The work of art

The artist supplies the original model in clay, terracotta, plaster or in any other material of his or her choice. Silicon mould. Liquid silicon mixed with a hardening product can be used to make a perfect negative cast of the original model. This supple silicon mould lies in a hard support mould of plaster or artificial resin.

Wax model

Melted, synthetic wax is poured into this silicon mould in layers or brushed in order to create a hollow positive copy with a wall thickness of 3 to 4 mm.

Wax corrections

The seams of the silicon mould and other technical interventions are neatly hidden which results in the wax copy of the original model being near perfect.

Moulding system

Wax mould channels and a moulding cup are now secured to this corrected wax sculpture. The melted metal will later be poured in via this moulding system.

Ceramic shell

A ceramic casing is applied around the wax sculpture. Dunking in an initial bath of heat-resistant glue and subsequently in a whirlpool filled with very fine, treated sand grain ensures all details are effortlessly transferred. A crust or shell is formed layer upon layer, both on the outside as well as the inside of the wax sculpture. 

Removal of the wax

By placing the ceramic shell in an oven, all the wax is melted out of the shell via the sawn open moulding cup. The shell will also gain extra strength as a result of the burning. 

The moulding

A hollow area with a wall thickness of 3 to 4 mm (see wax model) has been created as a result of the melting of the wax, within which the melted bronze can be poured via the moulding cup and moulding channels. Bronze is moulded at around 1130°C.

The breaking out

Once the metal has solidified, the ceramic shell can be removed. The moulding channels can subsequently be cut off.

Chasing

This stage includes soldering, filing, chasing and sanding, in order to remove any imperfections and technical interventions of the moulding process and to restore the moulded work of art into its original form.

Patina

A patina (colour) is applied to the bronze work of art as a result of the burning in of chemical products. It is protected by a layer of wax.