How can I protect my pencil & charcoal drawings once complete?

Question

I have now built up a small portfolio of pencil/charcoal drawings. Most of the time they are kept in my folders, but sometimes they are viewed by friends and relatives. And on the odd occasion displayed at the local community hall.I've started to notice finger marks and tiny smudges on the artwork. As none of pieces are permanently displayed I don't want to frame them.What is the best way of preserving and protecting my pencil/charcoal art without having to put them behind glass?One of my friends said that you could use hairspray? Is that the right way to go?

Answer 1

Art Supply stores (even Micheal's and Hobby Lobby) should carry a sealing spray for charcoal and pencil drawings! I would highly recommend them, just make sure to follow the instructions on the can!

To protect drawings from getting ripped/bent, as well as water proofing them more than the sealing spray, at college, we would mount paper to foam board and shrink wrap them to it! I don't know if it was a special type of shrink wrap for art, but we did use a heat gun. Even without the shrink wrap, just double sided tape to a nice foam board will help keep them from being ripped/bent.

Congratulations on your work, it is always exciting to have them displayed!