Encaustic is composed of beeswax and resin. It is applied molten to a surface and fused to create a lustrous enamel effect. Its exquisite visual properties make it perhaps the most beautiful paint ever known. It is also the most durable of all artists' paints, since wax is impervious to moisture and over time will retain all the freshness of a newly finished work. What has particularly attracted modern painters whether they are working in contemporary or traditional styles is the spontaneity and variety with which encaustic can be used.
Encaustic paint cools in minutes, which means additional layers can be added almost immediately.
Once the surface has cooled, the paint has reached a permanent finish. It can be laid on in delicately thin glazes or super thick encrusted impastos. Its adhesiveness makes it an excellent collage medium that can be impregnated with foils, paper, glitter, string, found objects, etc. Encaustic painting does not require solvents of any kind. As a result, a number of health hazards are reduced or eliminated.