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Frequently Asked Questions about Encaustic
and TwinLakes Encaustic Art Ltd.
What are the melting/flash points of the different waxes?
- Refined Beeswax: Pharmaceutical Grade Beeswax. This is the highest quality, clearest wax available due to the extensive mechanical filtering process that it undergoes.
(Melting point 143.6-149 °F / 62-65 °C). Flashpoint about 275°C / 500 °F
- Carnauba Wax: Carnauba Wax is obtained from the leaves of a palm tree known as Copernica Cerifera, which is also referred to as the "Tree of Life".
(Melting point 180.5-187 °F / 82-86 °C)
- Luster Wax: this high quality synthetic wax is a good alternative to Carnauba wax because it is whiter and clearer than Carnauba.
(Melting point 205 °F / 96 °C)
- Microcrystalline Wax: a complex petroleum-based wax, is also more flexible than paraffin
(Melting point 170-180 °F / 77-82°C)
- Paraffin: Mineral-based wax, which is refined from petroleum, brittle
(Melting point 118-165 °F / 48-74°C). Flashpoint about 250 C / 480 F
What is Damar Resin?
Damar Resin is the crystallized sticky sap that oozes from trees found in the East Indies. It is mixed in with many Encaustic paints to change the properties of the wax.
(Melting point ca 250°F / 120°C). The Arts Encaustic International waxes do not contain damar resin, but are hardened with other ingredients (see below).
Please note: Any addition of pigments/damar resin will increase the melting point of the wax to some extend.
How hot does the painting iron get?
Low is about 110C (230 F), High about 150C (300 F)
How hot does the heated stylus get?
I’m not quite sure, but I guess about 150 C (300 F)
Which temperature should my hotplate be?
Start below 90C / 200F, carefully bringing up to 120C/250F if necessary. Never have your wax smoking!
What is the weight of the blocks/crayons?
1 Arts Encaustic International block is about 11 gram / 0.35 oz
1 Special Effect wax is about 8 gram / 0.26 oz
What are the ingredients of the Arts Encaustic International waxes?
Beeswax, paraffin, microcrystalline wax, carnauba wax, Glycerine Palmitate / Stearate, Silicia, Pigments.
Metallics are made using mica coated with metal oxide (iriodin).
Pastels are made by mixing with white & can lessen light-fastness.
Neons are vibrant translucent colours but are not so lightfast as the regular wax colours.
Mixers are thicker & more 'colour true' for mixing into new colours - strong colours!
How much area can I cover with one block/crayon?
1 block: about 17 A6 (4x6”) painting cards
1 Special Effect wax : about 13 A6 (4x6”) painting cards
Can I use Crayola crayons instead of Encaustic wax?
Crayola crayons are not developed to use with heat. They can give off harmful fumes. The colours are not as rich and lightfast as the Encaustic waxes.
Only use Crayola colours if you’re in a pinch…. Be aware of a much lower melting point!
Can I use my travel iron?
The Encaustic Art Painting Iron is made to a high specification with a fine quality thermostat that will operate within a heat band of roughly 15 - 20 degrees Celsius.
Travel irons do not offer the control or predictability that the specially made painting iron does.
Can I use a wood-burning tool?
A wood-burning tool gets up to more than 300 C / 600 F, much too hot for the wax.
Which surfaces can I paint on with wax?
Depending on the technique used you can paint on painting card, watercolour paper, handmade papers, canvas (properly primed and braced), door skin, ply wood, wooden art panels, clay board, fabric, porous marble tiles, etc.
How should I prime my panels?
You can prime wooden panels with one or more layers of clear wax or medium.
Or prime with several layers of diluted rabbit skin gesso (labor-intensive!)
Or use special formulated gesso for Encaustic: Holy Grail from Evans Encaustic or the R&F Encaustic Gesso.
Should I varnish my Encaustic paintings?
Do not use a varnish for acrylics, as it may flake off over time.
Encaustic paintings do not need a varnish, but you can add a special formulated high damar-resin medium as a topcoat to works on wooden panels.
Some artists use a special balm made from linseed oil and wax, Ganosis. It has to be made relatively fresh.
Greeting cards can be coated with the Encaustic sealer. Not suitable for fine art.
How do I care for Encaustic paintings?
Gently polish finished paintings with soft, lint-free cloth.
Be aware not to scratch the painting. Surface will harden over time.
Frame works on paper behind glass, use a mat.
Do not hang in direct sunlight.
Do I need painting experience to start in Encaustic?
No! The basic techniques are very easy to learn and give even the most inexperienced beginner great results. See Testimonials.
Do I have to buy supplies before joining one of your workshops?
No, I will supply everything needed for the workshop. Depending on the workshop sometimes a supply fee applies.
What do I have to bring to your workshops?
Come in old clothes (aprons will be provided); bring a roll of paper towel and some newsprint.
Do you sell Encaustic supplies to teachers and art stores at discounted prices?
Yes, please contact me for conditions.
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