As artists, I think many of us share the habit of accumulating materials, tools, and gadgets that we think we’ll use but often leave untouched. We get inspired by something new, purchase it, and then it sits in the studio for weeks, months, or even years. That’s exactly what happened to me with cold wax. I bought it a long time ago, not really knowing what I would do with it. At first, it seemed like just another medium to experiment with, but I wasn’t sure how or when to use it. It stayed on the shelf for quite a while, just waiting for its turn.
One day, as is often the case, intuition struck. I had been working with oils and wanted to try something different, something that would add more texture and depth to my paintings. That’s when I remembered the cold wax sitting quietly in the studio. I decided to give it a go. Although I’ve since experimented with other brands, I started with the Cold Wax Medium from Gamblin, and honestly, I still love it. I want to clarify that this is not a sponsored piece at all, just my personal experience and appreciation for a product that has worked beautifully for me over the years.
The first thing that stood out to me when I mixed the cold wax with oils was how it altered the paint’s texture and finish. The colors remained vibrant, but the wax gave them a soft, matte quality that I hadn’t experienced with just oils alone. This matte finish changes depending on how the light hits the painting. At times, the colors seem to retreat, becoming more subtle, and then with a shift in lighting, they come back to life in a very different way. I find this fascinating because it adds an extra layer of depth to the artwork, making it more interactive and engaging for viewers.
I tend to use cold wax in higher ratios than what is recommended by the manufacturer. This may sound risky, but in my experience, it has worked out quite well. While there’s always the potential for issues with stability, I haven’t encountered significant problems. Occasionally, small cracks appear in the layers of wax, but unlike the cracks that can form in weak oil paint layers, these are stable. They don’t peel off or flake, and in fact, I’ve come to embrace them. These little imperfections add character to the piece, giving it a raw, organic quality. If the cracks are too pronounced or if I feel they need adjusting, I simply fix them after the painting has cured by adding more of the cold wax and oil mixture on top. It’s a straightforward process, and it allows me to maintain control over the final appearance of the piece.
One of the things I truly love about working with cold wax is the freedom it gives me to manipulate the surface. Once the layers are dry, I can scratch into them, revealing what’s underneath or creating textures that wouldn’t be possible with traditional oil alone. The layers of cold wax don’t blend in the same way that oil paint does. Instead, they stay somewhat isolated, allowing me to build complex textures and colors without worrying about everything mixing together into a muddy mess. This isolation of layers is one of the key reasons I’ve continued to use cold wax in my practice. It gives me a sense of freedom and flexibility that I didn’t have before.
For me, painting is as much about the process as it is about the final result. Cold wax allows me to enjoy that process fully. There’s something very satisfying about being able to work back into a painting, to scratch and scrape, to reveal hidden layers, and to add new ones without disrupting what’s already there. It feels like a dialogue between the materials and me—an ongoing conversation where both control and spontaneity play a role.
Another benefit I’ve found is that cold wax allows for longer working times. Unlike some other mediums, which can dry quickly and limit your ability to make changes, cold wax mixed with oils gives you the time to step back, reassess, and then return to the work with fresh eyes. This slower pace suits my style, as I often take breaks between painting sessions to let the piece breathe and to avoid overworking it. The medium’s forgiving nature is something I truly appreciate.
Once a painting is finished, I usually like to varnish it with a thin, sprayed layer. I’ve found that this final touch can really make the colors pop, adding a bit more life and depth to the surface. While the matte finish of cold wax has its own beauty, the slight sheen from the varnish adds another dimension that complements the overall look of the piece. It’s a delicate balance, and I always aim to keep it subtle. I don’t want to overpower the natural qualities of the wax, but just give the colors a little extra lift.
In addition to the technical benefits, cold wax has also influenced the way I think about my work. It has encouraged me to embrace unpredictability and imperfection. The process of adding and removing layers, of allowing accidents to happen, and of working with those imperfections has taught me a lot about letting go of rigid expectations. There’s a certain humility that comes with acknowledging that you don’t have complete control over the outcome—and that’s okay. In fact, it’s often in those moments of unpredictability that the most interesting and unique results emerge.
So, while cold wax may have started as just another material I bought and didn’t use for a while, it has become an integral part of my practice. I’m grateful for the way it has expanded my creative possibilities and allowed me to explore new textures, colors, and ways of working. For anyone who’s curious about trying it, I would highly recommend giving it a go. You never know—it might just become one of your favorite mediums too.
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