What to paint withEncaustic paint is basically beeswax, pigment and a little bit of resin. You can find out more about R&F's pre-made colors and mediums in our Encaustic Paint Section. For many years pre-made colors were not available and many artists made their own paint. You can find many different formulas in the reference books. (Some good and some that are dangerous). For a further discussion see our Encaustic Formula section. What tools to paint withSince encaustic involves heating wax, there are a few tools that must be used that you don't use in other types of painting.
You can see the specific tools we have developed at R&F in our R&F Tools section. Examples of other tools that you can get at hardware stores and home centers are in our Additional Tools Section What to paint on
For more details see our section on Supports and Grounds. How to use encausticThere are several steps to painting in encaustic. This differs from other mediums, where once you brush on the paint it is usually there to stay.
The properties of encaustic and the way that is is worked give the artist many possibilities. You can get effects that are like many other mediums, yet it is always encaustic. You can have enamel like finishes, incredibly deep layered effects, textural effects, sculptural effects, fantastic college effects and more. For detailed examples and explanations on some of these effects move on to our Encaustic Processes section. Finishing the workPolishing To An Enamel FinishAt any time after the paint has cooled it can be buffed. This can be done with cotton or a slightly more abrasive tissue. The buffing will give the final lustrous touch to the painting. For several months after the last melting of the paint, the wax/resin will go through a curing process in which the surface continues to harden. During this time moisture or other impurities that have gotten into the paint while molten may work their way to the surface and cause a slight haze. A simple buffing will restore the high polish. Rough textures that have not been fused cannot be easily buffed and may be broken off in the attempt. Encaustic paintings do not need to be varnished or protected by glass. The Effect Of Temperature On Encaustic PaintingsAn encaustic paint film is stable in a temperature range of approximately 40-110°F (4-44°C). In very cold temperatures wax will shrink slightly. As a result, layers that have not been well fused together or well fused to the ground may separate. This can cause cracking on the surface, especially if the work is being transported. Mention should be made again that encaustic paint made from beeswax without resin can develop a bloom, or clouding, that can only be removed by reheating the wax. Very hot days can soften the paint somewhat, but will cause no real damage. If any dulling occurs, the surface can be buffed when the painting is cooler.
|
