Decoupage Pastels

Preparing Pastel Drawings for Decoupage

Hello! I think your site is wonderful.

My question is about decoupage.

I love to draw with pastels and would like to use some of my drawings in decoupage.

Obviously pastels do not lend themselves to doing this. Is there anyway to seal the artwork with regular fixative sprays or something else to make them usable for decoupage?

Raina

The trickiest thing about decoupage is finding compatible materials for the various layers. Interestingly, such decoupage questions are the most common we receive at The Artful Crafter. In trying to use pastels in decoupage, you are venturing into uncharted waters and will have to do some testing. However I do have a few suggestions.

Use a PVA decoupage medium like Elmer's Glue-All or Mod Podge rather than an oil based varnish or lacquer. PVAs are easier to work with, dry more quickly and give more consistent results. Plus they are compatible with most commercial fixatives for pastels.

Try commercial fixative sprays first, but be sure the one you select is water, not oil, based. Fix both sides of your pastel drawing. Because pastels do not dry to form a protective skin, you want the fixative to grab and fix as many of the pastel particles as possible.

Since you've been working with pastels for a while, I'm sure you know that the fixative will change the color of your work somewhat, usually darkening, but sometimes even blending colors. You'll want to take this into account in your testing to gauge the impact on your intended project.

If the commercial fixatives somehow fight with the decoupage medium, try the home made fixative formula below. It may be trickier to get the fine mist you need for the top surface; but the mix is definitely compatible with PVA decoupage media.

Combine one part PVA decoupage medium with five parts water. Brush onto the back of your pastel. Add more water to the remaining mix until it is of spraying consistency. Use a fine mist atomizer to apply two light, even coats to the picture's surface, allowing at least a half hour between coats.

We're so glad you like our site!

Here is a list of all decoupage related articles on The Artful Crafter.