Loading...

Lost Wax process

Bronze sculptures are made using a process typically known as lost-wax technique or ‘cire perdue’ in artistic terms. This prestigious
method has its roots in ancient times and dates back as far as 5,000 B.C.

The lost wax process begins with the creation of a maquette (model), usually out of clay or wax by the artisan. From this maquette, the artisans create an exact negative by covering the clay and wax with various fine layers of silicon-rubber and plaster. This is one of the most complex parts in the bronze process, which if done well, is able to capture every detail of the original creation.

This mold is the basis to creating a wax cast: hot wax is brushed onto it several times, making sure it seeps into all the most minute spaces and coats the inside of the mold.

Once the wax has cooled, we are left with a faithful hollow wax duplicate of the original. An expert artisan finishes the wax pattern by hand if needed, treating each wax casting as an original work of art.

Subsequently wax rods, called ‘gates’ and ‘sprues’, are attached to the wax model. These allow the molten bronze to flow into the mold.

Since the mold needs to be baked, a rock-hard shell made of plaster and refractory sand is built around the wax model which can resist to high temperatures and pressure. At this point, it can be put in a furnace where the wax melts away, leaving a hollow space.
Hence the term ‘lost wax’.

When the hard shell has cooled, molten bronze is poured into the cavity that is left by the lost wax.
The bronze solidifies, the plaster can be chipped away and the gates and sprues cut off. What we are left with, is an exact bronze which exactly replicates the maquette (model).

A talented artisan will clean the bronze and sand blast it to remove any pieces of the coating in order to reach the original texture of the art work.

One of the last steps is known as patination and is the traditional technique for colouring bronzes. Combining heat with chemicals and acids, the bronze reacts to create rich shades of colours according to artistic specifications.

This casting method can be used for casting bronze, aluminium and silver.

Vacuum molding

This technique is excellent for obtaining sculptures in very short time, as within 4 to 5 days it is possible to have the artwork cast. It is ideal for very small sculptures which are rich in detail, as this method is very precise. It is also used for creating jewels.
Using this technique, sculptures up to 50/52 cm high and 25/26 cm wide can be cast. Sculptures can also be divided into different pieces that can be cast separately.

This casting method can be used for casting bronze, aluminium and silver.

Ceramic mold casting

This technique is recommended for sculptures with a very smooth and shiny surface. It is frequently used for casting small sculptures.
It is a very quick casting method, as in two weeks the final product can be created.

This casting method can be used for casting bronze, aluminium and silver.