How to Seal and Protect Your Pastel Artwork: What Actually Works

One of the most magical—and maddening—qualities of pastels is that they never fully dry. The pigment simply sits on the surface of your paper or board, held in place by tooth and friction rather than absorption or curing. This is what gives pastel work its unmistakable vibrancy, but it’s also what makes it incredibly delicate. A single touch, an accidental breath, or the wrong kind of storage can damage hours of effort.

Whether you're finishing your first pastel piece or preparing a full body of work for exhibition or sale, the same question always comes up: how do you protect pastel artwork without compromising what makes it beautiful?

Let’s dig into the practical strategies—backed by experience and artist insight—that actually work to preserve your pastel pieces while letting them shine.

Why Sealing Pastel Art is So Challenging

Soft pastel is unique in that it lacks any built-in binder or fixative agent. Unlike oils or acrylics, it doesn’t cure or chemically adhere to the surface. Instead, the pigment particles rest loosely on the textured surface of your paper or board. That means pastel art is especially vulnerable to smudging, dusting off over time, and even environmental damage like static or light exposure.

The preservation challenge is a balancing act. On one hand, you want to keep your work safe. On the other, you don’t want to lose the rich, velvety texture or alter the colors you’ve carefully built up. The goal is to preserve the life of the piece while honoring its visual integrity.

Protect Pastel Artwork With Fixative Spray

Fixatives are aerosol sprays designed to help lock pigment in place. In theory, they offer a simple solution to the problem of fragility. In practice, though, they can be temperamental—and even counterproductive—if not used correctly.

There are two types of fixatives you'll encounter: workable and final. Workable fixative allows you to spray a layer of protection, continue drawing over it, and repeat the process as needed. It’s especially useful when building up layers or trying to control overly dusty sections of your work. Products like SpectraFix and Krylon Workable Fixatif are popular choices, with SpectraFix standing out for its non-toxic, casein-based formula that is more gentle on both artwork and artists.

Final fixative, on the other hand, is meant to be the last step before storing or framing your piece. It aims to lock everything in place for good. While professional-grade products like Lascaux Fixative or Sennelier Latour exist, even the best final sprays can subtly darken or flatten your colors. That soft, light-catching texture—the hallmark of pastel—can be diminished if too much fixative is applied.

If you do choose to use fixative, always test it on a scrap or an inconspicuous corner before applying it to the full piece. Spray lightly and from a distance—usually 12 to 18 inches—and let each layer dry completely before adding another. Many artists, particularly those working on high-tooth surfaces like PastelMat, choose to skip fixative altogether and rely on careful handling and framing instead.

Framing: The Gold Standard for Finished Work

Framing under glass is widely considered the most reliable and elegant way to protect finished pastel art. While it does require some investment—either in time if you’re doing it yourself, or money if you’re working with a professional—it offers the strongest long-term protection.

A good frame protects your piece from dust, air, accidental smudging, and the static that can lift pigment off the surface. However, not all frames are created equal. It’s important to use a mat or spacer inside the frame to prevent the glass from touching the artwork. Even a small amount of contact can disturb the pigment or cause it to adhere to the glass. For this reason, UV-protective glass is also highly recommended. Options like Tru-Vue Conservation Clear or Museum Glass help minimize the fading caused by sunlight and harsh indoor lighting.

Plexiglass is sometimes used for shipping because it’s lighter and less likely to break. However, it tends to generate static electricity, which can literally pull pastel particles off your artwork. For this reason, it's generally avoided in long-term display.

When mounting your artwork, use archival, non-invasive techniques. Avoid adhesive touching the pastel surface at all costs. If you’re framing at home, pre-cut mats and standard-size frames can make the job easier—but don’t cut corners when it comes to protecting that fragile surface. A well-framed pastel painting not only keeps your work safe but elevates its presentation in a way that’s gallery- and collector-ready.

Smart Storage for Unframed or In-Progress Pieces

Not every pastel piece is ready to be framed right away. You might be building a series, waiting for a frame to arrive, or simply needing to store unfinished work between sessions. In these cases, careful flat storage is essential.

Pastel work should always be stored face-up and in a flat position. The best way to do this is to use a rigid, shallow drawer, flat file cabinet, or a sturdy portfolio. Place a sheet of glassine—a smooth, non-stick archival paper—over the surface of each piece. This protects the pigment from dust and accidental touch without sticking to it. Never use wax paper, tissue, or plastic sleeves, as these materials can either cling, cause static, or leave residue behind.

If you’re stacking pieces, interleave each one with fresh glassine or acid-free paper and label them clearly. That way, when you’re flipping through your work, you don’t risk smudging a masterpiece. For larger or oddly sized pieces, you can create a protective sandwich by taping the artwork between two sheets of foam core. It’s a handy, low-cost solution for temporary storage or safe transport.

Avoid folding or rolling pastel pieces under any circumstances. The surface is simply too fragile to withstand the pressure and movement. Always store them flat, dry, and in an area with stable humidity and temperature.

Shipping Pastel Art: Handle With Extreme Care

Shipping pastel artwork is possible, but it takes extra attention to detail. Whether you’re mailing a framed piece or an unframed one, protecting that fragile pigment surface should be your top priority.

For unframed artwork, start by placing a clean sheet of glassine over the surface, with another beneath it. Sandwich the piece between two rigid boards, like foam core or heavy cardboard, and tape all the way around the edges to prevent any sliding or shifting. This “artwork envelope” can then be placed in a padded mailer or box.

If you're shipping framed work, you'll want to wrap the entire frame in bubble wrap, protect the corners, and double-box it. That means placing the wrapped frame into one box, then putting that box into a second, larger box with padding in between. Label the package clearly with “FRAGILE – DO NOT BEND” and “THIS SIDE UP,” and consider insurance or tracking options to ensure safe delivery.

Shipping pastel art may be stressful, but with careful packaging, it can arrive safely in the hands of collectors, galleries, or clients.

So... Do You Really Need Fixative?

The short answer is: maybe. It depends on your style, your materials, and your goals for the piece.

Many professional pastel artists work without any fixative at all. When using premium surfaces like PastelMat or sanded papers that hold pigment well, you can often rely on careful handling and prompt framing instead of spraying. Others choose to use just a light coat of workable fixative in certain areas to manage dust or help with layering.

If you're someone who loves the soft, airy quality of untouched pastel, fixative might change the look in a way you don’t enjoy. On the other hand, if you’re layering heavily or planning to ship unframed work, a bit of fixative might be worth the tradeoff. The best way to find out is to experiment. Create test swatches on the same paper you use for your artwork, apply different fixatives, and observe the results. Your own eyes and preferences are the best guide.

Final Thoughts: Protecting the Magic

Soft pastel is one of the most vibrant and expressive mediums available to artists—but that brilliance comes with vulnerability. The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice beauty for durability. With the right care—whether that’s through gentle use of fixative, archival framing, or thoughtful storage—you can protect your work without dulling its impact.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution here. Every artist finds their own rhythm and preferences through trial, error, and experience. So give your work the same level of attention in its aftercare as you do in its creation. Treat it gently. Store it wisely. Frame it beautifully. And let it keep glowing for years to come.