Buying pre-mixed encaustic medium is convenient, but making your own can save money and give you more control over the quality. All you need is two ingredients: pure beeswax and damar resin crystals.

Start by measuring a ratio—commonly 8 parts beeswax to 1 part damar resin. Melt the beeswax slowly in a metal pot on a double boiler or griddle, then gradually stir in the crushed resin. Be patient—it can take 30–40 minutes to fully dissolve.

Once mixed, pour it into silicone molds or muffin tins to cool. These wax blocks can be remelted whenever you’re ready to paint. You’ll get a slightly tackier, glossier medium than plain beeswax, and it will hold pigment better while also being more durable.

Safety tip: do this in a well-ventilated space, and avoid using kitchen cookware unless it’s dedicated to art use only. Resin smoke can irritate lungs, so be cautious.

There’s something satisfying about using a medium you mixed yourself. It deepens your connection to the process. For step-by-step guides and mixing variations, encaustic art materials is a solid place to start.