Gamblin Cold Wax Medium

Cold Wax Medium is truly fascinating because it connects to a whole genre of painting, which is quite rare! Cold Wax Painting isn’t defined by specific subjects or the classic debate between realism and abstraction; instead, it brings artists together through their love of experimentation, texture, and the tactile excitement of layered paint. This style thrives on the extensive use of Cold Wax Medium with oil paints, creating a beautiful blend between oil painting and encaustic art.

The cold wax itself is a rich paste that produces an amazing variety of textures and supports bold impasto peaks due to its wonderful 'short' consistency. This makes it perfect for expressive brushwork and carving with palette knives, giving oil colours a stunning, translucent effect like that of encaustic surfaces. Artists delight in using innovative techniques such as brayers, stencils, or even fun textural materials like bubble wrap and wire screens, unlocking endless creative possibilities. Embrace the journey of discovery with Cold Wax Painting!

Details

Gamblin Cold Wax Medium is a unique blend of natural beeswax pastilles, Gamsol, and a touch of alkyd resin—perfect for artists looking to explore new textures. The term “cold” indicates that this medium doesn’t require heat to work; it dries naturally as Gamsol evaporates, allowing the soft wax to solidify beautifully, much like a beeswax candle. Unlike other Gamblin mediums, which enhance the gloss and fluidity of oil colours, Cold Wax Medium enriches your paint, creating a delightful, thicker matte finish. It's an exciting option for anyone wanting to experiment with oil paints and achieve stunning results!

Compatibility

Cold Wax Medium is an incredible partner for oil paints, alkyd/oil paints, and alkyd-based mediums like Gamsol. When combined with quick-drying options like Galkyd and Galkyd Gel, it truly enhances the tackiness. Plus, Galkyd Lite Gel adds a delightful softness, smoothing out the wax and allowing for beautiful impasto peaks. What’s exciting is that these alkyd mediums can elevate the gloss of Cold Wax, while it can also soften their sheen. Adding Gamsol increases fluidity without compromising gloss—such a versatile choice!