How to Fix a Charcoal Drawing

Charcoal is the oldest artistic medium. Charcoal drawings have been discovered in human dwellings from many thousands of years ago. If preserved properly, charcoal drawings will outlast many other mediums. Read on to learn how to fix a charcoal drawing.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A flat surface
• Artists masking tape
• Charcoal drawing
• Aerosol fixative
• Exhaust fan (if you are fixing your drawing inside)

1. Remove any stray particles from your drawing and lay your drawing out on a flat surface.

2. Tape the corners down on the flat surface. Thinner papers will curl when the fixative is applied and all paper will warp during the drying process.

3. Hold the aerosol fixative at arm's length. Depress the nozzle.

4. Holding the fixative still, begin moving your arm back and forth. As you reach the end of the drawing lower your arm enough so that half of the spray overlaps the previous line. Move your arm back and forth in this motion and repeat until you have covered the drawing.

5. Let it sit for ten minutes or until the fixative has dried.

Tips & Warnings

• Once the fixative has dried you can return to your drawing and add another layer of charcoal. The fixed layer will not be affected by this overdrawing. When you are finished apply another coat of fixative.
• Warning aerosol fixative should not be used in an enclosed area without the proper ventilation.
• Fixative is flammable until it is dry.