Damar resin, a component of encaustic paint, is a natural tree resin that allows encaustic paints to be buffed to a higher, more translucent surface and helps prevent blooming in the wax. Beeswax can be used as the prime ingredient, along with damar resin, for making encaustic medium. It can also be used straight as an initial primer coating for panels and paper to be used with encaustics.