Encaustic Painting Care
The word encaustic means to burn in, which refers to the process of fusing the paint. Encaustic paintings are very durable. The beeswax and resin are impervious to moisture, making them extremely archival; they will not yellow or darken. Encaustic paintings do not have to be varnished or protected by glass.
Key Care Points
Treat an encaustic painting as you would any fine art. Use care hanging, transporting or storing a painting.
Temperature
Hang and store at normal room temperatures. Avoid freezing and extremely hot temperatures; wax will melt at 150°F / 65°C.
Sunlight
Keep all artwork out of direct sunlight.
Transporting
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. For shipping, build a box the right size for the painting.
Framing
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. Works on paper may be framed under glass; ensure the glass is not in contact with the artwork.
Curing
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 or pantyhose. If the original sheen has become dull over time, it can be brought back by repeating the buffing process. Once an encaustic painting has fully cured and hardened, it will shed.
In the First Year
CARE FROM WEEK 0 TO WEEK 6 The best thing to do is nothing at all, not clean it or, of course, not rub it to give shine. In summer, with temperatures over 30 degrees, it is best to keep the protected picture under cellophane paper to prevent dust from entering, but not prevent it from coming in contact with the air. CARE FROM WEEK 6 TO WEEK 12 From the sixth week the surface of the wax will have already hardened enough and can be left directly in the air without protection. The inner layers will still be tender and the surface will be very sensitive to scratching but will not pick up dust. Avoid polishing during this period as polishing produces heat and can soften the surface. CARE FROM WEEK 12 TO WEEK 24 If the thickness of the wax surface does not exceed 5 mm the surface will have sufficiently cured and you can carefully clean it if dust has adhered. CARE FROM WEEK 24 TO WEEK 40 As of week 24 the wax will have almost completely cured and you can clean it if necessary and even rub it to give it shine. FROM FROM WEEK 40 ONWARDS Once the wax has hardened you will be able to clean and polish it and it will be quite durable.