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Problems with Fixative!
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Message
Posted
I've just had a nasty experience with some new Pastelfix paper and fixative. Trying the new Pastel paper (a bit like very fine sandpaper), I probably over did the application of soft pastels in a portraiture class. So I took it outside to give it a quick spray of fixative. To my horror the wind blew and one bit of the picture got over fixed. The colours darkened immediately and sank into the paper. I expected a bit of darkening, but it was really bad and so when it was dry, I reapplied the pastel only to find that the in some places the pastel did not want to adhere to the paper. The new pastel seemed to push the old pastel off, leaving the paper bare. As I used dark blue paper, my portrait now has dark blue lips that I cannot over paint.
Does anyone have any bright ideas as to what I can do to sort the problem?
Posted
i don't think that there is a way around your predicament. In the past I have sprayed pastels and been a bit heavy handed and hasty, resulting in the globules of spray staining the pastel and, for some reason the pastel put on top of the staining does not adhere so well to the surface.
If the tooth of the paper has been damaged then the pastel will not stay put unfortunately.
Hopefully somebody will prove me wrong and have some good ideas as to how you can save your pastel work .
Posted
I tried that but it would not take. I think that the chalky powder will dry out the oil, so it might be OK. Lipstick is a petroleum by product, which is organic in that it contains carbon, but I don't think it is life supporting. I've never noticed my old lipsticks going mouldy. In time they tend to dry. This really was a last resort though. I'm not sure I would recommend it. though a painting produced entirely of make up is a thought that I might pursue!! I'll try most thinks once!