Lost Wax Bronze Casting Process

The following is the step by step process of the “Lost Wax Casting” method. After reviewing this process, which normally takes approximately two weeks to complete a single sculpture, you will have a better understanding of all that is involved.

STEP 1 Making the Mold: This step is by far the most critical. All the detail which appears on the sculpture must be captured in the mold. The mold (depending on the size of the sculpture) is cut into sections for casting.

STEP 2 Making the Wax Casting: Molten wax is poured into the mold to form layers of wax.

STEP 3 Chasing the Wax: The wax is pulled from the mold and hand chased (re-detailed) by a skilled artisan. Although the artist reproduces the original artwork, each piece may slightly differ from the next.

STEP 4 Spruing: Wax rods (gates) and pouring cup are attached to the wax casting in just the right positions. This will assure a full pour.

STEP 5 Casting the Ceramic Mold (Investment Casting): In a temperature controlled climate of 72 degrees Fahrenheit, the wax casting is dipped into Investment liquid several times. On the first dip a fine powder is applied. On the next dip of course, ceramic sand will be applied. This step is repeated several times, each increasing the coarseness of the material to create the ceramic mold. Between each dip, the ceramic layer must cure (dry) before another layer can be applied.

STEP 6 Burn-Out: The ceramic shell is placed in a kiln and fired. The shell bakes and the wax is melted (lost) from the shell. This creates a hollow ceramic shell mold. Thus the term “Lost Wax.”

STEP 7 Casting: The ceramic shell (mold) is removed from the kiln and immediately the molten bronze is poured into the shell. At the time of pouring, the bronze is 2100 degrees Fahrenheit.

STEP 8 Break-Out: After the casting has cooled several hours, the shell is carefully broken away leaving the unfinished bronze.

STEP 9 Sandblasting: Any fragments of the ceramic shell are removed by sandblasting. The sculpture is also carefully inspected at this point.

STEP 10 Assembly: At this time all the pieces of the sculpture are welded together by our skilled craftsman.

STEP 11 Chasing: All the weld marks are chased and re-detailed.

STEP 12 Glass Beading: This is similar to sandblasting. The glass is extremely fine to ensure an even bronze finish.

STEP 13 Polish: The raw bronze sculpture is now hand polished in preparation for the patina.

STEP14 Patina: The bronze is first heated. The patina chemical is hand applied by our skilled artist.

STEP 15 Waxing: The wax is hand applied with heat to ensure a beautiful lustrous patina.

STEP 16 Mounting and Inspection: The bronze is mounted on a marble base and the final inspection will take place. Our customer will be assured to receive a fine quality sculpture.

STEP 17 Shipping: The sculpture is now ready to be packaged and shipped.