|
|
|
Care of Your Encaustic Painting
Encaustic is a
beeswax based paint that consists of beeswax, resin, and pigment. It is
kept molten on a heated palette, applied to a surface and reheated to
fuse the paint into a uniform enamel-like finish.
Here are some
things to know about encaustic paintings:
- Encaustic
paintings do not have to be varnished or protected by glass.
- DO NOT
hang your encaustic painting:
¨
Above or near a
fireplace or other heating source.
¨
In the sun.
-
Always protect the surface and
edges of the
encaustic painting when moving it. Although the surface is
completely dry, encaustic paintings can be scratched, gouged,
or chipped if handled roughly.
-
Encaustic paintings are extremely
durable due to the fact that beeswax is impervious to moisture.
Because of this it will not deteriorate, it will not yellow, and it
will not darken. Examples of encaustic paintings have survived from
the Greek and Roman empires and are still as vibrant and colorful
today as they were when they were painted.
-
Encaustic paintings can be buffed
to a high gloss using a soft, lint free cloth. This sheen dulls
over time and can be brought back by repeating the process.
NOTE: I buff some of my encaustic paintings—not all—and I do
so in a very selective way. Please check with me about what to
buff, if anything. There is a possibility that you could damage the
painting by buffing some sections too vigorously.
|
