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6 ways to sign an encaustic painting

Ways to Sign an Encaustic Painting

When you finish a work of art, you’ll want to sign it. But how do you sign an encaustic painting? This question comes up often in forums and Facebook groups, and, over the years, I’ve experimented with different methods. In this post, I talk about where and how to sign encaustic paintings, based on my experience and what I’ve seen other artists use.

Where to sign?

Deciding where to place your signature is the first step. Some artists prefer a visible signature on the front, while others opt for a more discreet signature on the back or side of the panel.

Sign the Back of the Panel
Signing the back of your encaustic painting is a straightforward and commonly adopted method. This approach ensures that your signature doesn’t interfere with the visual elements of the artwork. Many artists choose this method to maintain the integrity of the front composition. This is what I do.

Sign the Bottom Edge or Side of the Panel
For those using gallery-depth cradled panels, signing the bottom edge or side offers a subtle yet visible option. This method allows your signature to be present without drawing attention away from the artwork itself. It’s a balanced approach that provides visibility while maintaining the focus on the art. Some artists purchase a custom branding iron to sear their signature into the wood panel on the side, bottom edge, or back.

Sign the Front of the Panel
If you prefer to sign the front of your encaustic painting, there are several methods listed below for consideration.

Developing Your Signature Style

Before deciding how to sign, consider what form your signature will take. Options include:

  • Full Name: Ensures clear identification and authenticity.
  • First or Last Name: A casual yet recognizable connection.
  • Initials: A subtle mark that blends with the artwork.
  • Monogram or Symbol: A unique personal brand.

Consistency across your works helps establish your identity and makes it easier for collectors and viewers to recognize your pieces. Choose a signature style that feels right for you and complements your work.

How to Sign the Front of an Encaustic Painting?

1. Incise into the wax

One option is to etch your initials or signature directly into the wax with a sharp tool. You can then fill the lines with wax or an oil stick and wipe off the excess. This was my go-to method when I first started painting with encaustic. However, when I look back at those early works, I often feel that my initials interfere with the composition—and I wish I could remove them.

2. Stamp into the wax

In the past seals were stamped into sealing wax to keep a scroll or envelope closed and secure from prying eyes. Today you can purchase inexpensive wax seal stamps on Amazon. You could use one of these as your signature on a painting.

You can purchase a custom stamp made of your signature, your initials, or your logo. Press the stamp into the wax and integrate it into the painting adding pigment stick or encaustic paint into the impression.

3. Tissue Paper under a layer of wax

The beauty of using tissue paper with encaustic is that when wax is added, the transparent tissue paper disappears. Sign on the tissue, place it on the painting and add a layer of encaustic medium, then fuse. Your signature will show just below the surface of the wax.

4. Photocopy transfer

Sign a piece of paper, take a photo of it and invert the image. Print the inverted image using a laser printer or a pigment-based inkjet printer onto parchment paper. Place the printed side down onto a smooth encaustic surface and burnish firmly to ensure good contact. Carefully lift the parchment paper to reveal your transferred signature. This method allows for precise replication of your signature. Full parchment paper transfer instructions are here.

5. Sign on the surface of the wax

  • Sign with ink on top of the surface of the wax using a bamboo skewer dipped in the ink or with a Pitt pen.  Allow the ink to dry
  • Foil transfer paper is ideal for drawing or writing on wax. It is available in a variety of colours. Lay the transfer paper on the wax, shiny side up, and sign on the paper. Lift off the paper and gently fuse your signature into the wax.

Find What Works for You

There’s no right or wrong way to sign encaustic art—only what works best for your style and process. If you’re unsure, experiment with different methods on test pieces before committing to a signature style. I’m most comfortable with my signature on the back.

What’s your go-to method for signing encaustic work? Do you prefer a visible signature or a discreet one on the back? Let’s talk in the comments!

9 thoughts on “Ways to Sign an Encaustic Painting”

  1. As a college art student who is moving into encaustic I really appreciate this blog. Something as simple as signing an encaustic work provides lots of room for thought and exploration. I hadn’t thought of many of these before reading the article.

    There is no detailed class or instruction on encaustic in school. It’s just a few pointers in a Painting II class and “complete the project by next Tuesday for critique.” Thanks. This is very helpful.

      1. a question: I make a paint with acrylics, then I put a layer of oil paint on top, can I use encaustic on top of that oil layer?
        acrylic, then oil and finish with an encaustic layer
        tks

        1. No, you can’t. Dried oil paint is not absorbent enough to hold the wax well. You could potentially try using clear gesso or chalk paint over the oil paint to create a toothy ground that would accept the wax but you would want do the freezer test to see if it is archivally sound.

          1. I have just started to experiment with encaustic painting and am not sure what the freezer test is. I use a lot of pigment sticks and oil pastels and I do find they are hard to fuse so they don’t rub off. I’m concerned that I might be doing something wrong.

          2. In connection with this question of Frances Pico, is it possible to use a medium to paint for the oil on the old painting and wait for it to be slightly dry, then apply the encaustic? …so it would make a toothy ground for the encaustic? or use another kind of glue in between?…also, if the chalk paint is used does it exist in translucide? Thanks

  2. I have tried most of the above. I have also used a transfer. Scanned a signature, copied multiple times to one sheet, flipped in reverse and printed with laser printer. Might go back to this. Been stamping.

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