How to Get the Air Bubbles Out of My Encaustic Painting

Encaustic wax painting is one of the oldest methods of painting.

Encaustic painting is done by applying wax to canvas or wood and heating it to create patterns and textures. Encaustic wax paintings will frequently form air bubbles under the surface of the wax, which can decrease the life of the work. Air bubbles cannot be removed after the wax is cured, so applying the wax correctly and preventing air bubbles in the hot wax is important. There are many techniques for encaustic painting, but the basic steps used to prevent air bubbles apply in the same manner to each technique.

Things You'll Need

• Heat plate
• Pan
• Colored wax
• Palette knife
• Wood panel
• Heat gun
• Rubber brayer

Instructions

1. Heat the wax in a pan on a heat plate until it is liquefied.

2. Scoop the wax from the pan with a palette knife, and wipe the wax onto the panel. Do not pour the wax to ensure it does not create air pockets between the wax and the panel.

3. Apply the heat gun immediately and keep it moving. A still heat source can cause air bubbles quickly.

4. Use a brayer to flatten areas of wax that do not seem to be adhering to the panel or that contain air bubbles. Continue to apply the heat gun.

5. Repeat the process by adding wax and painting designs and textures with the palette knife. Apply heat and keep the gun moving until the painting is finished.

6. Allow to cool and cure for several hours before moving.

References

• A Singular Creation: What is Encaustic Painting?
• Martha Stewart: Encaustic Painting