Encaustic Studio

Care of your Encaustic Painting

People often ask "Will it melt?". The melting point of wax is between 160-180 degrees Fahrenheit, so if your paintings are melting your house is likely on fire. However as with any fine art, you should keep your paintings away from extreme heat and cold so do not hang anywhere that receives direct sunlight.

Be aware that for some time the surface of the painting will develop a natural whitish dust known as "Bloom".  Wipe with a soft, lint-free damp rag to dust and polish with any soft, dry, lint-free cloth to bring out the luminosity of the painting. 

Avoid contact with sharp objects including fingernails as the surface of the painting is susceptible to scratching. Scratches cannot totally be removed without the artist’s intervention and minor scratches are best left alone.

When transporting your encaustic painting, the piece must be wrapped well. For a major move, wrap the work well in wax paper and bubble paper and box it. Do not leave it in your car for extended periods as heat buildup on a hot day could begin to melt the painting. Extreme cold can be almost as bad, as wax may separate from the braced panel.

Amie often frames her encaustic pieces so as to protect the edges and give a modern sophisticated look to the artworks. The most common framing style is shown below - black coated timber level with the surface of the painting so that the painting remains open to the viewer. 

Please do contact Amie if you require any repairs to your encaustic painting surface such as a scratch or chip in the wax. She will be happy to help.