To Fix or Not to Fix, that is the Question...

Should I use hairspray? Should I fix at all? Don't conservitors use fixative? Every now and then the debate starts again. Looking for the definative answer, painting guide Marion Boddy-Evans spoke to About.com's Chemistry guide about the issue. You can find out what she said in her article 'Using Fixative or Hairspray to Fix Pastels'. I still prefer to use a reputable brand of fixative, but usually don't spray the top layer of pastel and pencil due to color alteration. Most modern fixatives are stable, but do a sample of work for test spraying to see how it looks, before you cover your work with a permanent layer of fixative. You can't change your mind! If you are going to fix, find out how to Apply Spray Fixative correctly.