Safety

Often in the midst of being creative, it is easy to become distracted and pay less attention to our surroundings. Errors can be avoided by taking these minor precautions. It is important to be conscious of the fact that you are working with hot wax and heated tools.

When handling our paint cans on the hotplate, we recommend you use small clamps or a heat resistent glove for easy and safe maneuvering.

Temperature Safety

Make sure the temperature remains at a constant non-boiling level never to exceed 225°F. You can measure the temperature of beeswax using a candy thermometer. Beeswax heated above 250°F begins to decompose; giving off acrolein, formaldehyde and other dangerous gases, vapors and fumes. The boiling point of beeswax is 468°F.

The rheostats that control the temperature on some used hot plates can be faulty and not work properly. If you cannot control the temperature of your used hotplate, get rid of it. In addition to the rheostat, the temperature of wax can be more accurately monitored through the by using a candy thermometer.

Stay away from purchasing any hotplates that are cast iron or have exposed electrical elements. Cast iron tends to be harder to regulate in temperature and ends up burning the wax. Exposed electrical elements tend to collect wax drips, creating smoke and toxic working conditions. Griddles with flat metal or aluminum surface are the best.

Ventilation

Encaustic requires more than just an open window. An exhaust fan is necessary to pull out wax vapors. A three-speed window fan facing out is adequate while a hood or louvered industrial fan is ideal. Cross ventilation is also important, make sure you have air flowing in from a far end window to replace air going out. Your work area should be situated between you and the fan so that vapors do not pass your breathing path on their way out.

Fire Safety

• For safety, keep a fire extinguisher near your encaustic work area. Fire extinguishers can be fairly compact and reasonably priced at most safety supply or hardware stores. In the rare occasion of a fire, do not pour water on beeswax; this will cause the flames to spread.
• Make sure your work area has the electrical capacity for use of hotplates and heat guns. Most fires result from overloaded circuits or faulty cords and sockets.
• Avoid the use of domestic extension cords. Use heavy duty ones.
• Keep your work area free of anything that could catch fire such as paper towels, solvents or propane canisters.
• Plug cords into a safety strip that will shut off if overloaded.
• When buying used hot plates, check cords for signs of wear.
• Check your wax often. If you see a white ring around the cans of colors, the temperature is too low. If the wax begins to bubble or smoke, the temperature is too high.