How to Make Wax Paint

Can you combine wax with oil paint? Yes, you can and it's actually really cool. All you need for this project is some oil paint (regular workshop oil paint like the kind you paint wood or metal with) and some beeswax. Making wax paint is really simple, and the result is quite interesting.

Step 1: What You'll Need

Materials:

• Oil Paint
• Beeswax

Tools:

• Glass mason jars, or metal containers (a container that can handle heat)
• Stove top
• Pot (with water)
• Plastic spoons, or something else disposable to measure and stir with

Step 2: Method

First of all, pour some oil based paint in some glass mason jars, or some metal containers. Secondly, add some beeswax, either melted or cut up in small pieces. I used plastic spoons here to measure, which is great if you're making a small amount because then you can just throw the spoon out when you're done and you don't have to worry about cleaning it.

Ratio

Now, I started with a ratio of 1 part beeswax to 4 parts paint, which works nicely, however you can always up the wax ratio for a stiffer product, or reduce it for a softer consistency.

Double Boiler

Now start a pot of water with about an inch of water, slowly start a simmer. Add your jar, and make sure the water isn't boiling because you want no water in your product. Stir constantly until the wax completely dissolves and the paint and the wax combines. Repeat with your other jars.

Step 3: Painting

Cooling

Let the wax paint cool for about 30 minutes to let it set up (the paint needs to cool and the wax needs to solidify).

Painting

Now you have a wax paint, which is easiest applied with a cloth or a paper towel, make sure you wear gloves. Put it on and wipe off any excess.

Now what's so cool about this is how you have instantly dry oil paint, and a really cool surface, which feels rather waxy, it's rather matte, it's very interesting. Now I don't know exactly where you would use this, but I just think it's kind of cool that you can make it, and that it turns out this nice.

Step 4: Conclusion - Watch the Video

For a more in-depth look (and for some really cool visuals!) make sure to check out the video!

Comments

[AlexDima]

You can add linseed oil in the boiling process, to make the color to remain liquid and more usable!

[MarisolH]

Thanks Alex! Great idea! I want to make shimmery one using homemade

bees&carnauba wax and some mineral mica. Do you think I can make it liquid using the linseed oil as well?

[AlexDima]

Linseed oil was used in the past for varnishing protection of wood and also for making paints i don't know the right ratio but i tried and it is good for use, also it is fluid that can be easily sprayed with spray gun also u can use Soybean oil but have not try it so.

[mrsmerwin]

Is the dried paint slick? I am thinking of painting a floor.

[JanieC3]

This is really cool. Love it.

[violingirl]

Interesting effect!

I was looking for a wax mixture to paint candles unfortanly, I don't think this would work.

[timmg08]

so you basically end up with a colored wax polish?

[Jobar007]

Can you add additional coats of paint? How do you prep if you can?

So many neat ideas that this could be used for...

[darbinorvar]

Generally you should not add anything on top of wax because it does not stick, but you could always try it!

[seamster]

I like the striking, colored grain effect . . . and your last photo in step 3 shows it off very nicely. Very cool!

I accidentally stumbled across the same effect, but in a more round about way a while ago! I spray painted some wood, and then wiped on wax before the paint was dry . . . after I rubbed it in and scraped off the resulting muck, I ended up with something similar to what you did!

Pretty cool effect, I think. This is the project that I did that on: https://www.instructables.com/id/Wooden-Puzzle-Six-...

[darbinorvar]

Thanks Sam!