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[Julie Deane]

Hi Pat -

I'm sorry - I've been out of town, or I would've responded sooner.

What I use is a product I got at a Hobby Lobby store: called "Krylon Matte Finish" - it says "eliminates glossy sheen, creates a soft, satin finish".

No product is perfect,, and this one wasn't either. I overdid it once, resulting in the same problem of value reduction that you mentioned. Plus, as it gets down to the end of its "life", it gets more drops and less mist. So if you decide to try it, use with caution.

Steven's suggestions for spraying sound very helpful.

Even with the spraying problem, I bet your family loved this picture!

[Patricia Joyce]

Julie,
I should have gone back and found your post but I was lazy and found mysel fin the art supply store looking at them all w/o recall to what you suggested.

Thank you, and yes, my family does like the portrait. Of course I have said nothing to them about the value change!

[Steven Sweeney]

Some interesting and worthwhile follow-up reading on the subject:

http://aldridgestudios.com/610-Fixative.html
http://www.capecodpastelsociety.com/conservation.html
http://www.equiis.com/table.html