Common Mistakes in Encaustic Painting

Combining melted beeswax with pigments and heat, encaustic painting medium is used to create textured, layered artworks. Of course, like any medium, it has its learning curve. Sometimes in trying to jump into using the encaustic painting techniques, issues may surface that check their progress and ultimately impact the finished product of their work.

Let's take a look at common mistakes in encaustic technique and how to avoid them.

1. Skipping Surface Preparation

Encaustic painting requires good preparation of the surface so that adhesion can be at its best. The existence of unprocessed wood or panels that are uncoated may crack or flake eventually.

Solution: Prepare a hard, porous surface like encaustic boards or untreated wood for excellent results and apply encaustic gesso.

2. Heat Not Controlled

The main critical temperature involved in the encaustic painting medium is heat. Too much or inadequate heat can easily ruin an artwork. When the wax reaches excessive temperature, it starts to bubble and smoke. Such boiling will ruin your work, while inadequate heat will prevent melting wax from fusing.

Solution: Hold the heat gun or torch very cautiously and keep track of its temperature. Try to keep your wax at a relatively constant temperature of approximately 180°F or 82°C without allowing it to burn up.

3. Failure to Monitor Good Ventilation

Encaustic painting techniques often involve working with melted wax and pigments, which can emit fumes. This process might be hazardous in an enclosed space without adequate ventilation.

Solution: Ensure you work in a well-ventilated space or in a space where you can install an exhaust fan to remove the fumes.

4. Bad Quality Wax or Pigments

Low-quality wax or pigments are highly likely to cause poor bonding or failure to produce color appropriately, so your art will be poorly done.

Solution: Use only the best, filtered beeswax and artist-grade pigments.

5. Omission of Fusing Stage

In encaustic painting, every layer of wax needs to fuse onto the layer below to stabilize it from peeling.

Solution: To prevent peeling, be careful to slightly melt every layer with a heat gun or torch after painting.

A Quick Wrap-up!

The encaustic technique is a rather extraordinary medium that more than rewards patience and practice. Avoiding common mistakes here will set you well on your way to creating beautiful, long-lasting art. Plus, each challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow as an artist.