Beeswax Paint Medium
This article will describe how to make a paint medium out of beeswax. This medium differs from the traditional technique of using melted wax in that it is water-miscible, not requiring the use of heated elements (encaustic.) The medium can be applied with a normal paint brush, and will behave much like gouache or casein paint. The wax will need to be heated and melted at first, but once it is converted back into a solid mass, it will stay soft and clay-like, and can be thinned with water.
Ingredients:
Beeswax pellets (white bleached beeswax is preferred)
Borax powder
Distilled Water
Heating element (such as a hot air gun, or hair dryer)
To begin the process, as depicted in the above photo, you will need a metal container for the beeswax pellets. I used a tall tin can that holds about 12 ounces of liquid. Place 4 ounces of beeswax into the can, and heat it until it all melts. I used a hot air gun to heat the can, but a double boiler would work, or even a bottle warmer for coffee; although, it might take awhile to melt. In a separate container, dilute 4 teaspoons of the Borax powder with 4 tablespoons of distilled water.
The next step must be done carefully. That is to add the diluted Borax to the melted wax. When the water hits the surface of the hot wax it will react with steam and splatter a bit, so a tall can makes this safer. After w few seconds the reaction will calm down, and you can continue slowly adding the water to the can. Stir the wax as it solidifies. In a couple minutes it will turn into a stiff paste with a consistency similar to ice cream and stay that way.
Ingredients:
Beeswax pellets (white bleached beeswax is preferred)
Borax powder
Distilled Water
Heating element (such as a hot air gun, or hair dryer)
To begin the process, as depicted in the above photo, you will need a metal container for the beeswax pellets. I used a tall tin can that holds about 12 ounces of liquid. Place 4 ounces of beeswax into the can, and heat it until it all melts. I used a hot air gun to heat the can, but a double boiler would work, or even a bottle warmer for coffee; although, it might take awhile to melt. In a separate container, dilute 4 teaspoons of the Borax powder with 4 tablespoons of distilled water.
The next step must be done carefully. That is to add the diluted Borax to the melted wax. When the water hits the surface of the hot wax it will react with steam and splatter a bit, so a tall can makes this safer. After w few seconds the reaction will calm down, and you can continue slowly adding the water to the can. Stir the wax as it solidifies. In a couple minutes it will turn into a stiff paste with a consistency similar to ice cream and stay that way.
This paste is water soluble, meaning it can be thinned with water. You can add it to water soluble paints like gouache or casein, or even make a paint from it by adding pigment.