Acrylics + Water-Based Cold Wax
Painting with Acrylics & Water-Based Cold Wax
Your complete guide to Powerwax painting
Do you love the look of cold wax and oils but prefer painting with acrylics? Try water-based cold wax! Mix it with your acrylic paints to achieve beautiful textures, layers, and a soft matte finish — without harmful chemicals or long drying times.
No Harmful Chemicals
No fumes or strong smells — safe, non-toxic, and better for you and the environment
Faster Drying
Dries in hours instead of weeks — faster than oils, slower than acrylics alone
Beautiful Texture
Creates layered depth and a soft, matte finish that looks and feels like traditional cold wax
Easy Cleanup
Just soap and water — no solvents needed, making it perfect for home studios
Getting Started with Powerwax
Everything you need to know about water-based cold wax and how to begin
What is Water-Based Cold Wax?
Water-based cold wax is a white, creamy medium that becomes transparent as it dries. Unlike traditional cold wax (which only works with oils), this version is water-soluble and mixes perfectly with acrylics, pigments, inks, sand, marble dust, and more.
Why Artists Love It
- No harmful chemicals or strong smells — safe and non-toxic
- Dries in hours instead of weeks
- Creates beautiful layered depth and matte finish
- Works with stencils, collage, pigments, and textured effects
- Easy cleanup with just soap and water
Suppliers
Where to Buy Powerwax
The water-based cold wax I use is called Powerwax, made by Powertex. It's available through Powertex representatives in most countries. I've put together a full list of worldwide suppliers with links and discount codes.
View Powerwax Suppliers
Free guide
Free Art Supply Guide for Acrylics & Powerwax
Not sure what materials you need? Download my free supply guide with my personal recommendations for paints, tools, and surfaces to get started with water-based cold wax.
Learn to Paint with Acrylics & Powerwax
Step-by-step video classes where I walk you through color, layering, and composition so you can create confident, expressive paintings.
Cold Wax & Acrylics
The comprehensive in-depth class on painting with Powerwax and acrylics. Techniques, layering, color, and composition.
View ClassBeautiful Blooms
A free class on painting abstract flowers with water-based cold wax. Perfect for beginners.
View ClassFigure in Cold Wax & Acrylics
Learn how to paint figures using cold wax and acrylics with collage techniques.
View ClassColour Bootcamp
Master color mixing and create harmonious palettes for your cold wax paintings.
View ClassFree Videos on YouTube
Watch me paint with water-based cold wax and acrylics — tips, techniques, and full painting demos.
Painting with Acrylics & Powerwax
Powerwax Techniques & Layering
Water-Based Cold Wax Demo
Creating Textures with Powerwax
Tips & Tutorials
Read more about cold wax techniques, supplies, and inspiration on the blog
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the water-based cold wax called and where can I buy it?⌄
The water-based cold wax I use is called Powerwax, made by Powertex. It's available through Powertex representatives in most countries. I've put together a full list of suppliers on my Where to Buy Powerwax page.
Can you make water-based cold wax yourself?⌄
You can make oil-based cold wax medium at home (I have a tutorial on this!), but water-based cold wax like Powerwax cannot be homemade — it's a specially formulated product.
Is cold wax only for abstract painters?⌄
Not at all! I use cold wax for figurative work including portraits, figures, and flowers. It works beautifully for any painting style — abstract, semi-abstract, or representational.
How long does a Powerwax painting take to dry?⌄
Most of the time a thin layer is dry after one or two hours. Thicker layers may take longer. You can speed things up by adding sand or marble dust to the mix. It dries much faster than oil-based cold wax, but slower than acrylics alone — giving you time to blend and layer.
Why use water-based cold wax instead of heavy gel medium?⌄
Powerwax creates a softer, more matte finish and better transparency than heavy gel medium, which tends to dry more plastic-like or glossy. The waxy feel is much closer to traditional cold wax and gives your paintings a beautiful tactile surface.
What are your favorite drawing tools for cold wax?⌄
I love Neocolor II water-soluble crayons for adding lines and details. They work beautifully on top of and into wet wax layers.
What are your favorite texture tools?⌄
Stencils, embossed wallpaper, wooden skewers, stamps, and silicon brushes. I also love using old credit cards and palette knives for applying and scraping. The possibilities are endless!
Ready to Try Water-Based Cold Wax?
Join artists worldwide discovering the magic of Powerwax and acrylics.