Paint Type
Encaustic Paint
Encaustic paint suspends pigment in a wax-based medium that is melted for application and fused with heat. Beeswax is the main component of many traditional encaustic systems.
Encaustic paint compatibility
Encaustic paint works best on rigid, absorbent, heat-resistant surfaces. Flexible supports such as stretched canvas are generally avoided because movement can stress and crack the wax layers.
| Surface | Compatibility | Preparation | Primer or ground | Finish | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Painting Board | Excellent when rigid, absorbent, and heat resistant | Use a stable board that can tolerate repeated warming and the weight of wax layers. | Use encaustic gesso or another absorbent ground specifically approved for encaustic painting. | Fuse layers with controlled heat as required by the technique; the wax surface can be left natural or polished when appropriate. | — |
| Wood Panel | Excellent on stable rigid wood | Use clean, dry, dimensionally stable wood and remove dust or surface contamination. | Raw wood can sometimes be used directly, or apply an encaustic-compatible absorbent ground. | Build and fuse the wax layers without overheating the support or paint. | — |
| Plaster | Good when rigid, fully dry, absorbent, and heat resistant | Make sure the plaster is fully cured, sound, clean, and dry before applying wax paint. | Use an encaustic-compatible ground only when the surface needs additional preparation. | Fuse carefully because both the support and surrounding construction must tolerate the working heat. | — |
| Unglazed Ceramic | Good when rigid, porous, and heat resistant | Use clean, dry, unglazed ceramic and confirm the object can safely tolerate encaustic working temperatures. | Usually none on a suitably absorbent unglazed surface; test adhesion first. | Fuse with controlled heat and avoid thermal shock to the ceramic. | — |
Sources: R&F encaustic grounds and surfaces, R&F encaustic supplies, and Ampersand Encausticbord.
Encaustic paint articles
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