Only pastels with lightfast pigments are used. As it is not protected by a binder the pigment in pastels is especially vulnerable to light. Pastel paintings made with pigments that change color or tone when exposed to light suffer comparable problems to gouache paintings using the same pigments. Works are done on an acid-free archival quality support. Historically some works have been executed on supports which are now extremely fragile and the support rather than the pigment needs to be protected under glass and away from light. Works are properly mounted and framed under glass so that the glass does not touch the artwork. This prevents the deterioration which is associated with environmental hazards such as air quality, humidity, mildew problems associated with condensation and smudging. Plexiglas is not used as it will create static electricity and dislodge the particles of pastel pigment. Some artists protect their finished pieces by spraying them with a fixative. A pastel fixative is an aerosol varnish which can be used to help stabilize the small charcoal or pastel particles on a painting or drawing. It cannot prevent smearing entirely without dulling and darkening the bright and fresh colors of pastels. The use of hairspray as a fixative is generally not recommended as it is not acid-free and therefore can degrade the artwork in the long term. Traditional fixatives will discolor eventually.
Only pastels with lightfast pigments are used As it is not protected by a binder the pigment in pastels is especially vulnerable to light Pastel paintings made with pigments that change color or tone when exposed to light suffer comparable problems to gouache paintings using the same pigments Works are done on an acid-free archival quality support Historically some works have been executed on supports which are now extremely fragile and the support rather than the pigment needs to be protected under glass and away from light Works are properly mounted and framed under glass so that the glass does not touch the artwork This prevents the deterioration which is associated with environmental hazards such as air quality humidity mildew problems associated with condensation and smudging Plexiglas is not used as it will create static electricity and dislodge the particles of pastel pigment Some artists protect their finished pieces by spraying them with a fixative A pastel fixative is an aerosol varnish which can be used to help stabilize the small charcoal or pastel particles on a painting or drawing It cannot prevent smearing entirely without dulling and darkening the bright and fresh colors of pastels The use of hairspray as a fixative is generally not recommended as it is not acid-free and therefore can degrade the artwork in the long term Traditional fixatives will discolor eventually