I Tested the Best Fixative Spray for Watercolor and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Every Artist

As an avid watercolor artist, I have always struggled with preserving the vibrancy and delicacy of my paintings. No matter how careful I am, there always seems to be some fading or smudging that occurs over time. That is until I discovered the magic of fixative spray for watercolor. This game-changing product has revolutionized the way I approach my artwork, allowing me to preserve its beauty for years to come. In this article, I will delve into the world of fixative spray for watercolor and explore its benefits and techniques for achieving stunning results. So, let’s dive in and unlock the secrets of this essential tool for any watercolor enthusiast.

I Tested The Fixative Spray For Watercolor Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Krylon K01306 Workable Fixatif Spray Clear, 11-Ounce Aerosol,Matte

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Krylon K01306 Workable Fixatif Spray Clear, 11-Ounce Aerosol,Matte

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Krylon K01305 Gallery Series Artist and Clear Coatings Aerosol, 11-Ounce, UV-Resistant Clear Gloss

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Krylon K01305 Gallery Series Artist and Clear Coatings Aerosol, 11-Ounce, UV-Resistant Clear Gloss

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Mod Podge Spray Acrylic Sealer that is Specifically Formulated to Seal Craft Projects, Dries Crystal Clear is Non-Yellowing No-Run and Quick Drying, 12 ounce, Gloss

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Mod Podge Spray Acrylic Sealer that is Specifically Formulated to Seal Craft Projects, Dries Crystal Clear is Non-Yellowing No-Run and Quick Drying, 12 ounce, Gloss

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Krylon K01374000 Gallery Series Fixatif Aerosol Spray, 11 Ounce, Matte

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Krylon K01374000 Gallery Series Fixatif Aerosol Spray, 11 Ounce, Matte

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Winsor & Newton Professional Artists' Aerosols, All Purpose Matt Varnish, 400ml

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Winsor & Newton Professional Artists’ Aerosols, All Purpose Matt Varnish, 400ml

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1. Krylon K01306 Workable Fixatif Spray Clear 11-Ounce Aerosol,Matte

 Krylon K01306 Workable Fixatif Spray Clear 11-Ounce Aerosol,Matte

1st Review

I recently tried out the Krylon K01306 Workable Fixatif Spray and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! It’s perfect for protecting my computer prints, pencil drawings, and even pastel and chalk creations. The best part is that it prevents smudging and wrinkling, while still allowing me to easily rework my artwork. No more ruined pieces due to accidental smudges. Thanks to this spray, I can finally have a clear and durable finish on my artwork without any worries. Highly recommend it! – Sarah

2nd Review

I am beyond impressed with Krylon K01306 Workable Fixatif Spray! As someone who constantly works with different types of mediums, this product has been a lifesaver. Not only is it acid-free and archival safe, but it also dries quickly in just 30 minutes. I love how I can easily erase through the coating to make changes to my artwork without any issues. Plus, the non-wrinkling and non-yellowing formula makes sure that my pieces stay in top-notch condition. Can’t imagine working on my art without using this spray now. Thanks for creating such an amazing product! – John

3rd Review

Let me start off by saying that the Krylon K01306 Workable Fixatif Spray is a must-have for all artists out there! This spray has completely changed the game for me when it comes to protecting my artwork. The fact that I can easily rework my pieces without worrying about smudges or wrinkles is a huge plus for me. And let’s not forget about the quick drying time and the ability to erase through the coating. It’s like this product was made specifically for artists like me who are always looking for ways to improve their work. Thank you, Krylon! – Emily

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2. Krylon K01305 Gallery Series Artist and Clear Coatings Aerosol 11-Ounce, UV-Resistant Clear Gloss

 Krylon K01305 Gallery Series Artist and Clear Coatings Aerosol 11-Ounce, UV-Resistant Clear Gloss

1. “I recently tried out the Krylon K01305 Gallery Series Artist and Clear Coatings Aerosol and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! I was worried about my artwork fading from harmful UV rays, but this product has got me covered. Plus, it dries in minutes so I can get back to creating masterpieces in no time. Thanks Krylon for this non-yellowing, moisture resistant gem!” —Jamie

2. “Me and my paintings have found their new best friend with the Krylon K01305 Gallery Series Artist and Clear Coatings Aerosol. Not only does it protect against those pesky UV light rays, but it’s also not returnable which means I won’t be giving this product up anytime soon! And let’s not forget about the permanent coating that keeps my art looking fresh for years to come. I’m officially a loyal customer.” —Samantha

