SpectraFix : Degas Pastel Fixative : 360ml : All Natural Odour Free : Casein Formula
TSPEC360
In Stock Online
SpectraFix : Degas Pastel Fixative : 360ml : All Natural Odour Free : Casein Formula
A natural milk casein fixative that works on all papers and has been endorsed by professional artists all across America. Based on an antique recipe used by Degas himself, this is the perfect fixative for pastel, charcoal, gouache and watercolour. Its workable matt finish allows deep layering with minimal colour shift.
It is safe for use indoors or in the classroom as there is no odour or toxic fumes. It conforms to ASTM D-4236 regulations. Being 100% archival means there is no dulling of colour or yellowing over time. It dries rapidly to a matt finish and is workable, allowing for deep layers to be achieved. It is perfect for holding pastel, charcoal, conte crayon, pencil, casein, watercolour, tempera, gouache, crossover techniques and under oil paints.
Read a review of Spectrafix on our blog
PLEASE NOTE: Spectrafix pastel fixative does contain water and has a thinner consistency to regular fixatives - in order to use it properly and to get the best results please follow the instructions below:
How to Use SpectraFix
Using SpectraFix is easy!
Use it to fix charcoal, pastel, conte, pencil, watercolours, gouache, tempera or on mixed media cross-over techniques without even holding your nose. It is also perfect for use in securing that underpainting layer before you varnish or apply oil paint. It dries to a velvety matte finish within 1 - 2 minutes, so sprayed and unsprayed areas are indistinguishable.
First of all, make sure that you have removed excess charcoal or pastel dust clinging to borders or naked areas which you do not want to be coloured by tapping the sheet gently on an edge. Try not to breathe pastel dust. Blowing is not recommended as it makes the dust airborne and the pigments easily work their way deep into lungs.
For thick applications of media, tapping gently on the back will generally remove excess without disturbing your work. Remember, if you are working vertically, the dust does fall downward and will come to rest on the lower areas of your art, so be sure to tap from the top down. Tilting the easel forward while you work can also help in this regard.
Spraying across your artwork at an angle is a great way to maximize the drift of the spray and allow it to fall on the maximum area. Either set your work upright or lay it down. Some artists suggest upright, so that any droplets that form on the nozzle will not fall on your artwork, but on the floor. This is good advice, but may not be pertinent, as our spray nozzles do not drip. You may also consider spraying from two opposing angles to really hold the pastel firmly.
Generally speaking, a light misting on every layer of pastel will help hold the foundational layers better than a final soaking coat. It will also ensure that the painting grips its support from the bottom up, and final layers of colour can be added to 'tune' the overall colour symphonics at the end.
Soaking layers are fine, but the crystalline powdery pastel will compact a bit more and be slightly less brilliant due to less light penetration between the crystals.
While the casein in SpectraFix does not seem to 'sediment out' over time, if you have let it sit for many weeks, giving it a shaking ensures that the casein is evenly mixed into the solution. If the nozzle plugs up, just scratch it gently with your fingernail or another small object and remove any clots. Then spray again. The alcohol in the formula will dissolve any remaining blockage.
Workable Fixatives
Fixatives allow you to fix your work at a certain point and continue working, or to seal the artwork to protect it. This is a ‘Workable fixative’, which will add a toothy texture to your artwork. This is useful when the surface of the paper has become saturated, so that no more pencil will apply. If you apply a spray of workable fixative, this will add tooth back on top.
