Hello all, was wondering what I would use to have ground up pastel pigments stay in place and not blow away off the model ? I saw an article about Humbrol thinners, but what else could be used.
Thanks, cheers

Hi,

I've recently started using Windsor & Newton's Artists' Workable Fixative. It comes in a spry can and is for Pastel, Charcoal and Pencil. I've been happy with the results.

Scott

does it cause the effect of the pastels to disappear or lesson?

I was developing the same problems till my wife suggested using Hair Spray. She had asked if I remember as a kid using Hair Spray during arts and crafts in grade School....I did. So I gave it a shot and worked out very well. At first I was to close and sprayed to much, what I found to work best is to spray on light misty coats from a didtance of a foot, 12 inches. I may come back to some of you's who have used Hair Spray in School.

"does it cause the effect of the pastels to disappear or lesson"

No I did not loss it's effect...

Joe

I've had dullcote and other sealants make finishing powders and pigments completely disappear. Since artists' fixatives purposely developed for pastels, etc. it doesn't lessen their appearance as long as it isn't applied too heavily.

Scott

I've had pretty good luck just lightly air brushing the powder, (and usually the whole model at the same time), with Badger air brush cleaner. Not to heavy so that it washes off or clumps up-- just a fine slow mist that soaks the powder, and once dry, it pretty much stays put. I do this on my HO rail cars all the time with MMP rust and dirt powders, and have used this on 1/35th armor also. Seems to be most effective when applied to powders collected in corners, edges, nooks etc. Good luck.

Steve