How to preserve a pencil drawing? All methods

If you are looking for ways on how to preserve a pencil drawing, you’re in the very right spot. This article is a short, straight-to-the-point explanation of how I preserve my pencil and charcoal drawings and sketches to keep them from smudging and fading in the long run, so let’s get into it.

You may want to read: Pencil Drawing for Beginners: All You Need to know

Using a fixative spray to lock your drawing in

This is the classic method, which goes without saying. Just get your hands on a trusty fixative spray and use it to lock your drawings in place. Make sure you use it outside or in a well-ventilated area. Spray the liquid about 30 cm away from the drawing, then let it dry and apply two more coats, following the same process.

Use a hair spray instead of a fixative spray to preserve your pencil drawing

Yes, it works just like a fixative spray, but the downside is that it could turn yellow as time goes by (use it only in your sketchbooks, never on client commissions). I personally use this method to lock my drawings in because I bought hair spray and never used it for my hair, so it served as a good fixative spray alternative.

Separate your sketchbook pages and drawings with parchment paper

Parchment paper (you can also replace it with any thin, preferably coated paper) is a great transfer-proof paper that will help keep your pencil and charcoal drawings from smudging and transferring into one another.

Use page protectors

Exactly like the ones we used in school. Page protectors will do the exact same job as parchment paper, but you will have more freedom in moving and storing your pencil drawing than having the parchment slip, slide, or fly away every time you try to get a hold of it.

Keep them in an album

It could either be a photo album or a page protector’s portfolio (also called a presentation book). This gives you a great storage option and display, so you can keep your pencil drawings fully smudge-proof and very low-maintenance.

I have an Amazon storefront with all the products needed to start pencil drawing for beginners and take care of your drawings.

Conclusion

These were all the methods I have previously used to preserve my pencil drawings. I hope you found what you were looking for in this article and may you enjoy creating <3