The word encaustic is a Greek term which means to burn in. Each layer of the wax needs to be fused to the bottom layer. Encaustic is not he media. It is beeswax that has damar resin mixed in.
So many people give me candles thinking that I can use it in my art. Candle wax is paraffin or has a petroleum base to it. It is not used in the encaustic process.
So if you want to be generous please send Girl Scout “Thin Mints” they will not end up in the artwork, but you can feed a starving artist.
This is what pigmented encaustic looks like and ready to melt