How to Seal Charcoal Drawings (and Make Them Last)
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Sealing your charcoal drawings is one of the most important steps in protecting your work from smudging or fading over time. Charcoal is a delicate medium. It's beautiful in its rawness, but easily disturbed by even the slightest touch.
What I Use
For every finished piece, I use Blick Fixative. I don’t hold back. I spray a generous, even coat (or several). The goal is to fully lock in the charcoal while maintaining the rich depth and texture of the surface.
Why the Paper Matters
Not all papers hold charcoal equally well. I work primarily on:
Both have a tooth (a slight surface texture) that grips the charcoal beautifully. Smoother papers can make it harder for the pigment to settle, resulting in more smudging or uneven coverage.
How to Apply Fixative
Hold the can about 12–16 inches from your piece and move steadily across the surface. Start with a light misting, let it set for a few seconds, then apply a heavier coat. Make sure to spray in a well-ventilated area and always test on a scrap before spraying your finished drawing.
Watch me spray and seal a drawing CLICK HERE
The right combination of fixative and paper makes all the difference in how your drawings age. Take the time to seal your work properly, and it’ll last a lifetime, without losing the energy that makes charcoal so raw and expressive.
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