Encaustic & Wax
Wax or encaustic painting is a unique method of painting that involves working with pigmented heated wax. It is the most sculptural method of painting and combines well with collage. An extensive range of colors are available in cakes of various sizes.
Encaustic wax is a beeswax-based painting medium that is worked with heat. Available in a range of colors and cake sizes.
Cold wax is a creamy beeswax-based medium for oil paint and powdered pigment which is used to create textured and layering effects.
Watersoluble wax crayons allow you to thin out color without solvents to create textured crayon-like marks and watercolor washes.
Useful tools for encaustic painting including pots for mixing colors, blades and wedges, and thermometers.
This section contains highly pigmented, expressive wax crayons, all with a huge potential to make textured, color-filled artworks.
Beeswax is heat sensitive and is ideal for making encaustic paints. As a binder, it has a good stabilizing effect.
Wax-based mediums ideal for oil and encaustic painting including resins, pastes and impasto mediums.
Tins of prepared grounds including gessoes and primer that can be applied to surfaces including panels and boards.
Adding encaustic medium to your encaustic colors will increase their transparency and extend the color.
A wide range of surfaces ideal for encaustic including painting panels, canvas boards and specialized surfaces designed for this medium.
We have over 600 book titles and over 200 DVDs to help inspire and motivate your artistic practice.
A selection of wax-based varnishes encaustic painting as well as solvents for cleaning up your tools.
We’ve put together a wide variety of gift ideas for artists of all levels of experience, and catering for all budgets.
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What is Encaustic Wax?
Encaustic wax is a painting medium that uses heated beeswax mixed with pigment. The term "encaustic" comes from the Greek word "enkaustikos," meaning "to burn in," which references the process of using heat to manipulate the wax.
This technique dates back to as early as the 5th century BCE and was used by Greek and Egyptian artists for creating vibrant and durable artworks, such as the Fayum mummy portraits.
Using encaustic wax involves several steps:
Preparation:
Surface: Choose a suitable surface, typically a wooden panel, as it can withstand the heat and supports the wax well.
Ground: Apply a ground layer, such as encaustic gesso, to prepare the surface for the wax.
Melting the Wax:
Heat encaustic medium (a blend of beeswax and damar resin) on a hot plate or encaustic palette.
Maintain a consistent temperature to ensure the wax stays melted and workable.
Applying the Wax:
Use brushes or metal tools to apply the melted wax to the surface.
Work quickly, as the wax cools and hardens rapidly.
Fusing the Layers:
After applying a layer, fuse it with a heat source such as a heat gun, blow torch, or encaustic iron to ensure it adheres properly.
Continue building up layers, fusing each one as you go.
Manipulating the Wax:
Carve, scrape, or sculpt the wax to create texture and depth.
Embed objects or materials into the wax for added texture or effect.
Finishing:
Once complete, let the painting cool and harden completely.
Polish the surface with a soft cloth to bring out the wax's natural sheen.
Coloring encaustic wax can be achieved in several ways:
Pigmented Encaustic Medium:
Use ready-made pigmented encaustic medium, which is available in a wide range of colors. These are pre-mixed wax blocks with pigment already incorporated.
Adding Pigments:
Mix pigments or oil paints directly into the molten encaustic medium. Ensure the pigments are finely ground to prevent graininess.
Use a small amount of pigment to achieve the desired color intensity, adding more as needed.
Colored Wax Crayons:
Melt colored wax crayons into the encaustic medium. This method can be useful for adding fine details or subtle color variations.
Layering Techniques:
Apply different colored layers of encaustic wax, fusing each layer with the previous one. Scrape back layers to reveal underlying colors.
Dry Pigments:
Sprinkle dry pigments onto a hot layer of wax and fuse them with heat. This can produce unique textures and effects.
When working with colored encaustic wax, always ensure proper ventilation and handle pigments safely, as some can be toxic.
Cold wax and encaustic medium, while both wax-based, have different properties and are typically used in distinct methods of painting. However, artists sometimes explore combining them to achieve unique textures and effects. Here are some key points to consider when using these mediums together:
Properties and Methods
Cold Wax Medium:
- Typically mixed with oil paints.
- Dries by solvent evaporation and oxidation.
- Creates a matte finish and can be used for impasto effects.
Encaustic Medium:
- Made from beeswax and damar resin.
- Requires heating to apply and fuse layers.
- Creates a glossy, translucent finish when polished.
Combining Techniques
Layering:
- You can layer cold wax over encaustic once it has cooled and hardened.
- Applying encaustic over cold wax is more challenging because encaustic requires heat, which can melt the cold wax layers underneath.
Texture and Surface:
- Cold wax can add interesting textures to an encaustic base.
- Encaustic can be used to seal and create a glossy finish over a cold wax surface.
Compatibility:
- Ensure the cold wax and encaustic are dry and set before combining.
- Experiment on small samples first to understand how the materials interact.
- Do not heat up cold wax medium, as it contains a solvent and may release harmful fumes.
Tips for Best Results
Preparation: Ensure surfaces are clean and stable before application.
Testing: Conduct tests to see how your specific materials interact, as different brands and formulations may vary.
Safety: Use proper ventilation, especially when heating encaustic medium, and handle solvents in cold wax with care.
By understanding the properties and methods of each medium, artists can effectively explore the creative possibilities of combining cold wax and encaustic mediums.