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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In art, in particular drawings in pastels, charcoal, chalk, and other dry media, a fixative is a kind of preserving agent applied over the top of the drawing to prevent crumbling,[1] smudging, fading, and discolouring.[2][3] In times gone by, natural substances such as diluted egg white were painted on, but today synthetic sprays are usually used.[1] However some artists, such as the Aboriginal Australian artists at Warmun, Western Australia, use traditional substances, in this case gum gathered from local bloodwood trees.[4]
Fixative is similar to varnish, but there are some key differences. Varnish is often used to protect paintings from atmospheric moisture, sunlight and dust; it helps to protect from being scratched, and makes the colours brighter. Fixatives prevents smearing.[5]
Fixatives are usually made from casein, synthetic resin or glue.[5]
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