How to Care for your Encaustic Artwork
Encaustic paintings are made with beeswax, damar resin (a natural tree sap that acts as a hardening agent), and colored pigments. Encaustic paintings are made up of many layers of wax, and each layer is fused with heat to bond with the layer underneath. Treat an encaustic painting as you would any piece of fine art. Use care hanging, transporting, and storing a painting.
- Hang and store at normal room temperatures. Avoid freezing and extremely hot temperatures. Wax will melt at 150°F/65°C.
- Keep all artwork out of direct sunlight.
- When packing encaustic art for transportation, cover the face of the painting with wax paper. Do not use bubble wrap directly on the front of the painting as it may leave an imprint on the surface.
- Encaustic does not need to be protected by glass. A floater frame is an attractive option that also protects the edges of the painting from scratches, dents, and chips.
- During the first 6-12 months, as the wax cures, an encaustic painting may develop bloom. Bloom is a naturally occurring hazy white residue. It may also occur if a painting is exposed to cold. Bloom can easily be removed by buffing the surface of the painting.
- Encaustic paintings can be buffed to a high gloss using a soft, lint-free cloth. If the original sheen has become dull over time, it can be brought back to life with buffing.