Frequently asked questions
+ About encaustic?
My encaustic paintings are made with beeswax and damar resin (a natural tree sap that acts as a hardening agent). I paint in layers, fusing each layer with heat. Encaustic painting has a long history, dating back to the 5th Century B.C. The word encaustic means to burn in, which refers to the process of fusing the paint. Beeswax is impervious to moisture, it will not deteriorate, and it will not yellow or darken. Encaustic paintings do not have to be varnished or protected by glass. Encaustic is extremely archival, but take care not to scratch any painting. Some encaustic paintings are thousands of years old.
+ How to care for your encaustic artwork?
Treat an encaustic painting as you would any fine art. Use care hanging, transporting or storing a painting.
Consistent Temperature - Hang and store at normal room temperatures. Avoid freezing and extremely hot temperatures; wax will melt at 150°F / 65°C. An encaustic painting is stable in a temperature range of approximately 40-120°F. Wax is more fragile in the cold and becomes extremely brittle in freezing temperatures. If you would drop the painting in cold temperatures it can shatter. The paintings will begin to shift at 120°F. Very hot days can soften the wax somewhat, but will cause no real damage.
Avoid Direct Sunlight - Keep all artwork out of direct sunlight. You should never put any fine art in direct sun, but with encaustic there could be more immediate consequences. If you are nervous about the placement of the painting just feel the surface. If it is warm the painting needs to be moved. It should always feel cool to the touch.
Transporting a painting - When packing encaustic art for transportation, cover the face of the painting with wax paper. Do not use bubble wrap directly on the front of the painting as it may leave an imprint on the surface. For shipping, build a box the right size for the painting. If you must transport the painting in hot or cold weather simply first cover the entire wax surface with wax paper, then cardboard, and some form of insulation. When that painting is at room temperature remove the wax paper and unwrap the painting. When in hot weather the wax paper will stick to the painting but will cause no damage as long as it is removed at room temperature.
Framing - Encaustic does not need to be protected by glass. A floater frame is an attractive option, but not neccessary. No glass is needed on the painting, if used you will not be able to see how light reacts on the surface of the painting and the beauty of the luminous layered wax that is unique to encaustic paintings.
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 buffing the surface of the painting. Encaustic paintings can be buffed to a high gloss using a soft, lint-free cloth or pantyhose. If the original sheen has become dull over time, it can be brought back by repeating the buffing process. Once an encaustic painting has fully cured and hardened, all bloom will have been shed and the art becomes permanently cured.
+ Do you ever do Commissions or Custom Pieces?
Yes. I often enjoy working directly with clients. Please Contact me at stacy@studiostacy.com so we can discuss further how to bring your piece to life.
+ What material is used in Mixed Media?
I use a variety of art supplies in mixed media. Some examples include: inks, pastels, charcoal, found objects, book paper, fabric and thread.
+ How to Care for your Acrylic Artwork?
I spray all Acrylic and Mixed Media Paintings with a permanent, archival protective coating. You do not need to frame or put these pieces under glass. A floater frame is an attractive option, but not neccessary. Keep all artwork out of direct sunlight.