Lost Wax Casting Service
What Is Lost Wax Casting?
Lost wax casting is a precise and time-honored technique used to create metal sculptures, particularly in bronze. The process begins with crafting a detailed wax model, which is then encased in a mold. The wax is melted away and replaced with molten metal, resulting in a highly detailed, durable, and visually striking sculpture.
This method is widely used for producing fine art sculptures, functional statues, and architectural elements, offering unmatched detail and long-lasting quality.
When Was Lost Wax Casting Invented?
Lost wax casting dates back over 6,000 years, originally used for crafting tools and ornamental pieces. By the Renaissance, it became a key technique in bronze artistry, championed by master sculptors like Benvenuto Cellini. Today, this method remains integral to the creation of fine sculptures, blending ancient craftsmanship with modern advancements.
Benefits of the Lost Wax Casting Technique
Lost wax casting offers numerous advantages, making it the preferred technique for bronze sculptures and statues:
- Exceptional Detail and Precision: Captures the finest details of the original wax model, ensuring intricate and lifelike features.
- Durability: Bronze sculptures created through this method are incredibly resilient, withstanding environmental factors for generations.
- Versatility: The process allows for sculptures of various sizes and complexities, from grand outdoor installations to intricate collectibles.
- Artistic Integrity: Faithfully preserves the artist’s vision, ensuring the final piece remains true to the original design.
- Timeless Appeal: Bronze statues and sculptures produced via lost wax casting possess a classic aesthetic, making them prized pieces in collections and public spaces.
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The 12 Steps of the Lost Wax Casting Process
At Randolph Rose Collection, we use the traditional lost wax casting method to create beautiful and lasting bronze art. This process requires skill, attention to detail, and time, often taking weeks or even months to complete.
Bronze, an alloy of about 85% copper with tin, zinc, and silicon, is known for its strength and timeless appeal. It’s the perfect material for durable and visually stunning sculptures and fountains.
With decades of experience, our team works with precision and care to turn creative ideas into remarkable works of art. Whether you’re looking for a custom sculpture, a classic bronze fountain, or a unique decorative piece, our lost wax casting process ensures the highest quality and craftsmanship.
Below, we’ve outlined the 12 steps we follow to bring each bronze sculpture to life.
1. MODEL
A rubber mold is made of the outside of the original model sculpture by applying multiple layers of liquid silicone rubber over the clay, which creates a flexible mold.
2. MOLD MAKING
A rubber mold is made of the outside of the original model sculpture by applying multiple layers of liquid silicone rubber over the clay, which creates a flexible mold.
3. THE RUBBER MOLD
Will show every exact detail from the original. It is coated in liquid fiberglass, which hardens into a supportive shell.
4. WAX CASTING
The hardened mold is removed from clay sculpture. Molten wax is poured into the mold.
5. REMOVAL OF WAX
The wax cools and the mold is gently removed from the wax, leaving an exact wax replica of the original sculpture.
6. GATING
Wax rods and funnels are attached to the wax sculpture to alleviate the trapping of air and gas
7. INVESTMENT
The wax duplicate is coated with a liquid ceramic. This is done several times to create a stable mold.
8. BURNOUT
The ceramic shell coated wax sculpture is fired up in a kiln. The “burnout” process bakes the shell and the wax melts out. This is where the term "Lost Wax" comes from. The inside is hollow and ready for the bronze
9. POURING
Bronze is melted at 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit. The molten bronze is poured into the cured ceramic shell.
10. REMOVAL OF SHELL
After the bronze cools, the ceramic shell is carefully removed. We now have a bronze sculpture!
11. SANDBLASTING
The sculpture is sandblasted and cleaned to remove any fragments. Artists will hand finish the bronze to look exactly like the original.
12. PATINA & WAX
A patina is applied with heat to color the bronze. A coat of wax is then applied to protect and seal the finished sculpture.
Custom bronze statue of baseball legend Joe Altobelli.
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Maintaining Your Bronze Artwork
Proper maintenance ensures that your bronze statues and fountains retain their beauty and durability for years to come. Follow these simple steps to care for your piece:
- Regular Cleaning: Dust your sculpture regularly with a soft, dry cloth to prevent dirt buildup. For deeper cleaning, use a damp cloth with mild soap and water, then wipe it dry. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage the patina.
- Apply Wax Annually: To protect the sculpture’s finish, apply a clear, specialized wax once a year. Spread it evenly using a soft cloth, then buff gently after it dries to maintain a protective barrier against moisture and oxidation.
- Monitor Outdoor Sculptures: If your sculpture is displayed outdoors, inspect it periodically for signs of wear due to weather exposure. Reapply wax every six months to counteract environmental effects like rain and UV rays.
- Manage Water Exposure: For outdoor sculptures with fountains or water features, regularly check for mineral buildup or algae. Clean with non-abrasive materials and avoid hard water deposits.
- Protect Against Extreme Weather: Bronze sculptures are highly durable, but covering or relocating them during severe weather can help preserve their finish and longevity.
- Handle with Care: When moving or repositioning your sculpture, use proper lifting techniques to avoid scratches or accidental damage. Seek professional help for larger or more delicate pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does lost wax casting cost?
The cost of lost wax casting varies depending on the size, complexity, and details. Factors such as design intricacy and material requirements can significantly influence pricing for custom artwork pieces. Contact us for a personalized quote.
Why is it called lost wax casting?
The term "lost wax casting" comes from the process where the original wax model is melted and "lost" during the casting phase, leaving a hollow mold that is filled with molten metal.
What makes lost wax casting superior to other methods?
It offers unparalleled precision, capturing intricate details while creating durable, lifelike sculptures that can last for generations.
Can outdoor bronze sculptures withstand weather?
Yes, bronze is highly durable, and protective patinas and wax coatings provide lasting resistance against harsh environmental elements.
Is lost wax casting eco-friendly?
Yes, the process minimizes waste, and materials like wax and bronze are frequently reused or recycled.
What is the weight of a typical bronze sculpture?
Weights vary by size and design, ranging from a few pounds for small pieces to hundreds for larger sculptures.
Why is bronze preferred for sculptures?
Its timeless aesthetic, strength, and ability to capture intricate details make it a favorite among artists and collectors.
Is lost wax casting suitable for small, intricate pieces?
Absolutely! The technique excels at reproducing fine details, making it ideal for both small and complex designs.