Michelle Helen Phaneuf typically works with acrylic ink and wax in a technique similar by Indonesian Batik dying. She builds transparent layers of ink while drawing expanding patterns in beeswax. The wax prevents color absorption between ink layers and provides texture and shadow. Instead of finishing the process by washing out the beeswax as textile artisans typically would, Phaneuf melts the wax into the surface of her paintings. The coating enhances the vibrance of the ink and providing a glazed appearance to the paintings.