Important: This product is an aerosol and is subject to age restriction legislation. Proof of age confirming you are 18 or over is required at the point of purchase in store. Online orders may be subject to age verification before dispatch. We are required by law to refuse sale to anyone unable to provide proof of age.
A high-quality, colourless, shellac-based fixative for protecting finished and work-in-progress drawings in pastel, charcoal, pencil, graphite, chalk, crayon, and transfer lettering. The 400ml can is a generous, good-value size — tall and easy to handle — that gives considerably more coverage than the smaller format fixatives, making it a practical choice for artists who use fixative regularly or work at a larger scale.
The formulation is UV resistant, CFC-free, ozone-safe, and dries rapidly to a clear, colourless finish that does not discolour or yellow the drawing beneath. One of its most useful qualities is that it is a workable fixative — sprayed lightly over a drawing in progress, it stabilises the existing layers sufficiently to prevent smudging while leaving the surface receptive to further work. This makes it possible to build up multiple layers of pastel or charcoal in a way that would otherwise cause the medium to slide off the increasingly saturated paper surface. A heavier final application provides a more permanent protective coat for a finished piece, though many pastel artists prefer to leave the final surface layer unfixed — a matter of personal preference and working method.
The spray should be applied from a distance of approximately 25 to 30cm in light, even passes with the artwork held vertically or laid flat. Multiple light coats give a more even result than a single heavy application and reduce the risk of over-wetting the surface, which can temporarily darken some drawing media. Use in a well-ventilated space — the aerosol is flammable and should be kept away from naked flames and heat sources. Store the can away from direct sunlight and temperatures above 50°C.
Important safety information: Extremely flammable aerosol. Causes serious eye irritation. May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects. Use only in well-ventilated spaces. Keep away from heat, sparks, and naked flames. Pressurised container — do not pierce or burn even when empty.
What media does Seawhite Fixative work with? Pastel, soft pastel, oil pastel crayon, charcoal, pencil, graphite, chalk, and transfer lettering. It is not designed for use with wet media such as ink, watercolour, or acrylic.
What does workable fixative mean? A workable fixative stabilises existing drawing layers when sprayed lightly, allowing further work to be applied on top without disturbing what is beneath. This is distinct from a final fixative, which is applied more heavily to provide a permanent protective coat to a finished piece. Seawhite Fixative can be used in both ways depending on the amount applied.
How should it be applied? Hold the can approximately 25 to 30cm from the surface and spray in light, even passes. Apply multiple thin coats rather than a single heavy application. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next. Use in a well-ventilated space away from naked flames.
Does it alter the appearance of the drawing? When applied correctly in thin coats it dries clear and colourless without significantly altering the appearance of the work. Over-application or spraying too close can temporarily darken some media — this usually lightens as the fixative dries, but thin, even application from the correct distance gives the most consistent results.
Can it be used on all paper types? Yes — it is suitable for use on paper, card, and most common drawing surfaces.
Why is proof of age required? Aerosol products are subject to age restriction legislation in the UK under the Aerosol Dispensers Regulations. Sale to anyone under 18 is prohibited by law.
