How to Care for Photo Encaustic Art

Caring for Your Photo Encaustic piece.

A question came up recently in my alumni Facebook group about how to care for encaustic art, so I wanted to share helpful guidelines—plus a sample of the care information I give my collectors.

Proper encaustic care actually begins with you, the artist. Once a piece is finished, store it just like any other fine art. Wrap it in wax paper, glassine, or a similar nonabrasive material that protects the surface. Add a layer of bubble wrap—but never let the bubbles touch the wax, and always face them outward to avoid imprints. Store your artwork in a clean, safe, temperature-controlled environment (ideally between 40–80°F).

Because encaustic art isn’t fully mainstream, many collectors have never encountered the medium before. They often don’t know what encaustic is, how durable it can be, or how to care for it long-term. That’s why it’s essential to provide clear care instructions anytime you sell, gift, or donate a piece.

At minimum, educate your buyer on how to protect the artwork, address the common “Will it melt?” concern, and explain that encaustic can be fragile if mishandled. Clear guidelines help collectors feel confident—and protect the integrity of your work.

Here are topics you may want to include in your “Care for Encaustics” information:

• Materials used (beeswax, encaustic medium, photography, oil paint, graphite, etc.)

• A brief explanation of your process

• Copyright and reproduction rights

• Why encaustic art is not displayed behind glass

• How to protect the surface and edges when moving the piece

• Fragility concerns: scratching, gouging, chipping

• Archival qualities and longevity

• Transporting in hot or cold climates

• A short history of encaustic

• Instructions for hanging

• What to do if texture is damaged or edges chip

• How to handle wax “bloom” during the curing process

• How to clean or buff the artwork, especially if it has a high-shine finish

As the artist, you decide how much information to provide, but offering clear care instructions builds trust and ensures your encaustic art is cherished for years to come. Below is the exact “Care for Encaustics” sheet I include with all my work.

Tell me what you tell your collectors, galleries, or buyers about your work? Let me know in the comments below.

Be well….be creative,