Q: Is there any way I can add something to soft pastels
and/or the surface I'm working on to make the soft pastels fix better?
Does turpentine make them fix?
A: Turpentine is used to start a pastel painting
because by blending the turpentine with the soft pastels you can fill
in shapes more easily. It is not used as a fixative, however, because
it can change the chemistry of the pastels from a soft texture to a
diluted flat, matte surface. A spray fixative for soft pastels is best,
but make sure to read the labels before purchasing. Some will dry
leaving a hard, shiny surface, or even a cloud. Latour has been proven
to be the best on the market. It is the most transparent,
least-yellowing matte film available.
--by Camille LaPointe-Lyons