A fixative is a product used in arts and crafts to keep a finished product in a stable state. Fixatives can be used on a number of different types of projects, and work in various ways. This term is also used in the sciences to refer to a chemical used to preserve specimens so that they can be stored.
One common form of fixative is a spray which can be applied to charcoals, pencil drawings, and other works of art for the purpose of creating a thin protective layer on the surface. This prevents smudges, smears, and other forms of damage. It can also make the artwork more colorfast, which can be important. Not all fixatives provide UV protection, so if colorfastness is desirable, it's important to read the label carefully.
Another type of fixative is used in dying processes with textiles, yarns, and so forth. This type of fixative literally fixes the dye in the cloth, so that it will not wash out, and it also provides some colorfast protections. Applying fixative is typically one of the steps in the dying process. A similar type of fixative is used in photography, with the fixative being applied after the stop bath to preserve the photograph in its finished state.
Fixatives are also used on things like dried fruits and flowers. People can apply fixative to prevent decay, provide protection, and strengthen the flowers and fruits to make them less brittle. Once fixed, they can be used in wreaths and other projects. These types of fixatives need to be applied with care, because if the object being fixed is still damp, it may rot underneath the fixative.
Puzzle fixatives are another form of this product, often sold in craft stores. Puzzle fixatives are used by people who like to preserve puzzles once they have finished putting them together. The product may be sprayed or painted on, and it acts to glue the puzzle pieces in place and to create a protective layer which reduces the risk of damage to the puzzle.
The finished texture of fixatives varies. Some are matte, while others are glossy, creating a more varnished appearance. The fixative is usually colorless, although some can be tinted or mixed with sparkles and other decorative elements. When selecting fixatives for a project, it's important to make sure that they are recommended for use with projects of that type, because these products are so variable.
