Encaustic paintings have been found that were created thousands of years ago in the ancient Aegean civilizations and in ancient Egypt. These paintings are as vibrant today as they were the day they were created.
Encaustics are durable when a two things are considered: temperature and scratch resistance.
Temperature: Since the wax medium begins to melt at 150 degrees F, Keep your paintings at temperatures below 150 and also above 20 degrees F when the wax may start to crack. That means you should never leave the painting in your car on a sunny day or stored in an unheated garage. (If your house is above 150 you have bigger problems.)
Scratching: Like any original painting care should be taken to prevent scratching or cracking in the surface.
Curing: Like oil paintings and other mediums, the paint cures over time. If the surface appears dull simply buff with a soft cloth (like an old cotton T-shirt or a fine microfiber cloth). Buffing to a polished sheen enhances the colors.
Encaustics are durable when a two things are considered: temperature and scratch resistance.
Temperature: Since the wax medium begins to melt at 150 degrees F, Keep your paintings at temperatures below 150 and also above 20 degrees F when the wax may start to crack. That means you should never leave the painting in your car on a sunny day or stored in an unheated garage. (If your house is above 150 you have bigger problems.)
Scratching: Like any original painting care should be taken to prevent scratching or cracking in the surface.
Curing: Like oil paintings and other mediums, the paint cures over time. If the surface appears dull simply buff with a soft cloth (like an old cotton T-shirt or a fine microfiber cloth). Buffing to a polished sheen enhances the colors.
