Encaustic Art

Setup

Everything you need to get started, how to set up your space, supplies and tools, safety tips, plus how to make your own encaustic medium!

Encaustic is a truly amazing technique. So beautiful and unique! I love the delicious smell of wax, and there's something so satisfying and soothing about working with only natural materials. Below you’ll find everything you need to start creating with encaustic wax!

Set up your space for Encaustic Art

In this short video, I'm showing you how I set-up my space to work with encaustic wax, plus my favorite supplies & tools!

Supplies List for Encaustic Art

Here is a list of supplies and tools for encaustic mixed media art (watch the setup video above for more information).

Clicking on the images below will take you to the Amazon shop for your region whenever possible (affiliate links).

Your work station

containers

Metal container to hold your wax (loaf pan or disposable tin)
Small tin for your white paint (muffin tin or tin can without any plastic coating)

Painting Tools

Natural bristle flat brushes / Hake brushes (a wide one for your medium, a smaller one for your paint)
A variety of mark-making tools (needle tool, pottery tools, old cutlery...)

medium & paint

Encaustic medium (watch the video below to make your own!)
White oil paint or oil stick

substrates

Sturdy substrates of your choice with a porous surface such as wood or MDF panels, or "Encausticbord"

for your safety & comfort

Wax paper or other non-stick surface to protect your work area
Drinking water (it’s important to hyddrate!)
Apron
Optional: Disposable gloves

Homemade Encaustic Medium

Encaustic medium can be expensive so in the tutorial below, I share an easy, step-by-step technique to make your own from natural beeswax and Damar resin. If you know you’re going to make lots of encaustic art, it’s really worth it. Give it a try!

What you’ll need:

Refined beeswax (preferably clear)
Damar resin (crystals or powder)
Protective gloves

The ratio is 8 parts beeswax to 1 part Damar resin.

Safety Reminders

Encaustic is a safe and natural technique as long as you’re careful to never overheat your wax and follow some simple safety precautions.

When working with hot wax, always check that you’re following these guidelines:

Work in a well-ventilated area.
Work in a quiet, focused environment, away from children and pets.
Work in a quiet, focused environment, away from children and pets.
Tie your hair if it’s long, avoid loose clothing and jewelry.
Keep the temperature of your wax around 200° F / 85°C. Check your surface thermometer regularly.

Do not touch the hot griddle or the tip of your heating tool.
Do not let the tip of your heating tool touch your work surface: place it on a tile or other heat-resistant surface.
Do not hold your heating tool too close to the surface of the wax.
Use only natural bristle brushes, never synthetic ones, as they might melt.
Make sure you have access to running water or a bucket of water in case of burns.

Be safe and have fun!

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