What is fusing?
‘Fusing’ means to heat the freshly applied layer of wax to the one below it, or in the case of the first layer, to the board, or substrate that you are working on. Fusing ensures that the painting maintains its integrity and creates a strong surface. You can fuse with many different tools; the most common being the blow torch, iron and/or heat gun. Some artists use a light bulb for very gentle fuses. Each will give you a different texture/surface. [Back To Top] • How can I be sure that my encaustic medium is at the right temperature? It is crucial that the griddle/electric palette be kept at no more than 220 degrees Fahrenheit. A griddle thermometer will give you an accurate reading, as often the controls on a griddle are off by several degrees. Always start lower, and slowly raise the temperature if your wax is not melting. You can tell if it is too hot if the wax is smoking – sending up a visible cloud of smoke into the air. If this happens, immediately turn the griddle off, and open
