Wax Paste Update

Further to yesterdays travails I came to the studio this morning and found that the mix as done had not set and although viscous was still fluid. This quite often happens when working in this way, and an element of trial and error is very much part of the process!

The mix clearly needed more beeswax so I added 3/4 of a cup of wax to the solution, reheated it and let it cool. About a couple of hours later, I checked and found that I had the required consistency of paste, thank goodness!

Making Wax Paste

Today decided I needed to stock up on some of the basics I always use, especially in making oil paint.
I recently made a batch of colours I use all the time and put them in tubes to save making a little each time.
Wax paste, of which in the pigment and Linseed oil mix I use about 10%, is just one of those things that will add a slightly buttery feel to the paint. Making it is simplicity itself!

You Need:

A Saucepan
Beeswax pellets
Gum Turpentine

Put the beeswax and Turpentine into the pan in the following proportions

Beeswax 1
Turpentine 3

The measure that I used here was a purpose made measured cup

Heat gently until the wax melts, stirring gently - I use a wooden spoon such as you would have in the kitchen, then remove from the heat and allow to cool. When cool pour into a glass jar and leave.

When fully cool you should have a paste which will enhance your colours.

This mixture can also be used to glaze paintings when mixed in with oil colour as very thin glazes or as scumbles.