What is the best thing to use to keep chalk from smearing?

Question

I've heard hairspray works good, but is there anything out there that works better? I'm just looking for an opinion from someone who's worked with chalks or charcoal before.

Answer 1

I am a pastel artist, but I do not use fixative, because it can change and darken the colors.  However, I did ship one pastel that I used Krylon Workable Fixative on.   It is not very expensive and I recommend it over hairspray anyday.  In fact, hairspray can contain ingredients that will discolor your artwork, including conditioners which may leave oily spots, and it can also remain sticky.  DO NOT USE HAIRSPRAY!  

When you are ready to spray the fixative, be sure the can has been sufficiently shaken.  Also, turn it upside down and spray a little to make sure it is not clogged.  Then spray from at least 16-18" away or as directed on the can, doing sweeps across the surface instead of random spraying.  Do not soak, and stop if you find your can is not srpaying properly or spraying droplets.  

Whenever I finish a pastel painting I take it outdoors and whack the back a couple times to knock off the loose pastel dust.  I had this recommended to me by several professional artists who work in pastel, including two instructors.  To store pastels (and charcoal) use sheets of glassine paper between them and stored them flat or in portfolios.  When framing pastels use a spacer  cut a spacer mat (narrower than the mat and liner)  or scrap strips of matboard glued to the back of the mat (between the mat and the painting). . . that way any dust that falls will fall behind the mat and not leave dust on your nice, clean mat.  Pastels are difficult to frame under plexiglass due to static, so glass is preferred.