What is Encaustic wax Painting?
Encaustic wax painting is an ancient art form using melted beeswax, a tree sap called damar resin, and pigment to make encaustic paint. Encaustic means "to burn in" and was first used by the Egyptians to create the Fayum mummy portraits.
Each layer of beeswax must be fused using heated tools such as a torch, heat gun, or an encaustic iron. Beeswax is compatible with many other art materials and media such as pastel, ink, oil paint, and collage items.
Wax can be applied in thin, translucent layers or built up to become sculptural in nature.
will an encaustic wax painting melt?
Encaustic wax paintings are safe in your home or office, even in a warm room. Wax starts to melt around 150 degrees Fahrenheit, so there is no need to worry about your painting melting on the wall. There are exceptions, however.
Encaustic wax paintings could be damaged by extreme heat or cold, and the surface of a painting could become tacky or melt if left in a car on a hot, sunny day or if exposed to other intense heat sources such as a fireplace. Encaustic wax paintings can crack in freezing temperatures, so care must be taken when transporting paintings.
Avoid hanging an encaustic wax painting in direct sunlight or in a spot where it is warm and breezy, such as in a sunny entryway by a screen door.
DOES AN ENCAUSTIC wax PAINTING NEED SPECIAL CARE?
No special care is required, but encaustic wax paintings may become slightly hazy as the wax cures and hardens. This natural “bloom” can easily be buffed away with a soft lint-free cloth such as an old cotton t-shirt or microfiber cloth. Be gentle when buffing so you do not scratch the surface of the wax. The wax bloom will lessen over time to the point where buffing will rarely be needed, if ever. It is best to buff a painting when it is cool to the touch, such as after it has been in an air conditioned room or in the early morning before the heat of a summer day.
Encaustic wax paintings should not be stored face up uncovered as dust could settle on the surface and stick to the wax. When packing or storing an encaustic painting, first wrap it with white tissue paper or baking parchment and then place a piece of cardboard or foamcore on top of the tissue or parchment to protect the wax from being damaged.
is encaustic wax painting archival?
Yes. Encaustic was first used to create the Fayum mummy portraits and have survived thousands of years in very good condition. They are wax paintings, and as such can be damaged by extreme heat or cold.
ready to set up an encaustic studio?
Good for you! Encaustic wax is a rewarding and fascinating medium to work with and can provide a lifetime of exploration through mixed media applications. There are some safety considerations to painting with encaustic wax, so regardless whether you are planning to set up a dedicated space or just work on your kitchen table, please read here first.
copyright info
Please take the time to understand copyright laws in regards to visual art. There is some basic information here to help you.
my process
I am an amateur photographer, and I often use my own original photography and/or digital drawings in my encaustic paintings.
These images are incorporated into my paintings usings a transfer technique.