Are you looking to save a few bucks on your next art project? Why not try making your own DIY cold wax medium? It is a great way to get the same results as store-bought brands, but for a fraction of the cost.
What Is Cold Wax Painting?
Cold wax painting is an encaustic painting that uses a mixture of beeswax and oil paints. This technique was first developed in the early 20th century by artists looking for a way to create paintings with more texture and depth than traditional oil painting techniques.
Cold wax painting is similar to traditional encaustic painting. It allows the artist to build up wax and color layers without waiting for each layer to dry before adding the next. However, the beeswax is cooled down before applying it to the painting surface. Rather than buying cold wax medium from the store, you can learn how to make a DIY cold wax medium at home by following the article below.
How To Make A DIY Cold Wax Medium
Ingredients
- ¾ cup of beeswax
- ¾ cup of damar resin
- ½ cup of linseed oil
- ⅓ cup of turpentine
Instructions
- In a double boiler, melt the beeswax and damar resin together.
- Once it melts, remove from heat and stir in the linseed oil and turpentine.
- Pour the mixture into a glass jar and allow it to cool completely before using.
And there you have it! Your very own DIY cold wax medium.
You can double or triple this recipe if you need a larger quantity. You can even store it in a sealed container for up to six months. Now get out there and start painting!
How To Use DIY Cold Wax Medium?
Now that you have your cold wax medium, it’s time to start creating! Here are some tips on how to use it:
- Apply the cold wax medium with a brush in long, even strokes to create a smooth surface.
- Work in small sections and build up the layers slowly.
- If you make a mistake, you can always fix it by sanding or scraping the wax off.
- Once you’re happy with your painting, you can seal it with a varnish to protect it.
So there you have it! A quick and easy guide to making your cold wax medium. With this versatile medium, the possibilities are endless! So go out and create something beautiful.
How To Store Cold Wax Medium?
There are a few key considerations when crafting your cold wax medium. Once you’ve made your cold wax medium, it’s essential to store it properly so that it doesn’t go wrong. Here are some tips on how to keep it:
- Keep your cold wax medium in an airtight container.
- Store it in a cool, dark place.
- If you live in a hot climate, you may want to store it in the fridge.
- With proper storage, your cold wax medium should last for months.
Critical Considerations For Cold Wax Medium
The first is the ratio of beeswax to damar resin. This ratio can be anywhere from one-to-one to four-to-one. If it has a higher proportion of beeswax, it will yield a softer medium that is easier to apply and a lower proportion of beeswax will deliver a more complex medium that is more resistant to scratches.
The second consideration is the type of oil you use. You can make cold wax mediums with oil, but some will turn yellow over time more than others. If you are concerned about your painting’s longevity, you may want to choose an oil known for its stability, such as linseed or safflower oil.
Finally, you will need to decide whether or not to add pigments to your cold wax medium. If you choose to add colorants, be sure to use ones made specifically for artists’ paints, as regular craft store acrylics can be unstable and may not adhere properly to the wax.
With these critical considerations, you’re ready to start crafting your cold wax medium. So get out there and start creating!
Final Takeaway
In conclusion, if you are looking for a less expensive and more versatile way to create a DIY cold wax medium, petroleum jelly is the best option. You can find petroleum jelly at most drugstores or grocery stores, making it a very affordable option. Additionally, it will be easier to work with when creating your cold wax medium because it is thicker than other oils.
Have you tried this method? Let us know in the comments below!