| No questions yet. Be the first to ask the question! |
| SKU | TSPEC360 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.3730 |
| Quantity : Pack | Single |
| To use with | Pastel |
| Quality | Exceptional |
| Size | 360 ml |
- Review by Selina
-
Great that there was no signs of discolouration and no noxious fumes, but really disappointed on the design of the bottle itself as mine leaked profusely with every spray, leaving drip marks all over the piece. This therefore demands that you use this formula within another spray container for that even fine spray. I highly doubt that this is just my bottle alone as I have heard of this same problem with other people using this same spray. So I would call this a manufacturing fault which needs correcting. (Posted on 18/04/2018)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
It does the job. Drys quick and gives a good key in between layers of pastels. Keeps the colour true. (Posted on 28/11/2017)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
Haven't experimented enough with this fixative yet to award it more stars. The fixative itself appears to work very well without discolouration or noxious fumes. The only negative so far is the spray, I have yet to find a way of applying a light enough coat - on my first attempt it soaked the paper, which buckled and some of the pastel ran. The paper did flatten when dry and I was able to go over the drips so disaster averted. Will definitely be experimenting more extensively. (Posted on 02/08/2017)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
Fixes dry media very well. Very little odor, and what is there fades within a minute so it can be used indoors. Dries clear and free of discolouration. Lasts a long time. (Posted on 16/03/2017)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
I appriciate that it is health safe, workable and I can use it in my studio and also classroom. It works very well with Tim Fisher pastelpaper. (Posted on 16/03/2017)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
Ideal fixative easy to use and no obnoxious fumes (Posted on 16/03/2017)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
Too early to judge (Posted on 16/03/2017)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
I was looking for a pastel fixative that don't changes the colours of my works, and with this product I hope to find the solution. (Posted on 16/03/2017)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
Also love it. Doesn't dull the colours of my pastels too much. (Posted on 16/03/2017)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
Fixative seems OK, but container does not spray properly - uneven and blobby. (Posted on 16/03/2017)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
might have used it wrongly i dont know but it seemed runny and watery to me and did not fix soft pastels . (Posted on 16/03/2017)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
Have used this only twice and nozzle blocked up. Freed it with hot water so hope it remains ok. Otherwise pleased with product. (Posted on 16/03/2017)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
Great to get a products that is odour free and with natural ingredients. Excellent product (Posted on 16/03/2017)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
As far as I can see it really does work with very little change to colours. (Posted on 16/03/2017)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
Very user friendly but some questions surround its efficacy (Posted on 16/03/2017)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
I bought this on recommendation from a friend, and am very happy with it. I use it with pastels, which stay true to their colour when using it, unlike other products I have tried. (Posted on 25/09/2016)Rating - Review by Joanna
-
Non-toxic. Non-stinky. Eco-friendly. Can use it inside (a huge benefit for me as I have no private outside space) and it works! Used on charcoal drawings and a couple of quick sprays and it stays put! I've also worked over the top of something after spraying without any problems. I agree with another reviewer who, like me, doesn't do reviews; this product warrants it! (Posted on 10/07/2016)Rating - Review by Donna
-
This seems like a great product. I have been using it to lightly fix between gouache layers. No having to run from the room while breath holding anymore. However I almost ruined a painting due to the pump cap shattering inside and spilling the contents on my painting. I had to mop it up and brush in the residue. I will now have to repaint the area. Since no one else has had such an experience I must have got a defective cap. Completely shattered inside. I have it taped up till I can find another bottle to decant into. Be careful of spraying flat!!!! (Posted on 18/01/2016)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
This is a great product, especially for soft pastels and mixed media. (Posted on 03/01/2016)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
Keeps the colour very bright (Posted on 16/11/2015)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
good company (Posted on 02/09/2015)Rating - Review by Rickard Söderström
-
This is the best fixative I have tried! I have tried most of them on the market (also hairspray), and this product is amazing. First of all it is: safe (no toxin), no odor (you can spray it indoor) and best of all it preserves the colors of pastels in a magical way. First when you spray is on, you get a bit worried, because the colors get a bit darker. But when it dries, in about 1 minute, it restores the colors to 99% accuracy. You can use is as a working fixative or a finalizing one. I usually dont write reviews, because I am to lazy, but this product deserve it. (Posted on 20/08/2015)Rating - Review by Monica Borovic
-
Love this. Eco-friendly and barely changed the pastel colours. Worked great for layering. Pricey though! (Posted on 20/08/2015)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
Didn't used yet, but I'm happy it doesn't smell like other productes with nitro components. (Posted on 23/07/2015)Rating
Write Your Own Review
If you have used this product and would like to share your experience with other artists, please log in to leave a review
A natural milk casein fixative that works on all papers and has been endorsed by professional artists all across America. Based on an antique recipe used by Degas himself, this is the perfect fixative for pastel, charcoal, gouache and watercolour. Its workable matt finish allows deep layering with minimal colour shift.
