Beeswax makes varnishes and paints appear matte. In encaustic painting, it is used as the binding medium. It can be blended with oils, resins and diluents for use in oil painting media. A small addition to oil paint is said to slow drying and reduce yellowing, as well as improve the stability of paint and make it more suitable for impasto effects. It may also be used as a final varnish and employed in temperas.