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The Encaustic HotBox is designed to give the evenly heated surface needed for encaustic monotype printmaking. It may also be used for many other techniques taught in Paula's workshops, including encaustic painting, wax collage and mixed media drawings on waxy paper. Other artists use its even heat surface to draw on the face of paper (heated from the rear) with encaustic, oil pastel and other media. Previously available only through Paula's workshops, the HotBox is now available to the public. The HotBox has adjustable heat controls and an anodized aluminum printing plate that does not chemically react with colors. Anodizing also allows the plate to be cleaned easily.
PRICES Two-Box set-up
Single Box *Some like having both size plates for their large box set-up. Additional 22”x16" plates are $50 ea; additional large plates are $100. These are available only to those who purchase the HotBox from us. The HotBox is perfect for teachers in situations with limited electrical power. Ask about discounts for multiple orders. Need a larger box for your work? Push multiple boxes together and we will order you a huge plate. HOW TO PURCHASE
For Hotbox orders write: paularoland@yahoo.com
ANSWERS TO FAQ: Can't I make this myself, or have someone locally do it? Maybe, but most people find that there is a steep learning curve and dozens of trips to the hardware store. And there is often a problem getting the aluminum plate in certain locals. Finding someone to anodize the metal may be more difficult and expensive unless done in bulk. Those in large industrial areas may fare best. Also, The Open Studio LLC has perfected the design over 14 years, and we know the details that make it most efficient and safe. How long does it take to heat up? About 20 minutes. The plate temperature varies a bit according to the ambient temperature in the room. The dial may need adjusting as the temperature builds up. Will the heat ruin my table? No, the box is insulated and raised off the table. Is it safe? At these temperatures it is not hot enough to burn or blister—just ouch! If the HotBox it is used as a painting palette you may mix paint directly on the surface or turn up the rheostat and melt wax in small pans. We suggest if the box is on HIGH for several hours that you slide over the plate and let some heat escape, just as a precaution, as this item does not cycle on and off like a griddle or hotplate. Use only 100 watt bulbs (lower wattage is acceptable but never use higher) . Read more about safety below* How do I clean it? Small scratches on the plate do not affect the printing process—only very deep gouges. All aluminum scratches easily and it is impossible to purchase aluminum without slight scratches. Light scratches and nicks can be buffed with fine steel wool should it become necessary. If wax gets on the exterior, the box is best cleaned with vegetable oil and a little heat. NOTE: If your plate bows slightly simply turn it over. To size a new plate heat on high for 30 minutes and apply paraffin wax over the surface and let stand for a few minutes. Then thoroughly wipe and clean completely as directed above. How do I keep the plate from sliding? What about shipping? We take the box to a professional packer and have rarely had an insurance claim for damage. The box ships UPS. If we have the boxes you need in stock it should arrive in about 1 ½ weeks. If not, it may take 3-4 weeks to receive. If you order two boxes they are shipped in one box but the large plate is shipped separately. Items will be insured and if your box should arrive damaged, save/document packing materials and notify us immediately. Is there a Warranty? Our product is guaranteed to be from defects in material and workmanship for 90 days from purchase. Warranty applies to original owner only and excludes tampering, misuse, abuse, or alteration. If you wish to obtain warranty service, call or email us first. Then properly package the unit and return it to us insured with freight prepaid . Warranty is applicable only in USA and Canada. Each box weighs about 15 lbs, (19 with packing, including plate). Dimensions are 16” x 22” x 6.25” high. The box is made of wood or MDF and insulated with foil covered fiberglass. The plate is anodized aluminum which keeps colors from changing in reaction to the metal and allows it to be cleaned very easily. GETTING STARTED How do I get started? We suggest purchasing a grill (surface) thermometer from a cooking store and two large binding clips (office supply store). Put the plate on top and clamp it down on the side bar with the binder clips. The clamps may also be used to hold/register the paper while printing. Preheat the box to between 160 and 180 F. The hotter the surface the more the wax will flow and the less control you will have—but this can be a good thing. You will find varying the temp and the type of paper will create vastly different effects. Take encaustic in cold form (a block, chunk, crayon-size stick, etc) and draw/apply the colored wax to the plate. Manipulate the image with various tools and materials (try starting with a pencil eraser!). When you are satisfied, lay an absorbent paper on top of the image and lightly press the back with a baren (used in block printing) or a rag. Purchase a pad of calligraphy-type rice paper to get started. Then try other papers, varying the weight and absorbency, finding which ones you like. What if I need more information about the encaustic processes? We strongly suggest that you take a workshop from Paula, especially for the encaustic monotypes—she's the expert and offers a wealth of information! Roland also offers painting and other encaustic workshops as listed on her website, www.paularoland.com . Be sure to read what participants have said about her workshops. There may also be good local instruction in your area and we may be able to recommend someone. Studying with a professional will save you much time and probably much money in the long run. We can also recommend the following books on encaustic, though they have limited info on encaustic printmaking. Both books do feature works by Paula Roland: The Art of Encaustic Painting by Joanne Mattera (Watson Guptill, 2001) –better know as the encaustic bible. A must read, but not a how to book. Embracing Encaustic by Linda and William Womack (Hive Publishing, http://www.lindawomack.com/books/purchase.html)—a good basic how to book. An excellent website for supplies and encaustic information is R&F Handmade Paints , http://www.rfpaints.com/ *Other safety precautions, because you can never be too safe! Ventilate with an exhaust window fan to remove encaustic fumes. Sale of this equipment presumes that you know about the health and safety concerns regarding use and heating of wax and related materials. Educate yourself, take a basic encaustic course, and read one of the recommended books mentioned above. Use common sense. Do not leave the HotBox , hot plates, griddles or similar appliances on without supervision. Inspect cords regularly and keep them dry. Do not immerse the box in water or put liquid inside. At 250 F wax begins to decompose and smoke. These fumes are harmful. There is absolutely not reason to work above 220 F, the limit for the HotBox . If the HotBox it is used as a painting palette you may mix paint. Turn up the dimmer switch t to melt wax in small pans. If the box is on HIGH for several hours, we suggest that you slide over the plate and let some heat escape, just as a precaution, as this item does not cycle on and off like a griddle or hotplate.
Why Encaustic Monotypes? Encaustic in print form will not crack off because the wax becomes one with the paper. Encaustic in this form is safe and easy to store or ship as it is very much less vulnerable to heat or cold. The process is fun (some say addictive, others say meditative), spontaneous, and one can generate many images in a short time. It's very freeing! It's as much a tool for developing and promoting creativity as it is for producing finished works of art. You will discover many new ideas. It combines easily with mixed media and encaustic in other forms. Prints may be framed conventionally or mounted to a rigid surface and coated with clear wax and/or used as a base for encaustic painting. There's much more on Paula's website to entice you!!
For Hotbox orders write: paularoland@yahoo.com For Workshop information please go to the website: Inquire about bringing Paula's workshops to your community of artists or
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