It is safe for use indoors or in the classroom as there is no odour or toxic fumes. It conforms to ASTM D-4236 regulations. Being 100% archival means there is no dulling of colour or yellowing over time. It dries rapidly to a matt finish and is workable, allowing for deep layers to be achieved. It is perfect for holding pastel, charcoal, conte crayon, pencil, casein, watercolour, tempera, gouache, crossover techniques and under oil paints.
Read a review of Spectrafix on our blog
PLEASE NOTE: Spectrafix pastel fixative does contain water and has a thinner consistency to regular fixatives - in order to use it properly and to get the best results please follow the instructions below:
How to Use SpectraFix
Using SpectraFix is easy!
Use it to fix charcoal, pastel, conte, pencil, watercolours, gouache, tempera or on mixed media cross-over techniques without even holding your nose. It is also perfect for use in securing that underpainting layer before you varnish or apply oil paint. It dries to a velvety matte finish within 1 - 2 minutes, so sprayed and unsprayed areas are indistinguishable.
First of all, make sure that you have removed excess charcoal or pastel dust clinging to borders or naked areas which you do not want to be coloured by tapping the sheet gently on an edge. Try not to breathe pastel dust. Blowing is not recommended as it makes the dust airborne and the pigments easily work their way deep into lungs.
For thick applications of media, tapping gently on the back will generally remove excess without disturbing your work. Remember, if you are working vertically, the dust does fall downward and will come to rest on the lower areas of your art, so be sure to tap from the top down. Tilting the easel forward while you work can also help in this regard.
Spraying across your artwork at an angle is a great way to maximize the drift of the spray and allow it to fall on the maximum area. Either set your work upright or lay it down. Some artists suggest upright, so that any droplets that form on the nozzle will not fall on your artwork, but on the floor. This is good advice, but may not be pertinent, as our spray nozzles do not drip. You may also consider spraying from two opposing angles to really hold the pastel firmly.
Generally speaking, a light misting on every layer of pastel will help hold the foundational layers better than a final soaking coat. It will also ensure that the painting grips its support from the bottom up, and final layers of colour can be added to 'tune' the overall colour symphonics at the end.
Soaking layers are fine, but the crystalline powdery pastel will compact a bit more and be slightly less brilliant due to less light penetration between the crystals.
While the casein in SpectraFix does not seem to 'sediment out' over time, if you have let it sit for many weeks, giving it a shaking ensures that the casein is evenly mixed into the solution. If the nozzle plugs up, just scratch it gently with your fingernail or another small object and remove any clots. Then spray again. The alcohol in the formula will dissolve any remaining blockage.
Workable Fixatives
Fixatives allow you to fix your work at a certain point and continue working, or to seal the artwork to protect it. This is a ‘Workable fixative’, which will add a toothy texture to your artwork. This is useful when the surface of the paper has become saturated, so that no more pencil will apply. If you apply a spray of workable fixative, this will add tooth back on top.
