Best Encaustic Art Paints of 2026

Ann Hale Avatar
Ann Hale
Last Updated: Jan 21, 2026

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Encaustic art paints are a unique and versatile medium for artists. Made from a mixture of beeswax and resin, these paints can be melted and applied in a variety of ways, creating stunning textures and effects. Encaustic paints can be used on a variety of surfaces including canvas, wood, and paper, and can be mixed with other mediums such as oil paints and pigments. The beauty of encaustic art is that it allows for endless experimentation and creativity, making it a favorite amongst artists of all levels. Whether used on their own or as part of a mixed media piece, encaustic art paints are sure to add depth and interest to any artwork.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

R&F Handmade Paints Encaustic Medium Cover #TOP 1
R&F Handmade Paints Encaustic Medium
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Encaustic Art Original Painting Iron 120V Cover #TOP 2
Encaustic Art Original Painting Iron 120V
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Encaustic Art The Original - BASIC SELECTION Set of 16 Cover #TOP 3
Encaustic Art The Original - BASIC SELECTION Set of 16
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Encaustic Art Paints

#TOP 1

R&F Handmade Paints Encaustic Medium

R&F
yellow
1 Pound (Pack of 1)
R&F Handmade Paints Encaustic Medium Cover
R&F Handmade Paints Encaustic Medium Bagged Paint, 1-Pound

R&F Encaustic Medium is a high-quality art paint that is perfect for mixed media and sculptural applications. Made from 100% USP beeswax and damar resin, this medium is designed to create transparency and extend paint color, allowing artists to achieve stunning effects in their artwork. With a 1 lb bag size, it is convenient to use and can be easily stored. The medium is made in the USA, ensuring its quality and authenticity. For safe use, it is recommended not to heat the medium above 200 degrees Fahrenheit and to use it with proper ventilation. R&F Encaustic Medium is a reliable choice for artists looking to explore encaustic painting techniques.

What We Like
High-quality
Creates transparency
Convenient size
#TOP 2

Encaustic Art Original Painting Iron 120V

Encaustic Arts & Crafts Iron
Green
Encaustic Art Original Painting Iron 120V Cover
Encaustic Art The Original Painting Iron - For USA, 120 Volts, Encaustic Art Supplies, Encaustic Wax Painting

The Encaustic Art Painting Iron is designed with a temperature dial that lets you easily adjust heat levels, giving you better control over your wax painting. Its compact size and built-in handle make it comfortable to hold and maneuver, so you can work on your art for long periods without strain. Weighing lightly, this tool is easy to use and won’t tire your hand quickly. Plus, it’s built specifically for the US market with a safe and durable 120-volt design, ensuring reliable performance while you create your encaustic masterpieces.

What We Like
Adjustable temperature control
Compact size with handle
Lightweight and ergonomic
Safe 120-volt design

Encaustic Art The Original - BASIC SELECTION Set of 16

99535110
Encaustic Art The Original - BASIC SELECTION Set of 16 Cover
Encaustic Art The Original - BASIC SELECTION Set of 16 -Encaustic Wax Block Colors Set -Non-Toxic, Beeswax For Encaustic Art Supplies -Handcrafted in Germany

Encaustic Art The Original BASIC SELECTION Set of 16 is a non-toxic, beeswax set of colors that is perfect for artists. Handcrafted in Germany and easy to handle, this set includes vivid highly pigmented wax blocks with a perfect melting point for use with iron, stylus, or hotplate.

What We Like
Non-toxic pigmented wax that is safe with or without ventilation
Hand-poured for quality results every time
Essential assortment of vivid highly pigmented wax blocks
#TOP 4

R&F Handmade Paints Encaustic Paint Starter Set

R&F
1941
Multicolor
1 Count (Pack of 1)
R&F Handmade Paints Encaustic Paint Starter Set Cover
R&F Handmade Paints - Professional Encaustic Paint - Starter Kit, 14 Piece Set

The R&F Handmade Paints Encaustic Paint Starter Set is a 14 piece kit that includes everything you need to begin encaustic painting. It features 5 40ml size encaustic paint cakes, brushes, mediums, boards and a basic instruction manual. The premium quality encaustic paints are solvent-free, wax-based, and can be polished to a high gloss, carved, scraped, layered, collaged, dipped, cast, modeled, sculpted, textured, and combined with oil. The handmade R&F encaustic paints are milled in small batches in the USA, using traditional materials such as 100% pure beeswax, damar resin and a heavy pigment load.

What We Like
Includes everything to begin encaustic painting
Premium quality, solvent-free, wax-based paint
Handmade using traditional materials in small batches in the USA
#TOP 5

R&F Encaustic Paint 104ml, Titanium White

R&F
1110
Titanium White
1 Count (Pack of 1)
R&F Encaustic Paint 104ml, Titanium White Cover
R&F Artist Encaustic Paint, Titanium White, 104 ml

R&F Encaustic Paint is a premium quality paint made with traditional materials, including 100% pure beeswax, damar resin, and heavy pigment load. The paint is available in 93 colors and 3 sizes, including 104ml. The Titanium White color is warm, bright, reflective, and opaque. All R&F Encaustic Paints are handmade in small batches in Kingston, New York.

What We Like
Premium quality encaustic paint made with traditional materials
Available in 93 colors and 3 sizes, including 104ml
Titanium White is warm, bright, reflective, and opaque
#TOP 6

R&F Handmade Paints Encaustic White Beeswax

R&F
910-1
Multicolor
1 Pound (Pack of 1)
R&F Handmade Paints Encaustic White Beeswax Cover
R&F Handmade Paints Encaustic White Beeswax, 1-Pound

The R&F Encaustic Beeswax is a top choice for encaustic painting, giving you high-quality wax that melts smoothly and performs well. Its gentle mechanical filtration keeps the wax natural and reduces how much it reacts with pigments, so your colors stay true. The wax comes in small granules, making it easy to measure and melt evenly, which helps you work with precision. Plus, it has a low natural odor, making your crafting time more enjoyable without strong smells. This beeswax is perfect if you want a clean, easy, and pleasant encaustic painting experience.

