Practicality

With encaustic, it is not necessary to use high quality sable brushes or custom made hotplates. Most everything needed for encaustic can be obtained at local art supply and hardware stores. Also, to be more thrifty and save money, there is no limit to what you can find perfect for using with encaustic at local thrift stores and garage sales. When you start using encaustic, you find a whole new use for a variety of metal kitchen utensils, pots and counter top appliances.

For your hot plate, we do however recommend you start off by purchasing a new pancake griddle at any local store that carries kitchen countertop appliances. Temperature gauges vary in consistency on some of the older used griddles found at garage sales, so safety first on that! The same is true for heat guns or any heated tools. It is important to make sure the wires are safe and free of damage.