Enough philosophy . Here are MY preferences :
MEDIUM
I prefer an 8:1 beeswax / damar mixture I will also use paper and oil stick in some pieces .
As times goes on , I prefer using only encaustic medium and less mixed media .
SURFACE
Cradled Birch painting panel by American Easel ( Dick Blick )
GROUND
Venetian plaster- I prefer Valspar ( Lowes ) Behr is also an option ( Home Depot )
Northern Lights , encaustic on birch panel , 10 x 22 inches , 2012