What We Like
High-quality encaustic wax
Gentle filtration process
Easy-to-measure granules
Low natural odor
#TOP 7

R&F 1059 Encaustic Paint 40ml Ancient Gold

R&F
1059
Ancient Gold
1 Count (Pack of 1)
R&F 1059 Encaustic Paint 40ml Ancient Gold Cover
R&F Artist Encaustic Paint, Ancient Gold, 40 ml

R&F Encaustic Paint Ancient Gold is a premium quality artist paint handmade with traditional materials. It is milled in small batches in Kingston, New York using 100% pure beeswax, damar resin, and a heavy pigment load. The result is a high-quality encaustic paint that is ready to use. Ancient Gold is a unique color with a boldly metallic iridescent gold finish, which adds a touch of luxury to any artwork. With a wide range of 93 colors and 3 sizes available, artists have plenty of options to choose from. Made in the USA, R&F Encaustic Paint Ancient Gold is a reliable choice for artists looking to create stunning encaustic pieces.

What We Like
Premium quality
Handmade with traditional materials
Boldly metallic iridescent gold
#TOP 8

R&F Encaustic Gesso 16-Ounce

R&F
White
R&F Encaustic Gesso 16-Ounce Cover
R&F Handmade Paints Encaustic Gesso, 16-Ounce

R&F Encaustic Gesso is specially crafted for encaustic painting, ensuring that your wax-based paints perform at their best. Its high absorbency allows for excellent paint adherence, making your artwork more durable and vibrant. You’ll appreciate how it retains adhesive properties, so your encaustic layers stick perfectly without any hassle. Additionally, the easy-to-use, water-based formula simplifies your painting process, letting you focus on creativity rather than complications. With versatile sizing options, you can choose the perfect amount for any project, big or small.

What We Like
Designed for encaustic techniques
High absorbency for better adherence
Maintains adhesive properties
User-friendly water-based formula
Multiple size options available
#TOP 9

R&F Artist Encaustic Medium 333 ml

R&F
1200
Encaustic Medium
R&F Artist Encaustic Medium 333 ml Cover
R&F Artist Encaustic Paint, 333 ml, Encaustic Medium

The R&F Encaustic Medium is a key ingredient for encaustic painting that helps you create both transparent and opaque layers with ease. Since it’s pigment-free, you can mix it with your encaustic colors to expand your color options and build clear, beautiful layers that keep your original drawings and marks visible. Made from pure pharmaceutical-grade beeswax and premium Singapore damar resin, this medium is durable and ideal for mixed media or sculptural art projects. Its versatility allows you to enhance your artwork while preserving intricate details beneath each layer.

What We Like
Essential for encaustic painting
Pigment-free for color flexibility
Durable beeswax and resin blend
Preserves underlying artwork
#TOP 10

R&F Encaustic Paint, 40ml, Cerulean Extra Pale

R&F
103C
Cerulean Extra Pale
40 ml
R&F Encaustic Paint, 40ml, Cerulean Extra Pale Cover
R&F Artist Encaustic Paint, 40 ml, Cerulean Extra Pale

R&F Cerulean Encaustic Paint is a premium quality artist paint available in 93 colors and 3 sizes: 40ml, 104ml and 333ml. Handmade in small batches in Kingston, New York, it is made of 100% pure beeswax, damar resin and a heavy pigment load, resulting in the highest-quality of artist encaustic paint available. The Cerulean Extra Pale color is unique and when mixed with white, produces a beautiful pale blue with a slightly grayish or neutral tone. The opacity is opaque and it is PROP 65 compliant. Made in the USA, this paint is perfect for artists who want to create beautiful, high-quality art pieces.

What We Like
Premium quality
Handmade with traditional materials
93 colors available
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What do you paint encaustic on?

Painting supports for Encaustic Painting Encaustic paints require a rigid and absorbent surface so that the paint can adhere properly. A wooden panel is a great surface to use as encaustic paint can be applied directly onto raw wood, but an absorbent gesso can also be applied.

2. Can you use acrylic paint with encaustic?

Can You Paint Acrylic Over Encaustic? Artists prefer acrylic binders because they are one of the most durable and preferred binders. Flexible and adhesive properties make it ideal for use in adhesive applications. This is a very versatile paint that can be used with encaustic paint in a carefully modified version.

3. What is the main medium for encaustic paint?

The simplest encaustic medium could be made by adding pigments to wax, though recipes most commonly consist of beeswax and damar resin, potentially with other ingredients. For pigmentation, dried powdered pigments can be used, though some artists use pigmented wax, inks, oil paints or other forms of pigmentation.

4. What makes encaustic paint?

encaustic painting, painting technique in which pigments are mixed with hot liquid wax. Artists can change the paint's consistency by adding resin or oil (the latter for use on canvas) to the wax.

Editor's Notes

During our encaustic art paint research, we found 24 encaustic art paint products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 6,353 customer reviews through our big data system to write the encaustic art paints list. We found that most customers choose encaustic art paints with an average price of $24.10.

The encaustic art paints are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of encaustic art paints, including R&F, Encaustic Art, Mercurius. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 2,004 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Ann Hale Avatar

Ann Hale is a seamstress, pattern maker, and fashion designer with extensive sewing experience. She has worked in the fashion industry for over 10 years now after receiving Associates's Degree in fashion design in 2010. Also as a writer, she has many creative and unique insights when it comes to articles.