LOST WAX BRONZE PROCESS

by William H. Turner

This method of casting bronze is an ancient craft, at least 5,000 years old. It remains essentially unchanged, but has been improved with modern technology. We believe we have made some improvements.

  • The first step in the creation of a bronze sculpture is a mental concept nourished and inspired by observation. If this is a large or complex bronze we usually design a maquette (a miniature scale model) of the proposed larger one. This gives one a good idea what the finished bronze will look like before the actual model is begun, allowing for manipulation and experimentation on a small and convenient scale.

  • The next step is the creation of a model in clay or wax that will be exactly like the proposed sculpture. In doing this, one must anticipate mold making, welding joints, etc. so that future steps are as easy as possible.

  • Next a rubber and/or plaster mold is made of every part of the sculpture. Sometimes there is one piece, sometimes many. After the mold is made the clay or wax model is of no further use and is usually recycled. Clay that is a frog today may be an elephant tomorrow.

   

  • Into the mold, hot wax is brushed and poured to form a hollow wax pattern identical to the original model. For every bronze that will be made there must be a wax pattern. After wax gates, vents, and channels are attached to the wax pattern, it is ready to be invested. This means a mold of a refractory material will be built around and into the hollow wax pattern.

  • This investment process is accomplished by alternately dipping the wax into a liquid silica and then powdered silica, allowing each coat to dry for several hours. After about a week the mold is built up to the thickness needed to hold molten bronze. This wax pattern, encased in a silica mold, is then placed in a 1500 degree F oven and the wax is melted out, leaving a hollow silica mold ready to receive the molten bronze.

  • The mold is allowed to cool and, after inspection for cracks, is inverted (with the opening pointed up) in the same oven and reheated. At the same time, bronze ingots are melted (2000 degrees F) and the molten bronze is poured into the hot silica mold.

  • After cooling, the mold is removed with hammers and a sandblaster. The bronze sprues and vents are removed and the casting remains. If more than one piece is involved in the sculpture, the parts are welded together and the resulting seams removed with careful grinding and sanding.

  • After a final sandblasting or glass beading, the bronze is ready for the final finish, a patina. Patinas are created by applying liquid chemicals to the surface of the bronze after it is heated with a blow torch. Under heat these chemicals react with the copper content of the bronze alloy to give a controlled oxidation. Colors can vary according to the intensity of the heat and the chemicals used. Usually many coats are applied until the desired color is obtained.

  • This final step is the application of several coats of wax or sealer to enrich the color and protect the bronze.

Herons & Egrets  |  Waterfowl  |  Birds  |   Birds Of Prey  |  Owls   |  Game Birds   |  Sea Birds
Fish  |  Dolphins, Whales & Manatees | Marine Life   |  Frogs & Reptiles  |  Turtles
African WildlifeBig Cats   |  Elephants  |  American Wildlife  |  Bears
Childhood Memories  | Farm Animals  |  Dogs  |  Horses
Squirrels, Mice & Raccoons  |  Rabbits   |  Foxes
Otters  |  Deer & Antelope  |  Rams
Childrens Sculptures

Wildlife Sculptures | Wildlife Tables | Work in Progress | Special Offers | Public Commissions
Art Prints | Books by William Turner | Price List | Show Schedule | Newsletter "Tracks"
About Us | Contact Us | The Foundry | Links

All artwork and photographs © Turner Sculpture
Prices subject to change without notice