Bronze Sculpture creation by Lost Wax Process

Bronze Sculpture may seem expensive to some, but once one sees first hand the tremendous amount of time and handwork each Bronze Sculpture undergoes to become a finished Bronze Sculpture they fully realize that the bronze media is truly a work of art and have a whole new appreciation for the bronze media. In fact the price is well offset by the artisans involved throughout the entire process, from the inspiration, concept or design and creation of the original maquette by the artist to the artisans working at his or her designated art casting foundry. A long tedious turn of events transforms the sculptor’s original wax, clay or whatever media into a finished work of art in bronze or other cast metals, including precious metals.
Watanapanich’s sculpting media is mainly wax. After receiving an inspiration, an extensive amount of time is spent in research prior to beginning of sculpting and during to enable the finished Bronze Sculpture to reflect minute detail, and authenticity as well as assuring the highest quality of Bronze Sculpture. Once the creation of the original maquette (clay or wax model) is completed the casting process is completed through the lost wax method as outlined below

LOST WAX CASTING - STEP BY STEP PROCESS

1. Making the Mold from an original work of art:

This step is by far the most critical. All the detail which appears on the original sculpture, delivered by the Sculptor, must be captured in this mold. The mold, depending on the size of the sculpture, is cut into sections for casting.

2. Making the Wax casting:

Molten wax is poured into the mold to form layers of wax. This wax model is exact duplicate of the original casting; larger pieces, molds are flushed with wax to create hollow reproduction of original sculptures for better flow and detail of finished bronze castings.

3. Chasing the Wax:

The wax is pulled from the mold and hand chased (re-detailed) by a skilled foundry artisan. Although the foundry artisan reproduces the original artwork, each piece may be slightly different from the next.

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 by allowing gases to escape.

5. 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 a 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) for 24 hrs before another layer can be applied.

6. Burn-Out:

The ceramic shell is placed in a kiln and fired at approximately 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The shell bakes and the wax is melted (lost) from the shell. This creates a hollow ceramic shell mold. Thus the term "Lost Wax".

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. The bronze is melted in a crucible and removed from the furnace just prior to pouring to maintain proper heat and pour capabilities.

8. Removing the ceramic shell:

After the casting has cooled several hours, the shell is carefully broken away leaving the unfinished bronze, with the use of air hammers.

9. Sandblasting:

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

10. Assembly:

At this time all the pieces of the sculpture are welded together by the skilled craftsmen, who are artisans themselves.

11. Chasing:

All the weld marks are chased, re-detailed and sanded for the Sculptor’s inspection and approval before the finishing processes.

12. Glass Beading:

This is similar to sandblasting; the glass beads are extremely fine to ensure an even bronze finish prior to patination.

13. Patina:

The bronze is first heated. The patina chemical is hand applied by the skilled foundry artist, with the Sculptor’s oversight and directions, to obtain the desired colorization.

14. Waxing:

The wax is hand applied with heat to ensure protection of a beautiful lustrous patina.

15. Mounting and final inspection:

The bronze is mounted on a wood and/or marble base with name plate then velvet is applied to the bottom of the base and ready for the final inspection by its creator, the sculptor. Finally, the completed sculpture is released to the Sculptor or packaged and shipped to its new owner.

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Bronze Sculpture, hence Bronze Sculpture are an investment for the investor and/or collector, as well as the individual who purchases solely for the enjoyment of owning and displaying the work in their homes or place of business. Bronze Sculpture increase in value as the editions sell out so the largest return being realized on the earliest purchases, in addition to as the artist gains fame. A visit to your local art casting facility will give you or anyone a greater appreciation for the Bronze Sculpture, the process and the amount of work that goes into producing a finished Bronze Sculpture.

Quality Bronze Foundry, Bronze Sculpture, Bronze Statue, Bronze Fountain by Watanapanich