Cold-Wax
Encaustic is a painting process which uses heat to melt wax. The word encaustic is often used for cold wax painting but this is not quite correct. Cold Wax consists of a mixture of damar resin, wax, turpentine and oil colors which are not heated. This mixture has a similar consistency to butter and can be transferred directly to the painting surface.
Various tools can be used for this process, such as spatulas, brushes or silicone brushes. It is also possible to work with several layers which can either be scratched away to let the layer below appear or which can cover another layer.
MATERIALS: Encaustic wax on a wooden painting board.
Paintings made with encaustic wax are very long-lasting. Beeswax and resin are impermeable , which makes them extremely durable. Normally do not lose color or yellow, because the pigments are protected by the wax. If you want to frame your picture, use a frame that protects the edges like the drawer type because the edges are very fragile.
Never use a frame with glass, it is not necessary and even the picture loses its beauty.
Don’t expose the frame to extreme temperatures; don’t leave it in a hot car, outdoors in direct sunlight, or in extremely cold conditions. They are more suitable for stable temperatures between 5 to 40 degrees.
Encaustic paints may “bloom” in the first year during the hardening of the wax, your picture may look cloudy. It is completely normal and can be easily removed by carefully wiping the surface with a soft cloth. I normally use an old silk stocking.
NOTE: Colors may vary slightly depending on the screen.