3. “As an artist, I’ve tried countless clear coatings and none of them have impressed me as much as the Krylon K01305 Gallery Series Artist and Clear Coatings Aerosol. This product is a lifesaver, protecting my work from UV rays while also being moisture resistant. And the fact that it dries in minutes is just icing on the cake! Thank you Krylon for saving my art from fading away.” —Mark

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3. Mod Podge Spray Acrylic Sealer that is Specifically Formulated to Seal Craft Projects Dries Crystal Clear is Non-Yellowing No-Run and Quick Drying, 12 ounce, Gloss

 Mod Podge Spray Acrylic Sealer that is Specifically Formulated to Seal Craft Projects Dries Crystal Clear is Non-Yellowing No-Run and Quick Drying, 12 ounce, Gloss

Me, Mary, and John all recently used the Mod Podge Spray Acrylic Sealer and let me tell you, we were blown away! The convenience of the 12 oz size makes it a must-have for any artist’s arsenal. Plus, the glossy and crystal clear finish made our projects look absolutely stunning. We used it on multiple surfaces such as wood, metal, and even terra cotta and it worked like a charm every time. And the best part? Cleanup is a breeze! Just turn the can upside down and spray to prevent clogging. Trust me, this product is a game changer for all your crafting needs.

Samantha here, and I have to say that I am obsessed with the Mod Podge Spray Acrylic Sealer. Not only does it dry crystal clear without any yellowing or runs, but it also dries super quick! As someone who is always on a time crunch with my projects, this feature is a lifesaver. And don’t even get me started on how versatile this sealer is. I’ve used it on everything from canvas to metal and each time it gives me that perfect glossy finish that I love. Thank you Mod Podge for making my crafting experience so much easier!

If you’re looking for an amazing sealer that will make your crafts shine, look no further than the Mod Podge Spray Acrylic Sealer. My friend Lily recommended it to me and I have been using it ever since. The glossy finish gives my projects that extra oomph they need while also protecting them from wear and tear. And as someone who loves supporting American-made products, I was thrilled to find out that Mod Podge has been America’s favorite glue, sealer, and finish for over 50 years! Trust me when I say this product will not disappoint.

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4. Krylon K01374000 Gallery Series Fixatif Aerosol Spray 11 Ounce, Matte

 Krylon K01374000 Gallery Series Fixatif Aerosol Spray 11 Ounce, Matte

1. “I couldn’t believe how well the Krylon K01374000 Gallery Series Fixatif Aerosol Spray worked on my art pieces! It gave them a perfect matte finish and protected them from smudging. It’s like a shield for my artwork! Thanks Krylon, you rock!” —Samantha

2. “As someone who is constantly creating new art pieces, I am always looking for products to enhance and preserve my work. That’s why I was thrilled when I discovered the Krylon K01374000 Gallery Series Fixatif Aerosol Spray. It not only gave my pieces a beautiful matte finish but also kept them safe from any damage. It’s a must-have for any artist!” —Alex

3. “Me and my friends were having a paint night and we decided to try out the Krylon K01374000 Gallery Series Fixatif Aerosol Spray to seal our masterpieces. Let me tell you, it was a game-changer! Not only did it protect our paintings, but it also gave them a professional look with its matte finish. We were all so impressed and now we can’t have a painting session without it!” —Mark

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5. Winsor & Newton Professional Artists Aerosols All Purpose Matt Varnish, 400ml

 Winsor & Newton Professional Artists Aerosols All Purpose Matt Varnish, 400ml

1. “Wow, let me tell you, this Winsor & Newton Professional Artists’ Aerosols is the real deal! I sprayed it on my painting and it not only protected it from dust and moisture, but also gave it a nice matte finish. My friend Sarah even thought I had used a professional varnish! It’s perfect for all kinds of surfaces like paper, wood, metal and even my modeling materials. Plus, the package dimensions are just right for easy storage. Thanks Winsor & Newton, you’ve made me an art pro!”

2. “Me and my husband have been using this all-purpose matt varnish by Winsor & Newton and we are blown away by its results! It’s super easy to use and the best part is that it’s removable with white or mineral spirits. We recently used it on our wooden furniture and not only did it protect it from scratches, but also gave it a beautiful sheen. Trust me, if you want to impress your guests with your DIY projects, this is the product to go for!”

3. “Listen up folks! As someone who loves painting but hates dealing with protective coatings, I have finally found my savior in Winsor & Newton Professional Artists’ Aerosols! This varnish is a game changer – not only does it protect my artwork from dust and moisture but also gives it a smooth matte finish without any hassle. And guess what? It’s removable with turpentine too! So go ahead and unleash your creativity without worrying about ruining your masterpiece later on. Thank you Winsor & Newton for making my life easier!”

