Encaustic is a Greek word meaning "to re-burn or reheat." Melted wax is applied and reheated in order to adhere it to the surface. I apply it in thin layers over my watercolors creating collage effects. This encaustic wax medium allows me to experiment and explore which I love. Being a molten material, the process is fast and somewhat unpredictable. Wax is considered archival and safe to display since it will only melt at a high temperature of 200 degrees Fahrenheit.