Fixatives for Preservation and Conservation of Paper Models
Fixatives can help in paper model preservation
Fixatives were used in the past to bind art media, e.g. pastel to paper, together to prevent smearing. As new binder materials developed, the idea of preventing water soluble color migration in water colors on paper became more common. Water-soluble inkjet inks can migrate in high humidity. Keep the model dry; some modelers use a desiccant as insurance in humid climates.
Lacquers, polyurethanes and acrylics will all work but over time some of these binders will yellow in light. Acrylic products that do not yellow typically make that claim on the product container or technical literature. If preventing color change is important, be sure to check for non-yellowing performance.
If the paper is not acid-free, un-neutralized residual acids from manufacturing the paper will attack the paper, e.g. old newspaper clippings, and break it down. There are acid neutralizers, such as Krylon Make It Acid-Free!, that can be applied to paper. Usually acid-free papers will make an acid-free or archival claim on the package.
Lately, ultra-violet protective fixatives have been introduced. University of Texas posted a 2008 review of three products, "The Characterization of Three UV-Inhibiting Fixatives Used for Works of Art on Paper." (
https://pacer.ischool.utexas.edu/bitstream/2081/9114/2/Buschey_Jue.pdf ) and found them wanting. One product containing zinc oxide might even react with near-UV light and water to speed up paper deterioration. At least one product has an independent lab declaration that the product does help protect against fading for light exposures under 450 foot candles intensity. Ordinary glass filters out about 70% of UV. Some acrylic plastics do even better. There are glass coatings that increase transparent case filtering effectiveness to 99% to 99.5%.
I find little fading by keeping models in an air conditioned room out of bright light. But if you want insurance, then fixative is an inexpensive measure, @ $4 to $20 for an aerosol spray. Glass or plastic cases provide improved protection.