Frequently Asked Questions

I offer full classes (multiple modules, in-depth projects) and mini classes (shorter, focused on one project). All classes are available in both oils + cold wax medium and acrylics + Powerwax. Browse all classes on my Classes page.

My classes are suitable for all levels — from complete beginners to experienced painters. I explain every step clearly and start from the basics. The most important thing is that you enjoy the journey!

All my classes are instant access. You get access to all content immediately after enrollment and can work through everything at your own pace. There is no start or end date.

Forever! You get lifetime access to all lessons and videos. Come back whenever you want — many students rewatch the demonstrations every time they paint.

All classes are hosted on New Zenler. After enrollment, you can log in at classes.marinatvb.com to access your lessons.

Yes! We have a private Cold Wax Creative Community on Facebook where you can share your progress, ask questions, and get inspired by fellow students. I check in regularly and love seeing what you create!

Unfortunately, once you are enrolled in a course I am unable to offer a refund. But I’m confident you’ll love it!

Cold wax medium is a paste made from beeswax, solvent, and resin that you mix with oil paints. It gives your paintings a beautiful matte, velvety finish with incredible texture. Unlike encaustic (hot wax), cold wax is used at room temperature — no heat needed!

I use and recommend Gamblin Cold Wax Medium. It’s widely available and gives beautiful, consistent results. You can find more details in my Art Supplies Guide.

Cold wax paintings dry to the touch in about 24–48 hours, depending on how thick your layers are and the temperature in your studio. Thicker layers may take longer. Full curing takes several weeks.

Not at all! While cold wax is popular for abstract painting, I specialize in painting representational subjects — portraits, figures, flowers, and more — all in cold wax and oils. That’s what makes my classes unique!

Traditional cold wax medium only works with oil paints. If you prefer acrylics, check out my classes that use Powerwax — a water-based cold wax medium designed for acrylics! See the Acrylics & Powerwax page for more info.

Powerwax is a water-based cold wax medium designed to be used with acrylics. It gives you the same beautiful matte, textured look as traditional cold wax medium — but it dries much faster and cleans up with water. Perfect if you love the cold wax look but prefer working with acrylics!

I’ve put together a handy guide with all the places where you can buy Powerwax, including links to online shops that ship worldwide. Check out my Where to Buy Powerwax page.

No, Powerwax is water-based and should only be used with acrylics. If you want to work with oils, use traditional cold wax medium instead. I offer classes in both mediums! Visit my Cold Wax & Oils page for more info.

The main differences are: Powerwax is water-based, dries faster, cleans up with water, and is used with acrylics. Traditional cold wax medium (like Gamblin) is solvent-based, dries slower, requires solvent for cleanup, and is used with oil paints. Both give a beautiful matte, textured finish.

The Cold Wax Collective is a monthly membership — your creative home for cold wax painting. It includes monthly techniques, mini classes, full classes, challenges, live sessions, and more.

As a member you get access to monthly new content, exclusive mini classes, full classes, painting challenges, live sessions, and the private community. New content is added every month so there’s always something fresh to inspire you.

Yes, you can cancel your membership at any time. You’ll keep access until the end of your current billing period.

For oils + cold wax: oil paints, cold wax medium, Arches oil paper or a wooden panel, a palette knife, and a bowl scraper. For acrylics + Powerwax: acrylic paints, Powerwax, paper or panel, and basic tools. You don’t need anything fancy to start — the full supply list is included in each class.

Check out my Art Supplies Guide for detailed recommendations on paints, cold wax medium, tools, and surfaces. For Powerwax specifically, visit my Where to Buy Powerwax page.

Not at all! You can start with student-grade paints and basic tools. To begin, you really only need cold wax medium (or Powerwax), oil paper, and an old credit card or palette knife to apply the paint. You can always upgrade as you grow.