Tina Allen: THE LOST WAX PROCESS

A BRIEF EXPLANATION OF
THE LOST WAX PROCESS
(ALSO KNOWN AS THE "CIRE PERDUE" PROCESS)

SCULPTING
To begin, the artist creates the sculpture, usually in clay or wax, although bronzes may be made from other materials as well.

THE RUBBER MOLD
Next, a flexible rubber mold is made from the artist's original. This modern material is able to capture every detail.

THE WAX
Molten wax is then poured into the rubber mold, producing a faithful casting of the original.

WAX CHASING
When the wax casting is removed from the mold, one of our artisans hand-finishes it to perfectly match the original.

GATING
Wax rods called gates are applied to the wax casting to allow the wax to be removed and funnels called sprues are attached to receive the molten bronze.

INVESTING
The wax casting is coated with several layers of a liquid refractory ceramic, creating a stable mold which is allowed to cure for several days.

BURN-OUT
The ceramic mold is fired in a kiln, which bakes the ceramic and burns out the wax, leaving a cavity in its place. (Thus the term, Lost Wax.)

CASTING
The ceramic mold is then filled with molten bronze at a temperature of 2100° Fahrenheit. (Bronze is an alloy of 85% copper, 5% lead, 5% tin and 5% zinc.)

BREAKOUT
After the bronze has cooled, the ceramic mold is carefully broken away, revealing the sculpture within.

SAND BLASTING
Fine sand particles are blasted under air pressure to remove the last traces of ceramic that adhere to the bronze.

CHASING
The raw casting is then turned over to another artisan who cuts away the gates and sprues, blending these areas into the casting.

PATINATION
The chased bronze is now treated with chemicals and heat to give it the chosen color according to the artist's specifications. This patina is now a permanent part of the sculpture.