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13 STEPS TO BRONZE CASTING1. First, the artist makes a model or sculpture. I prefer to work in clay or wax. 2. Then, a mold is made around the completed sculpture using silicone rubber. 3. Once the silicone rubber has hardened, another mold of plaster of or fiberglass is made over the silicone forming a "shell" so that the rubber mold maintains its form. 4. Each time a bronze sculpture is produced we first cast a wax in the silicone mold, cleaning the seams and repairing any imperfections. 5. The wax copy of the sculpture is then enclosed in another mold made of ceramic shell (similar to a porcelain dish or cup). 6. The ceramic mold is then placed in a furnace to harden and the wax is melted out. The name of the process "lost wax casting" comes from this step. 7. While the ceramic mold is hot, molten bronze metal is poured into the ceramic mold. 8. After cooling, the ceramic mold is broken away from the bronze sculpture. Every bronze casting requires a new wax copy and a new ceramic mold. 9. All bronze sculptures are actually hollow and are usually cast in parts that are welded together. 10. The welds are then ground and polished by hand. 11. After the finish work has been completed a patina is applied to the sculpture. Patina is the coloration of the sculpture using various chemical formulas applied to be bronze metal while it is being heated with a torch. This causes the metal to oxidize in the permanent finishes you see. 12. The entire sculpture is then sprayed with an industrial strength clear coating to protect the patina. 13. The sculpture is now ready to be mounted on a base of hardwood or marble. Each piece is then signed and marked with its edition number. |