The Binding Agent In Encaustic Painting Is Beeswax
Encaustic painting is an ancient and timeless form of art that has a unique and striking allure. It’s a painting technique that uses heat to melt and fuse pigments and thickeners into a surface. Like all painting methods, there is a binding agent that helps to hold the colors together and ensure a long-lasting final work. For encaustic painting, the binding agent of choice is beeswax.
The Benefits of Beeswax
Beeswax is well loved among encaustic painters for a variety of reasons. It has a low melting point and is easy to use. It also retains a glossy finish, making it perfect for achieving a smooth, lustrous surface. The wax is also remarkably resilient and can protect the colors from fading, dust, and moisture.
Beeswax is also prized for its luxurious scent. When heated, the wax emits a pleasant, sweet aroma that can add another element of enjoyment to the painting process. Additionally, because it’s all natural, beeswax is a safe and toxin-free binding agent.
Preparing the Wax
When using beeswax as a binding agent for encaustic painting, it’s important to properly prepare the wax. The wax must be melted and strained to remove any debris or impurities that could affect the painting’s texture or color. Depending on the desired color of the wax, different additives can be added at this stage, such as pigments or resins.
Once the wax has been melted and mixed, it’s important to maintain a consistent temperature. Too cold and the wax will be too solid to use for painting, while too hot and it will be too liquid. The ideal temperature range is typically between 140°F to 180°F.
Using the Wax
To begin painting, the wax should be applied with a brush to the surface. It’s best to use a brush specifically made for encaustic painting, as the bristles will be more heat resistant. Once the wax has been applied and has cooled slightly, the pigments can be added. A paintbrush should be used to spread the colors evenly across the surface.
When the painting is complete, a heat gun can be used to further fuse the wax and bind the colors together. This also helps to dry the work and create a beautiful glossy finish.
Conclusion
Beeswax is the binding agent of choice for encaustic painting due to its low melting point, glossy finish, and pleasant scent. When properly prepared and used during the painting process, beeswax can help to achieve a long-lasting, beautiful work of art.