<Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article includes a list of references, but its sources remain unclear because it has insufficient inline citations . Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations . (July 2016) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article includes a list of references, but its sources remain unclear because it has insufficient inline citations . Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations . (July 2016) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> Encaustic painting, also known as hot wax painting, involves using heated beeswax to which colored pigments are added . The liquid or paste is then applied to a surface--usually prepared wood, though canvas and other materials are often used . The simplest encaustic mixture can be made from adding pigments to beeswax, but there are several other recipes that can be used--some containing other types of waxes, damar resin, linseed oil, or other ingredients . Pure, powdered pigments can be used, though some mixtures use oil paints or other forms of pigment . </P> <P> Metal tools and special brushes can be used to shape the paint before it cools, or heated metal tools can be used to manipulate the wax once it has cooled onto the surface . Today, tools such as heat lamps, heat guns, and other methods of applying heat allow artists to extend the amount of time they have to work with the material . Because wax is used as the pigment binder, encaustics can be sculpted as well as painted . Other materials can be encased or collaged into the surface, or layered, using the encaustic medium to stick them to the surface . </P>

This ancient method of painting uses pigments suspended in hot beeswax