What is Encaustic?
Process
Encaustic painting is the process of using heated beeswax mixed with pigment to create art. The word encaustic comes from the Greek enkaustikos, meaning “to burn in,” referring to the heat required to fuse each layer. Encaustic paint is made from natural beeswax, damar resin (a tree sap that hardens the wax), and powdered pigments for color. The wax is heated to around 180–200°F and applied in molten form to a rigid surface, typically wood. Each layer must be reheated to bond with the one below, forming one cohesive sheet of wax. Artists can carve, scrape, build texture, embed materials, and achieve luminous depth and detail. Encaustic is valued for its durability, versatility, and the distinctive glow of its wax surface.
Safety
Proper ventilation is essential when working with encaustic. If the wax is overheated—typically beyond 250°F—it can begin to smoke and release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which may be harmful if inhaled. To avoid this, always monitor your wax temperature and never allow it to smoke or bubble. Good studio ventilation—such as open windows, fans, or an exhaust system—is necessary to ensure clean airflow and reduce the risk of fume exposure. When used correctly, encaustic is a safe and non-toxic medium.
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Ancient History
Encaustic painting dates back over 2,000 years to ancient Greece and Egypt. Early uses included decorating ships and creating the renowned Fayum mummy portraits in Roman Egypt. By the 6th century, encaustic was used in early Christian icon paintings, some of which still survive today. Though the technique faded for centuries, it was revived in the 20th century and remains a vibrant medium in contemporary art.
Where I purchase my encaustic supplies
R&F Encaustics | rfpaints.com
R&F Handmade Paints is a leading manufacturer of professional-quality encaustic paints and pigment sticks. Known for their rich pigments, small-batch craftsmanship, and commitment to artists, R&F has been a trusted source for encaustic supplies since 1988.
Enkaustikos | encausticpaints.com
Enkaustikos is a trusted manufacturer of professional-grade encaustic paints, mediums, and tools. Founded in 1996, they offer a wide range of richly pigmented colors and innovative products for artists working in wax, all made in the USA.
We welcome students of all levels, from beginners to experienced artists. Our admissions process is straightforward and our staff is always available to answer any questions you may have.
Rochester Fine Art Store | fineartstore.com
Rochester Art Supply is a family-owned art supplier and the home of FineArtStore.com, offering a wide selection of high-quality art materials. They carry professional encaustic supplies—including paints, tools, and supports—from trusted brands like R&F and Enkaustikos.
Books
- The Mysterious Fayum Portraits: Faces from Ancient Egypt - Euphrosyne Doxiadis- This book changed my art path. It is the reason I paint with encaustic.
- The Art of Encaustic Painting – Joanne Mattera - This is the book I taught myself encaustic with.
- Encaustic Art: The complete guide to creating fine art with wax – Lissa Rankin- I highly recommend this book. It has everything you need to know about all the different techniques and mixed media processes.
- The Encaustic Studio: a wax workshop in mixed media art – Daniella Woolf
- Embracing Encaustics: learning to painting with beeswax – Linda and William Womak
- The Artist’s Handbook of Materials and Techniques - Ralph Mayer
- The Artist’s Complete Health and Safety Guide – Monona Rossol
Where Beeswax Meets Creativity
