Fixative A fixative is a chemical solution applied to a finished artwork or print to protect the surface, prevent smudging, and enhance durability. Fixatives are commonly used in traditional drawing, painting, and printmaking techniques to seal and stabilize the media, such as charcoal, pastels, graphite, and ink, and prevent them from smudging or rubbing off. Fixatives come in various formulations, including aerosol sprays, brush-on liquids, and archival varnishes, each offering different levels of protection and compatibility with different media and substrates. In Giclée printing, fixatives may be applied to printed images on paper or canvas to enhance longevity, resistance to handling, and overall print quality. |