FAQ's

will my painting melt in my house?

Concern is often raised about the fragility of an encaustic painting as it is created with melted beeswax and resin. Encaustic paintings are actually very stable and long lasting. It will remain stable and solid when displayed in normal conditions. Extreme heat, like the trunk of a car, should be avoided as it will make the wax soft. Likewise, freezing temperatures should be avoided as it could cause the painting to crack.

Encaustic paintings, like any fine art, are best displayed out of direct sunlight and in a room that is between 50 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The melting point of encaustic is approximately 168 degrees Fahrenheit. If your house is this hot, you’ve got a bigger problem than a melting painting!

caring for your encaustic art

Treat an encaustic painting as you would any fine art. Use care hanging, transporting or storing a painting.
Consistent Temperature - Hang and store at normal room temperatures. Avoid freezing and extremely hot temperatures.
Ornaments should be hung on a tree with LED lights only to avoid exposure to extreme temperatures. Avoid storage in attics where the ornament is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Avoid Direct Sunlight - Keep all artwork out of direct sunlight.
Transporting a painting - 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 repel dust.