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The earliest known bronze casting technique was called
“lost wax". This casting technique dates back to early
Egypt, 2,000 years ago. It is a highly sophisticated
process that requires both original creativity and
skillful craftsmanship.
The artist first creates the “original” sculpture with
clay or other materials. It is then covered with a
rubber mold to create a hollow sculpture. Molten wax is
then poured into the hollow sculpture with the excessive
amount of wax poured out immediately to create a hollow
wax sculpture. This is then coated, inside and outside,
with fireproof material called “investment”. The
investment is then heated inside an oven to 1500 degrees
F. This will melt out the wax.
Molten bronze is then poured into the investment to fill
the gap created by the melted wax. After cooling, the
investment is broken off leaving a hollow bronze
sculpture exactly replicating the “original” sculpture
crafted by the artist.
The bronze sculpture is then cleaned up by sandblasting
and welding. The sculpture is then chased and polished.
It is now ready for the final finish of patina colors.
Patinas are created by applying either hot or cold
chemicals to the surface of the bronze sculpture to
create the desired color. Various patinas are used to
protect the sculpture.
To create a bronze sculpture is an art itself. There
are many steps to making a final sample. By using the
materials of clay, rubber, wax, investment and bronze, a
final sample is ready for the patina finish.
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