Encaustic is an ancient painting technique using hot wax that dates back to ancient Greece and Egypt. The word “encaustic” comes from the Greek word “enkaustikos,” meaning to “burn in” or “fuse”.
In encaustic painting, wax (usually beeswax) is melted together with damar resin. The resin increases the melting temperature and hardness of the wax. The result it a clear encaustic “medium” that is also mixed with pigments to create colours.