Encaustic, a painting style that seems much more intimidating than it really is, creates an elegant waxy finish with vibrant colors in a long-lasting finish. It works best on wood panels since canvas absorbs the wax, but it can still be used so long as a thick layer of oil covers the canvas. Do not use encaustic over paints such as acrylics, since it will eventually chip off.
Instructions
1. Buy a premixed encaustic paint. These wax-mixed paints can be difficult to find, but they are worth it for the beginner who just wants to try out encaustic but doesn't know mix beeswax with pigment powders.
2. Melt the colored wax lumps in a small bowl on a hot plate near your work desk. The wax will cool quickly, so nearer to your work space the better. Keep the heat low enough for the wax to stay liquid without burning.
3. Dip your brush or spatula into the wax and apply it quickly to your canvas. Mix the waxes as you would a normal paint to create new colors, and apply the waxes as you would a paint.
4. Use a heat gun, tracking iron or hot spatula to heat the wax on canvas for reworking.
