Drying Painted Pencils: Keep Them In Place

Painting pencils are a fun way to add some colour to your artwork, but it can be tricky to keep them in place while they dry. One way to prevent your pencils from rolling away is to store them flat on a table or surface while they dry. You can also try using a fixative spray to lock your pencils in place. Simply hold the can about 12-18 inches away from the pencils and apply a thin, even coat. Let the coat dry completely before adding another layer if needed. Another option is to use parchment paper or any thin, coated paper as a barrier between the pencils and the surface, which will prevent smudging and transfer.

Use fixative spray to lock drawings in place

Fixative spray is a great way to lock your pencil drawings in place and prevent smudging. It is an important step in the finishing process, especially for soft pencil work, as it helps to lock in all the marks and tones. There are different types of fixative sprays available, so it is important to choose the right one for your needs.

Workable fixative sprays are ideal if you want to continue working on your drawing after applying the spray. They allow you to erase through the coating and rework the drawing. For example, the Krylon K01306 Workable Fixatif Spray has a clear, acid-free formula that helps prevent wrinkling and smudging. Hairspray can also be used as a temporary fixative spray, but it may not protect your artwork for as long.

Permanent fixative sprays, on the other hand, seal the drawing and prevent any further reworking. These sprays lock in all the marks and tones, providing maximum protection for your artwork.

When using a fixative spray, it is important to follow the correct procedure to ensure the best results. Firstly, always work in a well-ventilated area, as the fumes from the spray can be potent and unpleasant. Shake the can well to ensure the solution is mixed properly; this step is crucial to avoid ruining your drawing. Before spraying your drawing, hold the can away from it and spray for a second to ensure that any residue is cleared from the nozzle.

When spraying your drawing, hold the can about 12-18 inches away from the surface and apply a thin, even coat. It is better to apply several light coats rather than one thick coat, which could result in drips. Let each coat dry completely before adding the next. You can also place a piece of scrap paper or cardboard between the spray and your drawing to catch any overspray.

Store drawings flat to prevent creases

Storing your drawings flat is crucial to prevent creases, warping, or bending. Here are some effective methods to keep your drawings flat:

Flat Files or Drawers

If you are serious about your artwork, investing in a dedicated flat file is worth considering. Look for flat files made of smooth, unfinished wood to avoid snagging or acidic damage to your drawings.

Portfolios or Art Binders

For smaller drawings or works-in-progress, a hardcover portfolio or art binder can be a good alternative. Ensure you use acid-free sleeves or parchment paper to protect each drawing.

Rigid Boards

If you don't have access to a flat file or portfolio, you can create a makeshift solution using two pieces of rigid cardboard or foam board. Place your drawing between the boards and secure them with binder clips.

Acid-Free Mat Board

For added protection, consider mounting your drawings on acid-free mat board. The mat board provides a rigid backing that helps keep the paper flat and prevents bending or warping. It also makes the framing process easier. Use archival hinging tape or photo corners to attach the drawing to the mat board, avoiding any glue or adhesive.

Absorbent Material and Heavy Objects

Place the drawing on a flat, hard surface and cover it with an absorbent material. Smooth out any major folds or creases with your hands. Then, place a heavy, flat object, such as a stack of large books, on top. Leave it for several days, checking daily and replacing the absorbent material if necessary.

Distilled Water and Ironing

If you want to remove creases more quickly, mist the paper lightly with distilled water. This helps soften the paper fibres, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and creases. After misting, use a clothes iron on a low heat setting to gently press the paper flat. Always use a towel or cloth between the iron and the paper to protect your drawing from direct heat.

Rolling and Photocopying

If you don't have an iron, you can simply roll the paper over the side of a desk or table to reduce minor wrinkles and creases. Alternatively, try photocopying the drawing, as the photocopier can press the paper flatter.

Remember, storing your drawings flat not only prevents creases but also makes stacking and storing them easier, reducing the risk of smudges or transfers.

Use acid-free paper sleeves to protect each drawing

When it comes to preserving your pencil drawings, using acid-free paper sleeves to protect each piece of art is a great method. Acid-free paper is an essential material for any artist's studio, as it effectively prevents damage to your artwork. It acts as a barrier, preventing unwanted chemical reactions, scratches, and pigment chips.

You can purchase acid-free paper in the form of interleaving paper, which is designed to be placed between your drawings. This will prevent smudging or transfer, ensuring your artwork stays pristine. If you are storing multiple drawings together, simply place a sheet of acid-free paper between each one. Replace the paper if it gets torn, dirty, or wrinkled over time. This simple step will make a significant difference in maintaining the quality of your artwork.

When selecting acid-free paper, you have a variety of options to choose from. For instance, Legion Interleaving Paper is specifically designed for artists and offers a heavier weight of 60 gsm or 40 pounds. This thickness provides excellent protection while still feeling light and easy to fold. It is made of pH-neutral, 100% high-alpha cellulose and is buffered to prevent acid migration, making it ideal for storing photographs and other sensitive materials. If you prefer buying in packs rather than individual sheets, you can opt for thinner acid-free sheets that come in packs of 100, with sizes ranging from 8 by 10 inches to 16 by 20 inches.

Another option is to use acid-free sleeves, which provide a convenient way to protect your drawings. These sleeves are available in various sizes and are designed to accommodate different dimensions of artwork while preserving their quality. They are typically made from heavy-duty semi-rigid clear vinyl with reinforced double-stitched binding, ensuring durability and protection. You can also find acid-free art print and poster sleeves that include a removable two-sided white acid-free cardboard insert. This insert allows you to display and protect two pieces of artwork within a single sleeve, showcasing them on both sides.

By utilizing acid-free paper sleeves, you can effectively safeguard your pencil drawings, preventing smudging, transfer, and other forms of damage. This preservation technique will ensure that your artistic creations remain in pristine condition over time.

Use parchment paper to prevent smudging

Parchment paper is a great tool to prevent smudging and transfer when painting pencils. It is a transfer-proof paper that will keep your pencil and charcoal drawings from smudging and transferring into one another. It is also useful when storing multiple drawings together. Simply place a sheet of parchment paper between each drawing to prevent smudging or transfer.

Parchment paper can be replaced with any thin, preferably coated paper. It is also recommended to replace the parchment paper if it gets torn, dirty, or wrinkled over time. This will keep your drawings looking pristine.

Additionally, parchment paper can be used in combination with other storage solutions, such as rigid boards or portfolios, to provide extra protection for your drawings. This helps to keep the drawings flat, preventing creases, warps, or bends.

Using parchment paper is a simple yet effective solution to prevent smudging when painting pencils. It is easily accessible and can make a significant difference in preserving your artwork.

Avoid vertical storage

Keeping painted pencils vertically while they dry is not recommended. This is because the paint can drip downwards, causing an uneven coat. This can also cause blockages in the nib, which will then need to be cleaned.

Vertical storage is also not ideal for the long-term storage of pencils. This is because the pencils can roll around, knocking into each other and potentially causing breakages.

Additionally, storing pencils vertically can cause the corners of the paper to roll, and the paper to wrinkle. This can ruin a drawing.

Therefore, it is best to store pencils horizontally, flat, and stacked. This will keep them in place and prevent damage.

There are many ways to store pencils horizontally. You can use cardboard rolls, a shoebox, or a pencil case. Alternatively, you could use a craft box, a tackle box, or a paint pen case.

Frequently asked questions