Encaustic Supplies — Sharon Mirtaheri

If you are new to encaustic painting and are curious what’s necessary to get started, here is a good list to consider. Following this list (links include affiliate links, for which I earn an affiliate commission if you click through and finalize a purchase) is a list of suppliers I recommend as well as some encaustic wax organizations.

To learn more about setting up your encaustic workspace, you might enjoy my book where I share extensive information on getting started working with wax.

Basic Supplies

Beeswax (natural, unbleached) and damar crystals, or pre-mixed wax medium

Burn cream

Electric fans to exhaust fumes

Encaustic hot plate or an electric pancake griddle

Fire extinguisher

Flat thermometer to lie on hot plate

Heat gun (Wagner) or propane torch

Metal spoons or ladle for adding medium to wax paints

Metal tins—flat bottoms, various sizes, for each color of wax

Natural bristle brushes, various sizes and shapes

Paper towels and old rags

Pigmented waxes (encaustic paints)

Substrates—stiff and rigid such as wood panels

Tools for scraping—pointed tools, razor blades, spatula (see Encaustic Texture Tools page)

If you would like to try mixing your own wax medium (beeswax + damar resin), here is a chart to help you with measuring amounts. Again, I go into more detail about how to do this in my book.