Comments on: Encaustic 101: Making Your Own Paints

By: Bela Fidel

Bela Fidel — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 06:21:14 +0000

Always a pleasure to learn new ways of using Encaustics. Thanks for your tutorials and generosity.
Looking forward to more of them.

By: Shelley

Shelley — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:13:30 +0000

I caution artists not to breathe melted damar. In this case, they might consider reversing the heating directions: start by melting the wax, adding the damar to it, keeping the heat a little high until the damar melts (stir!), then turn it down and wait before ladling or pouring.

By: tucsonsam

tucsonsam — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 17:24:10 +0000

I just tried making some encaustic paint (before reading this article). I needed yellow, so I used a lid from one of my encaustic paints, and crushed up some yellow pastel (very soft), then added medium to it. I haven’t used it yet, but if it works, I think it will be a terrific way to make paint on an as needed basis.

Just wonder if you have any comments about doing this?

By: Haley Nagy

Haley Nagy — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 12:54:46 +0000

Thanks for the feedback everyone! Based on your suggestions, I’ve updated this post with more safety information and links. You can never be too careful when it comes to your health. So, if you are new to encaustics, please read my other tutorials as well as the recommended literature to ensure you are working as safely as possible. And if you are trying something new, but aren’t sure if it is safe or archival, feel free to ask. Even if I don’t know the answer, I can probably point you in the right direction.

By: Hylla Evans

Hylla Evans — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 09:07:25 +0000

There is a lot of good advice here. Please, please admonish your readers to avoid using cold wax paste in encaustic paint. The paste contains solvents that should never be heated.
Also, a mask is not enough protection from powdered pigment. A respirator is necessary as the particles are quite small and often lighter than air. They remain in the air after your process is finished so don’t remove the mask while still in the room.

By: Callie

Callie — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:54:33 +0000

Thank you for the great pics and detailed instructions. I am very interested in this type of art, but until now had no idea what/when/how to start. Thank you! I’ve bookmarked your site and will return when I gather my supplies!

By: Carrie Golle

Carrie Golle — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 14:36:48 +0000

Good job, Haley! You covered all of the safety tips and made it easy for those wanting to get started with making their own medium, pigmented or not. You have done a great service to those interested in encaustic! I will definitely refer people to this. I use another method to avoid the pigment safety problems (have already had cancer once so I am ultra careful). Squeeze out oil paints onto a paper towel for an hour or so to leach out the oil, to make it easier to mix: use a palette knife to mix them with a little cold wax paste first, then drop in the melted encaustic cake, stir very well, let cool, pop out). Colors not as pure, but very safety conscious.