Securing Charcoal Art on Canvas

To get charcoal to stay on canvas, you can apply a spray fixative, such as a Krylon matte finish, giving it a good, heavy coat across the entire artwork.

Charcoal is a beautiful yet delicate medium, especially when applied to canvas. Unlike paint which adheres directly, charcoal pigment sits on the surface and can easily smudge or lift. To preserve charcoal drawings on canvas, artists commonly use a fixative.

Based on the provided reference, one effective method involves using a Krylon matte finish spray. This type of spray acts as a sealant, bonding the charcoal particles to the canvas surface and preventing smudging.

Applying Spray Fixative

Proper application of the fixative is crucial for ensuring the charcoal stays put without altering the appearance of the artwork too much. The reference suggests a specific technique:

• Apply a good heavy coat across the entire piece.
• Go a little heavier in the darker areas where there is more charcoal buildup.

This layered approach, focusing extra spray on areas with heavier charcoal application, helps to thoroughly bind the maximum amount of pigment.

Here's a simple breakdown of the technique mentioned:

1. Ensure the artwork is finished and dry.
2. Hold the spray can at the recommended distance (check product instructions).
3. Apply a sweeping, heavy coat across the entire canvas.
4. Focus additional spray specifically on areas with dense charcoal lines or shading.
5. Allow the fixative to dry completely according to product instructions.

Using a matte finish helps to maintain the non-reflective quality of the charcoal.

Summary Table: Securing Charcoal on Canvas

By using a spray fixative like Krylon matte finish and applying it with a heavy, targeted coat as described, you can significantly improve the permanence of your charcoal drawings on canvas.