Find Out What the Fixative Spray Is Used For

What’s Fixative Spray Used For?

In the same way that we use varnish to protect canvas paintings from damage caused by the sun or contact with other elements, there’s a product that does the same job on paper. What’s more, this product is designed to fix different artistic techniques that are usually carried out on paper. The tool is called a variety different names - fixative varnish, fixative spray or drawing varnish - but at Montana Colors we called it Matt Fixative, and it’s one of the aerosols you can find in the Fine Arts category of the MTN PRO catalog.

The Matt Fixative is the Best Way to Preserve Drawings

This fixative spray is the perfect solution to offer art on paper protection against humidity, dust or touch, also guaranteeing the proper fixation of each technique. It’s perfect for projects using graphite, pencil, charcoal or pastel, as well as creations on paper that incorporate techniques such as watercolor, alcohol markers or even acrylic paint.

What’s the Difference Between Lacquer and Paint Fixative Spray?

The difference between these two tools is basically in the meaning that you give each one. “Lacquer" can mean a type of varnish for paintings on canvas, while with "fixative spray", refers to the main characteristic of the fixative lacquer: to preserve the art and stop it from being smudged or erased. So, if you’re looking for fixative lacquer, perhaps what you need is a painting varnish.

Characteristics of the MTN Matt Fixative Spray

As well as its user friendly application and convenient storage provided by the aerosol format, the product also dries quickly and has an excellent transparent matt finish that doesn’t alter colors, as long as you don’t apply a high number of coats.

How to Use the Fixative Spray for Painting

As with most aerosol sprays, before using the fixative spray for painting shake it for about a minute after you hear the noise of the mixing ball. Apply it to your art project, spraying thin layers and keeping a distance of 20 cm from the surface. You should pay particular attention to this aspect, since a spray that’s too close can wet the paper or compromise the results. Two or three coats will suffice, allowing 10 minutes to dry between coats.

Once you’ve finished, invert the can and press the cap to avoid clogging. Remember that all MTN aerosols are made from recyclable materials, so dispose of them in the right recycling container.

Fine arts, also in the MTN PRO range

MTN PRO Matt Fixative is part of the MTN PRO Fine Art sprays, along with other tools designed for fine art, such as our varnish for acrylic and oil paintings and the gesso primer.