How to Make Wax Art
Wax has qualities that appeal to artists. It's soft, inexpensive and if you can easily melt away mistakes and start over. If you've been wanting to incorporate wax into your artistic endeavors, try using a process called encaustic wax art. Encaustic art is made by the melting of waxes that are then used as paints. Encaustic art supplies can be found online and in most chain craft stores.
Things You'll Need
- Matte medium
- Heavyweight cardboard
- Sponge applicator brush
- Wax
- Heating pot
- Collage cutouts
- 2-inch natural bristle paintbrush
- Heat gun
Instructions
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1
Paint a thin layer of matte medium on a piece of heavyweight cardboard that has been cut to a size and shape that you prefer. Use the sponge brush to paint the matte medium.
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2
Arrange the collage cutouts onto the cardboard while the matte medium is still wet and sticky. Plan your design to prevent misplaced collage pieces. Allow the matte medium to dry.
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3
Melt the wax in a melting pot while the matte medium is drying. Melt different colors separately. If you do not have a melting pot, a clean and shallow tin can placed on a flattop stove will work.
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4
Submerge the tip of the natural bristle brush into the molten wax. Paint a thin layer of wax over the top of the collage. Don't overlap the wax. Allow the wax to cool for a few minutes.
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5
Warm up the heat gun and use it to melt the painted wax to the top of the design. Don't apply too much heat to the collage, as you're only trying to fuse it to the collage.
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Add any additional embellishments, such as flat ribbons or lace, to the still-warm collage. The fused wax will serve as a glue. Paint a second layer of melted wax only atop of the embellishments. Don't paint over the rest of the collage. Allow the wax to cool for a few minutes before fusing the second application of wax with heat gun. Allow the wax to cool for 30 minutes before hanging your artwork.
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Tips & Warnings
Heat guns and melting pots can cause serious burns if not used properly. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
References
- Photo Credit WPA Pool/Getty Images News/Getty Images
