Care of Encaustic Art

Care instructions

Encaustic is very durable. Beeswax provides a wonderful barrier to moisture, therefore it will not deteriorate, it will not yellow and it will not darken overtime. Encaustic painting do not have to be varnished or protected by glass.

If the painting looks dull or gets dusty it can be wiped clean with a lint free cloth. (avoid areas with a lot of texture or metallic leaf). Over time as the piece cures there might be the appearance of a slight haze. This will stop after the piece is fully cured. You can buff this away with a lint free cloth as well.

Encaustic paintings do not do well in extreme hot or cold temperatures (over 140F and under 40F). Never leave a painting in a car. Keep out of direct sunlight and at normal room temperatures.

Other good questions:

How fragile is encaustic paintings?

The most common concern regarding wax art is whether it will melt. The melting point of wax is between 160-180 degrees Fahrenheit, so in most cases, short of sitting in your car in the summer, the paintings won't be in danger of melting. However as with any fine art, please do not hang the painting anywhere that receives direct sunlight and please keep your paintings away from extreme heat and cold.

Avoid contact with sharp objects including fingernails as the surface of the painting is susceptible to scratching. 

When transporting your encaustic painting, the piece must be safely wrapped. Wrap the work well in parchment paper and bubble wrap and box it. 

Avoid extreme cold as the wax may crack or separate from the braced panel.

Is encaustic painting a new art?

Encaustic is a Greek word meaning “to heat or burn in” (enkaustikos). It is the oldest art form still in existance. Heat is used throughout the process, from melting the beeswax medium to fusing the layers of wax. Encaustic consists of natural bees wax and dammar resin (crystallized tree sap). The medium can be used alone for its transparency or used pigmented. I often use oil paints, charcoal, pan pastel, oil sticks, alcohol  inks, graphite and shellac for different effects.