Encaustic painting, while rewarding, comes with common mistakes that can hinder results. Overheating the wax is a frequent issue, causing fumes and altering pigment quality. Uneven fusing with a heat source may lead to cracked or poorly adhered layers. Beginners often overapply wax, leading to muddled textures and difficulty controlling details. Insufficient ventilation during the process risks health concerns from fumes. Lastly, neglecting to experiment can limit creativity.