The Importance of Fusing in Encaustic Painting
The word “encaustic” literally means “to burn in,” which is exactly what fusing does—it applies heat to remelt the layers, creating a strong bond. The one unbreakable rule when painting with encaustic is that you must fuse. Fuse the first layer of wax to the substrate, and then each subsequent layer must be fused to the one below. Before exploring the different fusing tools, it’s crucial to understand what happens when you don’t fuse properly.
What Happens When You Don’t Fuse?
Failing to properly fuse your encaustic layers can lead to weak adhesion between layers, causing them to separate or peel over time. Unfused layers may trap air bubbles, creating an unstable surface that can crack or flake. Without sufficient heat, the layers remain independent rather than bonding into a cohesive whole, compromising the structural integrity of the piece.
Improperly fused encaustic paintings can lead to damaged artwork and may also harm an artist’s reputation, reinforcing misconceptions that encaustic is not a durable medium. Collectors and gallery owners may perceive encaustic as an unstable medium, making them hesitant to invest in encaustic works. Proper fusing ensures longevity, durability, and the vibrancy of your encaustic artwork.
The Different Encaustic Fusing Tools
I use different fusing tools, depending on the texture and surface I’m aiming for. Each fusing tool creates different effects, and selecting the right one depends on the texture and finish you want to achieve.
I fuse in the opposite direction of my brush strokes. If I apply encaustic paint from left to right, I would fuse in a sweeping motion from the top down and the bottom up.
Fusing with an Embossing Hot Air Tool
Embossing hot air tools provide precise heating without disturbing your surface too much. They’re perfect for small-scale work and intricate designs where you want to gently fuse without overheating the wax.
It works well to fuse over fragile areas, such as photocopy transfer, and is also great for preserving brush strokes and texture. The longer you hold the tool in one spot, the smoother the area becomes. Fuse lightly with it and maintain a strong texture. It is lightweight and inexpensive, ideal for beginners who don’t want to invest in more expensive tools.

Fusing with a Heat Gun
Heavy-duty heat guns are a popular choice because they provide strong, steady, even heat and are less intimidating for beginners than a blowtorch. Select a heat gun with variable temperature controls, but be aware that they consume a lot of power and are heavier to hold when working. If your studio has limited power supply, a heat gun may trip a breaker. You can read more here about heat guns.
While I own a heavy-duty heat gun, I rarely use it.

Fusing with a Blowtorch
Both the Iwatani butane torch and a propane torch are excellent choices for encaustic fusing.
The blowtorch is such a great fusing tool for encaustic because it is fast. When you start working on larger pieces, you’ll want to use a torch.
When using the blowtorch, I suggest a “cutting the grass” motion: back and forth across your painting, keeping the torch moving at all times, to avoid over-heating an area. The torch is also great for pulling up colours from below when slowly passed over an area. One of the things I like about it is the fact that the flame can be adjusted to a very low setting, which allows for a gentle fuse for some applications.

Fusing with the Encaustic Iron
Choose the iron when you want a smooth texture. The Encaustic Iron is not a regular household iron with holes in it. The “Encaustic Art” Iron, developed by Michael Bossom, is compact, sturdy, and maintains the correct temperature. These features make it perfect for encaustic. It also doubles as a mini hot plate (when we need to melt just one pot of wax). The iron is great for many surface textures, and also for incorporating collage.
A ski iron will also work well.
Read more here about Comparing Encaustic Irons.

Use Different Encaustic Fusing Tools for Different Effects
Selecting different fusing tools will provide a variety of surface textures in your encaustic work:
- The blowtorch and the heat gun liquefy and blend layers together for a smooth surface.
- The embossing hot air tool allows you to maintain texture and is the gentlest fusing option.
- The encaustic iron pushes the wax layers down to create a flat, very smooth surface, or can be used for textural effects by utilizing the tip or sides.
By understanding the unique effects each tool provides, you can enhance your creative process and achieve the desired surface textures in your work.
I am also a jeweler. My question is can I use my Smith Little torch for fusing? Thank you
I’m not familiar with that torch but I would assume that it would give a sharp, directed flame that may not be well suited to encaustic. I now use the Iwatani Torch
I have a question, why does the wax stay foggy, smokey in some areas, I actually used a heat gun but in one area of the painting it stays clear and the other it fogged up.. I don’t know how to fix it and would prefer all area clearer.
Thanks in advance for your reply!
Warm Regards,
Fernanda Jimenez
I have the same question as Fernanda
Hi Fernanda and Amanda,
Have you tried scraping the cloudy area? Use a razor blade or pottery tool to gently scrape off a thin layer of medium.