Wax medium for plavka 60ml

We've been receiving inquiries about the Plavka medium for a while now, so we've prepared it especially for our store.

The Plavka medium was created in response to the needs of icon painters and painters seeking a more convenient alternative to traditional egg tempera. It allows for quick underpainting and subtle modeling while maintaining the lightness and transparency characteristic of the Plavka technique. Proven in numerous workshops, it is now reaching a wider audience of artists.

To fully utilize the potential of this technique, a special varnish was also developed for works created using the Plavka medium. It enhances the depth of color, protects the surface of the painting, and preserves the characteristic luminosity and delicacy of the layers built with this method.

Both products are based on workshop experience and many years of painting practice, responding to the real needs of those creating icons and paintings using tempera techniques.

The Plavka medium:

Plavka is one of the fundamental techniques used in traditional icon painting. It involves applying very diluted paint in thin, transparent layers, gradually building form, light and shade, and color. The name of the technique derives from the word "to float," because the pigment freely distributes itself throughout a large volume of medium, creating delicate tonal transitions.

The "plavka" technique is primarily used during the underpainting stage. It allows for the quick definition of key light and shade relationships and the creation of a painted form. Thanks to the transparency of subsequent layers, the painter can gradually increase color saturation and deepen modeling without losing the lightness of the image.

While requiring patience and control over the amount of medium, it allows for considerable freedom in shaping subtle tonal transitions. The final effect sometimes resembles watercolor or glaze painting techniques, while retaining the depth of color and luminosity characteristic of icon painting.

Plavka medium differs from wax medium in that it is thinner. It is ideal for underpainting with a "plavka" and subtle layers of paint similar to watercolor. It allows for light, transparent modeling of form and the gradual building of light and shade. Thanks to its properties, it also allows for relatively quick work, as subsequent layers dry faster than traditional egg tempera, streamlining the painting process and facilitating efficient modeling.

Many icon painting and painting workshops have been conducted using this medium. Its properties have been repeatedly proven in practice, making it a popular choice for those seeking new expressive possibilities and seeking higher quality and greater subtlety in their work.

It is not recommended to use the float medium on layers of egg tempera or wax tempera. The float medium is primarily intended for creating underpaintings and paint layers, which can then be developed using wax tempera.

For varnishing, we recommend icon varnish, which is formulated with natural ingredients and works perfectly with our studio's products.

PLAVKA BINDER (WAX)

Based on beeswax, natural resins, and casein – in a paste form.

APPLICATIONS

Encaustic tempera is ideal for: panel painting, easel painting, illustration, and iconography.

The prepared medium combines well with dry pigments, paste pigments, and watercolors. It can be used on gilding (without the need for additives to reduce surface tension) and on surfaces such as wood, cardboard, stone, and primed canvases.

Package contents: 60 ml of paste

After dilution: ~180 ml of prepared medium

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Preparing the medium:

Using a clean spatula, scoop the paste into a container.

Mix 1 part paste with 3 parts warm water (by weight) – 10 g of paste to 30 g of distilled water. The water can be warm, approximately 40°C (104°F).

Stir until completely dissolved.

Preparing the paint:

Mix the prepared medium with the pigment until smooth. Difficult pigments can be moistened with water or alcohol and ground to a paste-like consistency.

Insufficient medium will cause the paint to lighten excessively and leave marks when touched.

Dilute with water. If necessary, add a few drops of water and medium – not just the medium (may cause peeling).

Store the paints in a closed container for up to 7 days in a cool place/refrigerator.

CLEANING YOUR TOOLS

Wash in warm water with detergent immediately after use.

VARNISH

✅ Recommended: dammar, mastic

Not recommended: olifa (may cause yellowing)

⚠️ PRECAUTIONS

Contains casein – may cause allergic reactions.

Do not mix with egg yolk or egg tempera – may cause peeling.

Store in the refrigerator or a cool place after opening.

Use clean tools and containers – this is a natural product. INGREDIENTS:

60 ml paste: Beeswax, casein, natural resins, distilled water