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How to Use Shellac With Encaustic Art

Encaustic art is the practice of melding layers of paint by mixing the layers with wax or shellac. The advantage of using shellac instead of wax for the encaustic artwork is that shiny colors such as copper and gold clearly show through. Shellac is highly flammable, so complete encaustic shellac projects outdoors where there is plenty of fresh air.

Things You'll Need

  • Canvas
  • Wax
  • Shellac
  • Mixing palette
  • Paint pigment
  • Blow torch
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Instructions

    • 1

      Paint a thin coat of wax onto your canvas and let the wax dry completely. This usually takes between five and 10 minutes.

    • 2

      Pour 3 ounces of shellac into a mixing palette and add 2 tbs. of paint pigment.

    • 3

      Stir the mixture together until the paint pigment and shellac are completely combined and the texture is smooth.

    • 4

      Pour the mixture onto the canvas and spread it evenly across the surface.

    • 5

      Light the mixture on fire with your blow torch, and let it burn until the entire surface is boiling.

    • 6

      Blow out the fire and let the painting cool before moving it.

Modern Art

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