caring for
encaustic paintings
With proper care, your encaustic painting will last for generations. Never cover it with glass. Your painting may develop a “bloom” (a naturally-occurring hazy white look) during the first 6 to 12 months as the beeswax cures. Even fully-cured paintings will gradually become dull from exposure. Buffing the surface with a dry, soft cloth such as fleece, microfiber, or an eyeglasses cloth will remove the haze and reveal the translucent layers of wax. Never use dusting spray or any cleaner.
While encaustic paintings are surprisingly durable, the surface can get scratched, dented, or chipped. The edges are especially vulnerable, and cold temperatures can make the wax very brittle and prone to chipping.
The beeswax, pigments, and damar resin and other materials in my paintings are archival and will not fade, separate, or discolor if properly handled. Do not expose encaustic paintings to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. Between 60-120F is best.
If you need to wrap or store your painting, a sheet of ordinary waxed paper such as Cut-Rite against the waxed surface will protect it from wrapping materials. Protect your painting during moving and storage with an outer layer of bubble wrap.
If your painting ever becomes chipped or scratched, I can usually repair it. Maybe not to its absolute original appearance, but to an acceptable one.
Please contact me with any queries
caring for
encaustic monotypes
Monotypes are sold framed under glass to protect the delicate rice-paper surface, or matted and ready to frame. The mats are in standard frame sizes so you can purchase either a custom or ready-made frame. Always use glass to protect your monotype. The purpose of the mat is to keep the surface of the wax away from the glass.
The beeswax, pigment, and paper used in my monotypes are archival and will not fade or discolor. However, do not expose it to direct sunlight, moisture, or extreme temperatures. Avoid using glass cleaner which can leak under the glass.
Please contact me with any queries
Caring for
cold wax and oil paintings
When fully dried, the surface of cold-wax and oil paintings has a matte finish. This is a characteristic of the materials and it should not be buffed or polished. If works are framed, the original surface can be left exposed. If the surface becomes dusty, use a soft lint-free cloth such as microfiber to lightly brush dust away. Never use dusting spray or cleaner. When framing works that cover edge-to-edge on boards and panels a frame spacer should be used to provide air space between the art surface and the glass. These are available at frame stores or online.
Works on oil paper are sold matted and framed under glass to protect the paper. Avoid using glass cleaner which can leak under the glass.
The beeswax, pigment, and other materials in my paintings are archival and will not fade or discolor if properly handled. However, do not expose it to direct sunlight, moisture, or extreme temperatures.
If you need to wrap or store your exposed painting, a sheet of ordinary waxed paper such as Cut-Rite against the surface will protect it from padding wrapping materials.
Please contact me with any queries