Lost-wax Casting Method
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LOST-WAX CASTING METHOD
This casting technique, the origins of which have been lost in the mists of time, is used to produce small sculpted objects in metal (gold, silver, bronze, copper, brass, etc.). Traditionally, a hollow wax figure of the object is modeled then encased in clay, the innermost layer of which closely follows the shape of the object. A hole is made at the top and bottom of the mould. The mold is baked to melt the wax, which runs out of the hole in the base. The molten metal is then poured through the hole in the top. Once cold, the clay mold is broken, revealing the object in metal. The sculpture is then filed to refine the surface, cleaned and polished.
