Encaustic Painting Care

 These paintings are created using a wooden base, covered with gesso for encaustic, and painted with encaustic medium and color by fusing layers through heat and/or flame.

• The wax takes between 6 months and a year to cure. 

• Bloom. During the curing time, the painting may develop "bloom," a naturally occuring haze. This may also happen when the painting is exposed to cold temperature. If bloom occurs, you can remove it by buffing the surface of the painting.

• To buff the surface to a high gloss, use a lint-free clean cloth (linen works very well) and rub gently in circular motion until you get a nice level of sheen. Avoid paper towels or other rough paper thay may scratch the surface. 

• Treat your painting with care when transporting, storing or hanging. 

• If the painting is dropped it may shatter or crack. 

• Avoid extreme temperatures. Wax will melt at 150°F / 65°C

• Avoid direct sunlight

• When you need to store or transport the painting, cover the face of the painting with wax paper. Consider making a box where the painting will be protected.