Getting started Painting with hot wax!
Getting Started
Getting started in encaustic does not have to be complicated. You can get started with a couple simple tools and supplies. There are some safety precautions to take. So do read on as this is very important!
*Do not overheat the wax. !80 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit is a good working range. any higher than two hundred degrees you can cause toxic fumes that are very bad for your long term health or fire which is very bad for your short term health.
*Proper ventilation is required. a source of fresh air is great. When I first started with encaustic. I worked in my garage with the door open.
*Please do keep all safety plans and fire prevention devices up to date, including fire extinguishers and smoke alarms. I also keep a metal garbage can and lid in my studio in case I need to put out a flame and smother the fire with the metal lid.
*Keep flammables out of your heat source area. This prevents problems before they have a chance to ignite.
To make it super easy, here is a short list of things you may need for a really basic set up.
BASIC SET UP
1 - Hot Palette / Hot iron / Heat gun / Blowtorch
1 - Fan - *Good ventilation
1 - Extension cord/s
1-2 *Fire extinguishers ( SAFETY for fire suppression )
1 - *Metal garbage can with lid ( SAFETY for fire suppression )
1 - Encaustic medium 40 ml ( R&F )
1 - EMPTY Tuna tin ( Cleaned and without the lid )
1 - Clothespin
1 - Natural hair haki Brush 1 inch
Many - Ampersand encaustiboard / Hardboard primed with encaustic primer - multiple sizes, Small sizes to start out with.
There you go! If you need any assistance of course I am here for you with workshops and private lessons. I will write another post on fire safety for encaustics at a later date and of course there are many safety articles online like this short one from R&F.
This is a fantastic medium and I hope you give it a try soon!
Note that the heat source area with the hot palette & heat tools is on the right side of the studio and the flammable items including papers and collage items are on the left to keep them separate and prevent ignition of any flammables. Fans are going for good ventilation.
