How to Preserve and Frame Your Pastel Colour Portraits

Pastel colour portraits are cherished for their soft, delicate beauty and vibrant hues. Whether you own a realistic soft pastel portrait or have created your own pastel portraits from photographs, proper preservation and framing are essential to maintain their brilliance over time. Due to the fragile nature of pastels, they require special care to prevent smudging, fading, or damage. In this guide, we will explore the best techniques for preserving and framing your pastel colour portraits to ensure they remain in pristine condition for years to come.

Understanding the Fragility of Pastel Colour Portraits

Pastel portraits are created using dry pigment sticks that do not adhere to paper as firmly as other mediums like acrylics or oils. This makes them highly susceptible to smudging, dust accumulation, and environmental damage. Without proper preservation, even famous pastel portraits by renowned artists can deteriorate over time. Taking the right steps to protect your artwork will help maintain its beauty and vibrancy.

Steps to Preserve Your Pastel Colour Portraits

1. Use High-Quality Paper

Choosing the right paper is the first step in preserving your pastel portraits. High-quality pastel paper with a textured surface, such as sanded or velour paper, helps the pastel pigments adhere better and reduces the risk of smudging. Acid-free paper is recommended to prevent yellowing and degradation over time.

2. Avoid Excessive Touching

Pastel portraits are highly sensitive to touch, and even a slight brush of your hand can smudge the artwork. Always handle your pastel color portrait by its edges and avoid touching the surface directly. If necessary, use a clean, dry sheet of paper as a barrier when handling.

3. Use a Fixative Sparingly

A fixative spray can help reduce smudging, but it must be used with caution. Overuse of fixative can darken or dull the vibrant hues of your pastel portrait. If you choose to use one, opt for a high-quality artist-grade fixative and apply it in light, even layers from a distance. Make sure to test it on a small area before spraying the entire artwork.

4. Store the Artwork Properly

If you need to store your pastel portraits before framing, place them between sheets of glassine paper, which is smooth and non-abrasive. Avoid using regular tissue paper, as it can stick to the pastel surface and cause damage. Store your artwork in a flat position in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight and humidity.

How to Frame Your Pastel Colour Portraits

Proper framing not only enhances the beauty of your pastel portrait but also provides essential protection against dust, moisture, and accidental smudging. Here’s how you can frame your pastel color portraits effectively:

1. Choose the Right Frame and Matting

A sturdy frame with a deep rabbet (the inner groove of the frame) is recommended for pastel portraits, as it provides enough space between the artwork and the glass. Matting is crucial in framing a pastel portrait since it creates a protective gap and prevents the pastel particles from touching the glass. Opt for acid-free, archival-quality matting to prevent discoloration over time.

2. Use UV-Protective Glass

To protect your pastel portrait from fading, consider using UV-filtering glass or acrylic. Museum-quality glass offers the best protection against harmful UV rays while reducing glare, allowing the details of your pastel portrait to remain clear and vibrant.

3. Secure the Artwork Properly

When framing, avoid pressing the glass directly against the pastel surface, as this can cause smudging and damage. A spacer or double matting technique can be used to create an air gap between the artwork and the glass. Secure the portrait carefully using archival mounting techniques, avoiding adhesives that can damage the artwork.

4. Display in a Suitable Environment

Once framed, choose the right location for displaying your pastel colour portrait. Avoid areas with direct sunlight, high humidity, or fluctuating temperatures, such as near windows, fireplaces, or bathrooms. These conditions can cause fading, warping, or mold growth over time.

Maintaining Your Framed Pastel Portrait

Even after framing, ongoing care is essential to preserve the quality of your pastel portrait:

Dusting Carefully: Use a soft brush or a gentle air blower to remove dust from the surface of the glass. Avoid using chemical cleaners, as they can seep into the frame and damage the artwork.

Checking for Moisture: Periodically inspect the frame for any signs of moisture buildup, especially in humid environments. If needed, use silica gel packets inside the frame to absorb excess moisture.

Reframing if Necessary: Over time, matting and backing materials may deteriorate. Consider reframing your pastel portrait every few years with fresh archival materials to ensure long-term preservation.

Conclusion

Pastel colour portraits are timeless works of art that deserve proper care and protection. By following the right preservation and framing techniques, you can ensure that your pastel portraits remain vibrant and beautiful for years to come. Whether you own a realistic soft pastel portrait or are inspired by famous pastel portraits, taking these steps will safeguard your artwork from damage and deterioration.

For high-quality framing materials, pastel papers, and preservation supplies, check out Armaan National Supplies, your trusted source for all your art needs. Invest in the right materials today and give your pastel colour portraits the care they deserve!