Vicki Ross
Minimal Supplies for Intro to Encaustic:
Week of 10-26-19, YouTube Live, Vicki Ross Channel.
First stream is Sunday 10-26 at 3pm CST. An image filled history, and discussion about materials, and expectations you’d like addressed.
I have several videos on my channel about my use of encaustic in my art.
Encaustic Medium: https://amzn.to/32QzdLU
Any brand: R&F, Swan’s Candle, Enkaustikos, Jacquard. Be sure you get Encaustic MEDIUM. It already contains damar resin and beeswax. There are other formulas for special uses and techniques, but this is what we want. I like Pellets best, but it comes in blocks and chunks.
Some way to melt the medium:
TEMPERATURE: MUST NOT GO OVER 200-210 F. Wax will begin to smoke around 240 F and can become a fire hazard.
Candle Warmers and Cup Warmers are around the right temperature.
Griddles have temperature regulators; if you use a griddle often, a flat temperature gauge laid on the griddle is important. You don’t need one for this intro class.
If you use a Candle/Cup Warmer or Griddle, you’ll need a metal container to hold the medium. As long as the bottom is mostly flat, any short can will work…Tuna, Cat or Dog food.
Candle Warmer: https://amzn.to/2PpVNqH
Ranger Melting Pot: these are discontinued, but many may have them from UTEE products. Here is a picture: https://amzn.to/2PpVNqH
Pancake Griddle: find at thrift store. Cannot be used for food after encaustic
Mini crock pots do not get hot enough, and are not constant heat. They fluctuate too much.
You can use a small can on a cookie sheet (can’t be used for food again) on your stove. Be sure to use heat resistant mat for your work surface. Ask me how I know.
Brushes: ONE
Encaustic is not particular. Chip Brushes from hardware store
https://amzn.to/2PoPbsG chip brush
Hake Brushes are a soft hair:
https://amzn.to/2pfQZcQ Yatsutomo Hake Sheep Hair
Hardware store for chip brushes, may be at Hobby Lobby or Michaels
Look in calligraphy ink department for the hake brushes.
You will not use this brush for anything after encaustic.
Scrapers:
One of my favorite techniques involves scraping back rough spots. You can use a craft knife, a safety razor blade, or tools meant for clay.
Color:
If you want to use color, oil paint in tubes or oil STICKS (not oil pastel) can be used to color a bit of the medium. Use a different can for each color. You’ll also want to use different brushes for each color. Cleaning brushes is a PITA.
Crayloa-type crayons can be used MINIMALLY. They, and oil pastels, can interfere with encaustic layers adhering to each other.
A griddle becomes necessary if you add more cans.
Any rigid surface: Canvas panels, check Dollar Tree; masonite panel, check craft store; watercolor paper (fine for practice). Basically, anything that will keep the wax from cracking with heavier applications.
Rice Paper, Calligraphy Paper, Bond Paper, Onion Skin all work for mono printing.
Heat Gun
Same one you use for crafts. Hair Dryers usually don’t get hot enough
Small butane torch (as for creme brûlée) are also useful
Ventilation:
I am not sensitive to odors. Beeswax is non-toxic, as is Damar Resin (found in some foodstuff). The biggest risk is if you let it smoke.
Keep a water bucket close at hand.
Put a fan pulling away from your surface.
Do your own research…there are tons of misconceptions floating the internet. Check product MSDS sheets over “someone told me” information.
General:
Have an uncluttered surface, and keep heat sources away from papers.