Encaustic: Palette Setup & Temperature

So you've set up the studio and received your R&F heated palette. Now it's time to check out the in's and out's of your new equipment, along with safe and effective working temperatures.

Our 16" x 16" palette requires a few assembly steps before you can paint. Make sure your palette is level using the adjustable legs and ensure the electric coil burner is touching the underside of the anodized aluminum plate. The brush holder is made of flexible metal. It should be bent to your ideal angle to hold your brushes upright and to fit your workspace. You'll find these steps in the image below. (The 12" x 12" palette arrives fully assembled).

Before turning on your electric burner, make sure to place a surface thermometer on your palette. Turn the burner dial between the low and medium settings until you've reached the safe working temperature of 200° Fahrenheit (it will take 10 - 15 minutes to warm up). Make sure your palette never goes higher than 220°. You may choose to work at slightly cooler temperatures for encaustic monotypes. Below you'll find our temperature chart for successful and safe working temperatures.