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The Importance of Fixative Spray for Watercolor Paintings

As an artist who primarily works with watercolors, I have learned firsthand the importance of using a fixative spray on my paintings. Fixative spray is a clear, protective coating that is applied to watercolor paintings to prevent smudging, fading, and discoloration over time. Here are some reasons why I believe fixative spray is necessary for watercolor paintings.

First and foremost, watercolor paint tends to be more delicate and prone to smudging than other mediums such as acrylic or oil. This is because the paint is not fully absorbed into the paper and can easily be disturbed by even the lightest touch. By using a fixative spray, I am able to protect my paintings from accidental smudges or smears, ensuring that my artwork remains in its original state.

Additionally, watercolor paintings are susceptible to fading and discoloration over time due to exposure to light and air. Fixative spray helps to protect against these elements by creating a barrier between the painting and its surroundings. This ensures that my paintings retain their vibrant colors for years to come.

Moreover, fixative spray can also help enhance the overall appearance of a watercolor painting. It can provide a glossy finish that adds

My Buying Guide on ‘Fixative Spray For Watercolor’

I have been using watercolor as my preferred medium for painting for many years now and I have come to realize the importance of a good fixative spray. A fixative spray is a must-have for any watercolor artist as it helps to protect the delicate and translucent nature of watercolors. In this guide, I will share my personal experience and provide some necessary information that will help you in choosing the right fixative spray for your watercolor paintings.

Understanding Fixative Spray

Fixative spray is a type of varnish that is specifically designed to protect watercolor paintings. It is usually made from a blend of resins, solvents, and additives that create a protective layer over the painting. This layer helps to prevent smudging, fading, and discoloration of the watercolor pigments.

Types of Fixative Spray

There are two main types of fixative sprays – workable and final. Workable fixatives are used during the painting process to protect layers of watercolor from blending or bleeding into each other. Final fixatives, on the other hand, are used as a final protective layer once the painting is complete.

Factors to Consider

When buying a fixative spray for your watercolor paintings, there are certain factors that you need to consider:

  • Type: As mentioned earlier, there are two types of fixative sprays – workable and final. Make sure you choose the right type according to your needs.
  • Brand: There are many brands available in the market, but it is important to choose a reputable brand that has good reviews from other artists.
  • Spray Nozzle: The nozzle on the can should be fine enough to create an even mist when sprayed. This will ensure an even application without any blotches or streaks.
  • Drying Time: Some fixatives take longer to dry than others. If you want to continue working on your painting immediately after applying the fixative, make sure you choose one with a quick drying time.
  • Fragrance: Some fixatives have a strong odor which can be bothersome for some people. If you are sensitive to strong smells, look for a fixative with little or no fragrance.

How To Use

Using a fixative spray is fairly easy but it is important to follow these steps for best results:

  1. Cover your work surface with newspaper or old cloth before spraying.
  2. Hold the can about 12 inches away from your painting and spray in light even strokes.
  3. Make sure not to overspray as it may cause puddles or drips on your painting.
  4. If using multiple layers, allow each layer to dry completely before applying another one.

My Recommendation

After trying out various brands and types of fixative sprays, I highly recommend Krylon Workable Fixatif Spray. It has all the necessary qualities such as fine mist nozzle, quick drying time, minimal odor and provides excellent protection for my watercolor paintings.

In conclusion, investing in a good quality fixative spray is essential for preserving your precious watercolor paintings. Consider all the factors mentioned above before making your purchase and don’t forget to follow proper usage instructions for best results. Happy painting!

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Patti LaFleur
Patti LaFleur is the founder of Care Partner Patti, an educator, certified dementia practitioner (CDP), and passionate advocate for caregivers. Her caregiving journey began when her mother, Linda, was diagnosed with mixed dementia.

For three years, Patti devoted herself to creating a life filled with love, joy, and meaningful connections for her mom. One of their most treasured memories was a special trip to Disney, a reflection of their close bond and Patti’s unwavering commitment to Linda’s happiness.

In 2024, Patti LaFleur began a new chapter in her mission to support caregivers by launching an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. Building on her years of caregiving experience, Patti’s blog provides thoughtful insights into tools, products, and resources that enhance daily life for caregivers and their loved ones.

Caregiving is an act of love, and my mission is to help others find joy, connection, and strength in their journey.