Temperature

Hang and store at normal room temperatures. Avoid extremely hot temperatures; the wax may soften at 120°F and will melt at 158°-166°F. Also avoid extreme cold conditions, as this could cause the medium to crack.

UV Exposure

Keep artwork out of prolonged direct sunlight; exposure to direct sunlight for a period of time can soften the paintings surface and potentially lead to damage.

Surface Care

Beeswax Encaustic is extremely archival, but take care not to scratch the surface and be sure to be careful not to damage the edges or corners. Encaustic does not need to be protected by glass. If you would like to frame your piece of art, a floater frame is an attractive option.

Transportation

When packing encaustic art for transport, cover the face of the painting with household wax paper. Do not use bubble wrap directly on the front of the painting as it may leave an imprint on the surface. Once the face is protected, wrap entire painting in bubble wrap to protect surface and edges. Ensure the flat side down of bubble wrap is against the painting with bubbles on the exterior.

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 softly buffing the surface of the painting with a very soft lint free cloth. This will add a gloss finish to the painting as well.

Cleaning

Once an encaustic painting has fully cured and hardened, it will shed dust and dirt more readily. Encaustic paintings can easily be cleaned by gently wiping the surface with a soft, lint-free cloth. This will also bring the shine back to your painting- much like a car when waxed.