Pastels are a type of art medium in which a variety of bright, vibrant colors can be used to create stunning artwork. But can the sun damage this type of artwork? The answer is yes, since pastels are made with a combination of pigment and binder that can be affected by prolonged exposure to sunlight. This article will explore the effects of sun exposure on pastels, what preventative measures should be taken, and how best to restore pastels that have been damaged by the sun. We will also look at why pastels are so vulnerable to sun damage and the best way to protect them from further damage.
Because pastels are particularly vulnerable to sunlight, colors such as rose, crimson, and brown have a high sensitivity, which causes them to fade if not properly displayed. If these steps are not taken, the risk of fading increases. It is critical to take steps to avoid fading.
Are Pastels Light Sensitive?
A pastel is much more fragile and sensitive to light than an oil. When applied with a brush, a crumbly medium does not adhere to its support as firmly as viscous oil paint, which is usually applied dry with a stick or wet with a stick. Color is usually colored by dust on a page with pastels.
Unlock The Art Of Pastels: Painting From Light To Dark
An artist’s pastel technique has a distinct style that allows him or her to apply pigment directly to the surface. Soft and oil pastels are two of the most common types of pigment sticks. Oil pastels are made by combining pigment and binder in a soft, crumbly mixture. Soft pastels are more delicate than oil pastels. With their loose fabric binding, these pigment are ideal for blending and marking. A pigment-based oil pastel, on the other hand, is made of pigment and a wax-like binder, making it less prone to smudging and easier to layer. Although the two types of pastels are roughly the same, there are a few important rules to remember when painting them. Before you begin using pastels, make certain they are painted from the lightest to darkest shade. This rule is critical to the success of pastel paintings. Furthermore, keep the pastels clean to avoid muddy, less vibrant painting because dirt and dust can ruin pastels. The right technique can make any painting look beautiful and vibrant, regardless of whether it is a soft or an oil pastel.
Do Pastels Fade Over Time?
The lack of liquid binder found in oil paint causes pastels to darken, fade, yellow, crack, or blister over time, whereas oil paint does not. Pastels from the 16th century are still in existence today, as fresh as the day they were created, though in many cases, they have deteriorated rather than become brittle.
Although pastels have proven to be popular, these soft, muted shades will not last indefinitely. The most natural colors tend to last longer, whereas pastel colors, particularly those in lighter shades, fade quickly. Light pink strands will become more peach-colored over time, and light blue tresses will turn green in less than three weeks. In general, if you want to wear a pastel look, go for a deeper shade, which will last longer. Even these have a shorter lifespan than natural colors, so be prepared to spend a little more time maintaining the color after it has dried. What is the key takeaway? If the color is ‘baby’, it will go out faster.
Preserving Pastels For Lifetimes: The Benefits Of Fixatives
Because pastels are one of the most durable art mediums available, they can be kept for a long time if properly cared for. Because the colors are mixed directly on the paper, artist grade pastels have the same pigment properties as paintings, and they can be used indefinitely. When pastel paper begins to fade, hairspray can be used as a temporary fix to bind the paper together and prevent it from becoming dull over time. While more than one spray may be required to achieve the desired result, the cost is worth it because you can rest assured that your artwork will remain fresh after the final application. When you paint pastel art, you can be confident that it will never crack, yellow, or darken, so it will look as good as it did when you first painted it.
Do Pastels Darken Over Time?
The color of pastel never changes as long as it remains white, yellow, or dark. If the particles are properly framed and hung, they will stay in place for centuries. Work with pastel covers the entire surface area of the work.
Darkening Pastels: Tips To Achieve A Perfectly Vibrant Painting
To achieve darker pastels, first apply a thin coat of a rich dark pastel with a working fixative. By doing so, you will allow the pastel to darken its appearance by one to two degrees Fahrenheit while also creating a hard surface that will allow future pastel applications to stand out. Keep in mind that you should always paint pastel paintings over darker areas to avoid muddy finishes. Furthermore, the pastel should be kept clean at all times to ensure that the best results are obtained.
I’m Dr Justin Boey, an Aesthetic Doctor in Singapore. I believe in open sharing of knowledge and skills to patients, blog readers and fellow doctors alike.
