Encaustic Paints

R & F Encaustics, tools, and mediums

Encaustic has the advantage of not yellowing, of weathering well, being unaffected by moisture, and being able to withstand higher heat than oil paintings. Encaustic is good for creating texture and can be painted on any number of rigid surfaces. To the beeswax you can add Linseed oil, Larch Turpentine, Dammar resin, etc.

Encaustic (Hot Wax) painting dates back to ancient Greece. Beeswax is the oldest known pigment binder. Encaustic literally means "Burning In". The process itself is very simple. Pigment is added to molten bees wax and (often) resin, which is applied to a surface. The surface itself may be warm allowing for manipulation of the encaustic paint. It may also be cool causing the brush stroke to "freeze" immediately. The final treatment is the "burning in" which consists of passing a heat source over the surface, causing a fusing and bonding of the painting. The surface may then be polished with a soft cloth for a nice sheen.