The wax model is worked to remove imperfections and seam lines. The wax is sprued and gated. That means wax rods, cup and vents are added where bronze will be poured into the pattern later. A ceramic mold is built around the wax model. The ceramic mold is fired in a burnout oven to melt the wax model inside.
Molten bronze is poured into the empty ceramic shell.
After it cools, workers chip away the ceramic mold to reveal the bronze. They cut off sprues and vents, then work the metal to make it look like the original sculpture. Chemicals are used to create a patina on the bronze, giving it the color and finish desired by the artist. If you're lucky enough to have sold more than one sculpture, repeat the process. Copyright '98-'99, El Paso Inc., All rights reserved Designed by Sigma 4, Inc.