Greek (enkaustikos)
"To Burn In"
Encaustic painting is a technique developed by Greek ship builders who used hot wax to patch holes in their ships. As early as the 5th Century B.C. pigment was added and an art form originated. Encaustic is the layering of beeswax and damar resin with pigments, fusing each layer together with a torch. Wax takes about 12 months to cure and does not need to be protected with varnish or glass. Beeswax is impervious to moisture and will not yellow, darken or mold. It is the most durable of all paints.