What is encaustic?

Encaustic painting is an ancient painting technique which combines beeswax, damar resin from south east Asian trees and natural pigments to give it color. Encaustic is a hot wax method where the medium (beeswax and resin) is heated to 170 -180 degrees Fahrenheit, and then color is added to make a hot paint. In paintings, artists typically paint on wood or other porous substrate. Encaustic medium is composed of two components - natural beeswax and damar resin, a crystallized tree sap. Artists can choose to mix their own medium or to purchase pre-made medium. Artists also have the option to either add pigments directly to the melted encaustic medium themselves or purchase pre-colored encaustic paints that already contain traditional artist pigments such as R&F encaustic paint.

the history of encaustic art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Ancient Funerary Portraits

Encaustic art, a painting technique dating back to ancient times, is known for its lustrous color and enduring quality. The word "encaustic" comes from the Greek word "enkaustikos," which means to burn in, referring to the process of fusing the paint.

origins and ancient techniques

Encaustic painting originated over 2000 years ago in ancient Greece. Pausias, a Greek painter of the first half of the 4th century, is credited with inventing the encaustic painting method [source]. The ancient Greeks used encaustic wax and resin to waterproof and decorate their warships and later for painting portraits and scenes. “Homer, writing in 800 B.C., makes note of painted warships sailing into Troy” (The Art of Encaustic Painting. Joanne Mattera pg. 15).Beeswax is impervious to moisture. Therefore, wax is a durable material excellent for sealing and preserving. In his book Naturalis Historia, Roman Historian Pliny the Elder wrote of encaustic painting in the 1st century A.D.. “Painting of this nature, applied to vessels, will never spoil from the action of the sun, winds, or salt water”. The most famous examples from this era are the Fayum mummy portraits from Egypt, which showcase the use of encaustic for funerary art in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. These portraits illustrate the incredible durability of encaustic art; 900 of these paintings still retain their vivid color today. You can view these spectacular paintings at major archaeological museums around the world, including the British Museum, the National Museum of Scotland, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and the Louvre in Paris. They are also displayed at museums like the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, Egyptian Museum in Cairo, and Allard Pierson Museum in Amsterdam.

The process

The process of encaustic painting involves using heated beeswax and resin (medium) to which colored pigments are added. This liquid/paste is then applied to a surface—usually wood. Metal tools, spatulas, scrapers and special brushes are used to shape the wax before it cools. The most crucial step in encaustic painting is the reheating of the wax to fuse the applied layers. This fusion creates a bond between the layers and gives the painting its characteristic depth and richness.

Damar Resin in Encaustic Painting

Damar resin plays a crucial role in encaustic painting, working in tandem with beeswax and pigments to infuse vibrant color into the artwork. Derived from the sap of Dipterocarpus trees, damar resin is a natural substance that adds a glossy finish while elevating the melting point of the wax. The resin is melted alongside beeswax at approximately 170 degrees Fahrenheit, forming a luscious, molten mixture known as hot paint. This mixture is then skillfully applied to a porous surface, usually wood resulting in the captivating textures and depth characteristic of encaustic paintings.

While a suggested ratio of 1 part resin to 8 parts wax is commonly employed, artists have the flexibility to tailor this ratio to their preferences, adjusting the hardness of the wax once it dries and providing the ability to achieve various results. This adaptability empowers artists to create works that align with their artistic vision, allowing for a personalized touch in the encaustic process. For those seeking convenience and ease, pre-mixed encaustic wax is readily available.

In summary, damar resin, extracted from the sap of Dipterocarpus trees, serves as an essential component in encaustic painting, harmonizing with beeswax and pigments to infuse color and texture into artworks. Its glossy finish and ability to raise the melting point of wax elevate the art form, enabling artists to create captivating encaustic pieces.

Decline and Resurgence

After the fall of the Roman Empire, encaustic fell into obscurity, largely because of the technique's labor-intensive process and the rise of tempera and oil painting. However, there was a significant resurgence of interest in encaustic art in the 20th century. This revival can be credited to the improved accessibility of materials and modern tools like electric heating devices, which make the process less cumbersome.

Modern Encaustic Art

Contemporary artists have embraced encaustic for its versatility and unique texture. Modern adaptations of the technique often incorporate collage elements, layering, and sculptural techniques. The medium allows for high degrees of manipulation, offering artists a broad range of surface treatments. The art form's ability to encapsulate materials, create translucency, and its capacity for both opaqueness and richness of color continues to attract artists.

Encaustic art, bridging a connection from the ancient world to the modern, stands out due to its tactile nature, depth of color, and durability. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of this ancient medium that contemporary artists still explore and expand its boundaries, ensuring that this ancient technique continues to evolve and inspire.

What is cold wax?

A Brief History

The use of wax in painting has ancient roots, dating back to encaustic painting techniques practiced by the Greeks and Egyptians more than 2,000 years ago. Encaustic involves applying heated beeswax mixed with pigments, but it requires heat and specific tools.

The cold wax medium emerged more recently in the 20th century as a modern evolution of this tradition—offering a similar luminous, layered effect without the need for heat. Contemporary artists began blending cold wax with oil paint to create a matte, velvety surface rich in texture and depth. It has since become a favored medium for artists exploring abstraction, landscapes, and intuitive process-driven work.

Cold wax ingredients

Cold wax medium is typically composed of the following ingredients

Beeswax - The primary binder and body; provides structure and translucency
Resin (e.g., Damar resin) - Adds durability and a slight sheen. The combination of Beeswax and Resin is known as encaustic medium and is used in the encaustic art process.
Solvent (usually odorless mineral spirits or turpentine) - Softens the wax to a spreadable consistency
Optional additives (e.g., linseed oil, microcrystalline wax - Modifies texture, working time, or finish

The result is a buttery, paste-like medium that can be mixed with oil paint to create a thick, buildable texture with a soft matte surface. Unlike encaustic, it requires no heating tools—making it studio- and health-friendly for many artists.

the painting process

Artists working with oil and cold wax typically follow a layered, intuitive process:

Surface Preparation

Cold wax adheres best to rigid surfaces such as wood panels or cradled boards, which prevent

cracking due to the medium’s thickness.

Mixing

The cold wax medium is mixed directly with oil paint, usually in a ratio of 50–50% wax to paint.
Artists may also add pigment sticks, powdered pigments, or dry media.

Application

Tools like brayers, palette knives, squeegees, and even scrapers are commonly used instead of

traditional brushes.

This allows for expressive mark-making, layering, and textural experimentation.

Layering and Texture

Artists often build up multiple layers, allowing partial drying between applications. Wax can be

scraped back, scored, or incised to reveal earlier layers—creating depth and complexity.

Drying and Curing

Though oil and wax work dries faster than oil paint alone, it still cures slowly over time.
The surface remains workable for several days, offering flexibility for adjustments.

the appeal of cold wax painting

Oil and cold wax painting offers:

Rich textures and tactile surfaces
Luminous layering with visual depth
Versatility in abstract, landscape, and experimental work
A matte finish that differs from the glossiness of traditional oil paint
A safer alternative to encaustic for artists without specialized ventilation or tools