THE CULMINATION OF A SPANISH MILESTONE
This set marks the inception of our atelier: a foundational edition of just 12 units, meticulously crafted for those seeking the raw, physical truth of color and material. We eschew industrial chemicals and synthetic resins in favor of a handcrafted practice that reclaims the technical secret Leonardo da Vinci himself famously struggled to stabilize in his quest for an immortal mural medium.
Rooted in the cold encaustic technique—rediscovered in 1962 by the scholar and artist José Cuní while tracing the historic treatises of the Jesuit Vicente Requeno—we have achieved a "living matter" that endures through time. Small-batch formulated in our private workshop, this collection utilizes noble, eco-friendly ingredients such as premium extra virgin olive oil, locally sourced beeswax, and pure natural resins to bestow a sense of historical dignity upon every finish.
COLLECTION OVERVIEW
THE ART OF COLD ENCAUSTIC: ALCHEMY AND MEMORY
Encaustic is the language of immortality. From the frescoes of Pompeii to the masterful rediscovery by José Cuní, this Spanish-Berber method has proven that the union of wax and water can conquer time itself. In our atelier, we revive this 18th-century knowledge to offer two pure formulas, free from industrial chemicals and 100% VOC-free (Volatile Organic Compounds).
1. EMULSIÓN DE AUTOR — 150 ml
A light yet powerful technical base, born from the union of virgin local beeswax, plant waxes, and Spanish Extra Virgin Olive Oil. This is a living product designed for absolute respect of the authentic patina of antique furniture.
Unique Properties: • Soft Intermediate Barrier: Applied between colour layers, it acts as a technical "separator" preventing strata from mixing, allowing unique visual depth. • Natural Erosion (Distressing Effect): Mixed with our Spanish pigmented mineral distemper, Legacy Paint, it allows removal of finish layers using steel wool. This process creates organic wear, as if time—not human hands—had eroded the piece. Creating a silky finish with the natural sheen inherent to the material, without industrial gloss, after buffing.
Workshop Applications: • Curatorial Cleaning: Removes pollution, dust, dirt or fingerprints while respecting the original patina of furniture, without damage, even on the most delicate antiques and woods, thanks to its natural ingredients and composition. Whisk with warm purified or spring water. For slightly deeper cleaning while still respecting the wood, mix with a pinch of unwashed ground ash, creating a natural, gentle saponification with centuries of tradition, due to the potash in the ash and its slight natural abrasive power. • Colour Vehicle: Creates glazes of historical transparency when integrated with pure pigments, always using warm water as the medium.
THE CORRECT GESTURE: Use in minimal quantities, mixed with warm water (natural, never tap) or with our Legacy Paint.
TECHNICAL RECOMMENDATION: Do not apply to raw wood; its water base would raise the grain. Use it to protect, separate and age previous finishes. May be used as a final finish for decorative objects not exposed to continuous friction or weather. For stronger protection, it can be combined with our mineral encaustic wax presented below.
2. CERA VELOURS DU TEMPS — 120 mlPrimordial Matter: The Matte Seal and Thermal Activation
This creamy wax is the architecture of the finish. Rich in natural resins and mineral fillers of Spanish historical origin, it offers the natural matte, silky finish of the great Spanish and European courts.
Workshop Properties: • Heat Activation (optional): For extra protection and greater depth, apply the wax and briefly warm it with a hairdryer. Heat expands the wood's pores, melting the resins and minerals with controlled warmth, allowing protection to penetrate the heart of the piece. • Mineral Seal: Creates a physical barrier against moisture without the artificial shine of modern varnishes. • Multiple Uses: Excellent for final sealing of furniture, protection of plaster, terracotta or metal sculptures, giving them a "skin-like" touch and historical matte finish.
APPLICATION METHOD: Apply a small amount with cloth or brush, using circular motions, without excessive rubbing—always a gentle, moderate application. If applying this wax with heat (optional), after cooling, pass a dry cloth to set and burnish the mineral velvet.
ATELIER COMMITMENT & CONSERVATION
Eco-Friendly Philosophy: No solvents, no turpentines, no petroleum derivatives. Total safety for the restorer and the home.
Artisan Batch Preparation: Each container is the result of manual batch preparation, respecting the oil harvest and the purity of local wax. We do not maintain industrial stock; therefore, the nature of labels, containers or packaging materials may change, but never the quantity. Likewise, because this is a fresh, living product with nature's own preservatives, we typically prepare in small batches. Therefore, if stock is unavailable at the time of your order, a new batch is prepared and allowed to rest for the necessary time for proper dispatch, between 3 and 5 days.
Alchemical Stability: Being a product free from synthetic chemicals, its optimal life is 9 to 12 months, provided it is stored in a cool, dry place, protected from sunlight, direct heat and hot lights to maintain its molecular structure and freshness intact.