Filtered or bleached beeswax – whats the difference?
Filtering permanently removes the pollen that gives wax its yellow color. Bleaching decolors the pollen but doesn’t remove it, so there’s no guarantee the color won’t reassert itself over time. Bleach may also affect the quality of the wax. Since “bleached” is the term often used to describe both methods of whitening, clarify with your supplier exactly how the wax has been processed. If you work with transparent layers, filtered wax is your only choice. 2. Can I mix beeswax with other waxes? Yes. You can create a blend that’s best for your needs. To lower cost, add up to 50% microcrystalline and you’ll maintain everything you love about beeswax, including the aroma. To make beeswax harder, add 10% carnauba or candelilla, but know that these waxes will yellow. Paraffin is inexpensive but too brittle for encaustic. Keep a record of what you do so that you can recreate a mix you like. 3. What can you tell me about microcrystalline wax? Artists who use it love it. Micro is a relatively new
