What Is Encaustic?

What is Encaustic?

One of the oldest and most archival forms of paintings dating back to the Greeks, encaustic is a translucent medium made of natural beeswax and damar resin. The word “encaustic” comes from the Greek word “enkaustikos” which means “to burn in,” referring to this process of fusing the paint between layers.

Colored encaustic paints are created by adding dried pigments or oil paint. Encaustic paint is applied to an absorbent substrate, such as a wooden board or plaster, in molten form and is “fused” to the surface with a torch or heat gun, layer after layer, to create a permanent bond. Encaustic paintings can be textured and/or smooth and can integrate many materials such as ink, pastel, graphite, found objects, and photographic imagery.

What are Encaustic Monotypes?

Encaustic Monotypes are one-of-a-kind images that involve the use of a heated palette, encaustic paint, and various printmaking papers. A monotype is created by drawing and/or painting directly on the heated palette with pigmented encaustic paint, manipulating the paint with brushes and/or other heat-resistant tools, and transferring that image to paper. A “ghost” image is left on the plate, and this leftover paint may be wiped away or used as a base for another print.

Encaustic Painting Care

When storing encaustic paintings, they should be wrapped in waxed or parchment paper and bubble wrap (bubbles should face outward, so they don’t make imprints in your work). Encaustic paintings can be displayed or stored in normal home temperatures; however, it is best not to display the work in direct sunlight or under glass. When transporting paintings, do not leave paintings sitting in a hot car which can easily heat up, or the surface may shift or melt. Encaustic paintings can be wiped clean with a lint-free cloth. Additionally, when the surface of an encaustic painting is smooth (without much texture), it can be buffed to a shine with an old nylon or lint-free microfiber cloth.