| No questions yet. Be the first to ask the question! |
| SKU | TSPEC360 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.3730 |
| Quantity : Pack | Single |
| To use with | Pastel |
| Quality | Exceptional |
| Size | 360 ml |
- Review by Selina
-
Great that there was no signs of discolouration and no noxious fumes, but really disappointed on the design of the bottle itself as mine leaked profusely with every spray, leaving drip marks all over the piece. This therefore demands that you use this formula within another spray container for that even fine spray. I highly doubt that this is just my bottle alone as I have heard of this same problem with other people using this same spray. So I would call this a manufacturing fault which needs correcting. (Posted on 18/04/2018)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
It does the job. Drys quick and gives a good key in between layers of pastels. Keeps the colour true. (Posted on 28/11/2017)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
Haven't experimented enough with this fixative yet to award it more stars. The fixative itself appears to work very well without discolouration or noxious fumes. The only negative so far is the spray, I have yet to find a way of applying a light enough coat - on my first attempt it soaked the paper, which buckled and some of the pastel ran. The paper did flatten when dry and I was able to go over the drips so disaster averted. Will definitely be experimenting more extensively. (Posted on 02/08/2017)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
Fixes dry media very well. Very little odor, and what is there fades within a minute so it can be used indoors. Dries clear and free of discolouration. Lasts a long time. (Posted on 16/03/2017)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
I appriciate that it is health safe, workable and I can use it in my studio and also classroom. It works very well with Tim Fisher pastelpaper. (Posted on 16/03/2017)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
Ideal fixative easy to use and no obnoxious fumes (Posted on 16/03/2017)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
Too early to judge (Posted on 16/03/2017)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
I was looking for a pastel fixative that don't changes the colours of my works, and with this product I hope to find the solution. (Posted on 16/03/2017)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
Also love it. Doesn't dull the colours of my pastels too much. (Posted on 16/03/2017)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
Fixative seems OK, but container does not spray properly - uneven and blobby. (Posted on 16/03/2017)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
might have used it wrongly i dont know but it seemed runny and watery to me and did not fix soft pastels . (Posted on 16/03/2017)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
Have used this only twice and nozzle blocked up. Freed it with hot water so hope it remains ok. Otherwise pleased with product. (Posted on 16/03/2017)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
Great to get a products that is odour free and with natural ingredients. Excellent product (Posted on 16/03/2017)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
As far as I can see it really does work with very little change to colours. (Posted on 16/03/2017)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
Very user friendly but some questions surround its efficacy (Posted on 16/03/2017)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
I bought this on recommendation from a friend, and am very happy with it. I use it with pastels, which stay true to their colour when using it, unlike other products I have tried. (Posted on 25/09/2016)Rating - Review by Joanna
-
Non-toxic. Non-stinky. Eco-friendly. Can use it inside (a huge benefit for me as I have no private outside space) and it works! Used on charcoal drawings and a couple of quick sprays and it stays put! I've also worked over the top of something after spraying without any problems. I agree with another reviewer who, like me, doesn't do reviews; this product warrants it! (Posted on 10/07/2016)Rating - Review by Donna
-
This seems like a great product. I have been using it to lightly fix between gouache layers. No having to run from the room while breath holding anymore. However I almost ruined a painting due to the pump cap shattering inside and spilling the contents on my painting. I had to mop it up and brush in the residue. I will now have to repaint the area. Since no one else has had such an experience I must have got a defective cap. Completely shattered inside. I have it taped up till I can find another bottle to decant into. Be careful of spraying flat!!!! (Posted on 18/01/2016)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
This is a great product, especially for soft pastels and mixed media. (Posted on 03/01/2016)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
Keeps the colour very bright (Posted on 16/11/2015)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
good company (Posted on 02/09/2015)Rating - Review by Rickard Söderström
-
This is the best fixative I have tried! I have tried most of them on the market (also hairspray), and this product is amazing. First of all it is: safe (no toxin), no odor (you can spray it indoor) and best of all it preserves the colors of pastels in a magical way. First when you spray is on, you get a bit worried, because the colors get a bit darker. But when it dries, in about 1 minute, it restores the colors to 99% accuracy. You can use is as a working fixative or a finalizing one. I usually dont write reviews, because I am to lazy, but this product deserve it. (Posted on 20/08/2015)Rating - Review by Monica Borovic
-
Love this. Eco-friendly and barely changed the pastel colours. Worked great for layering. Pricey though! (Posted on 20/08/2015)Rating - Review by Feefo
-
Didn't used yet, but I'm happy it doesn't smell like other productes with nitro components. (Posted on 23/07/2015)Rating
Write Your Own Review
If you have used this product and would like to share your experience with other artists, please log in to leave a review