Perfect Bronze Boyfriend: a Step by Step Guide
Decide what your bronze boyfriend should look like. Sculpt him out of clay.
Cover the clay model of the sculpture with silicone. This silicone mold can be reused to make copies of him for your friends.
Did you know that other names for this process of bronze casting other than lost-wax method includes, lost mold because materials other than wax can be used such as resin, tar and textiles.
Fill the silicone mold with layers of molten wax, letting each layer dry before applying the next. Approximately 3 coats.
Bronze is an alloy typically made from 88% copper and 12% tin. However other metals can be added depending on the use and colour needed.
Dip wax replica into either ceramic resin or silica and sand. Allow shell to dry and add another coat, the bigger the model the more coats needed. Approximately 6-12 coats.
Did you know that metal casting began in the Indus Valley Civilisation around 3,500 B.C. They produced the earliest example of lost-wax casting that dates back 5,000 years.
Place the ceramic shell into a kiln set at 1,800 degrees. At this point the wax will melt. Allow the shell to cool and pour in the molten bronze.
Did you know this method can also be used to create jewellery. In 3rd millennium B.C Egyptians were making bracelets and gold jewellery using this method
Crack open the ceramic shell using a hammer and chisel. Buff if necessary using a hand held buffing machine. Add a patina to the sculpture using chemicals. Chemicals used include, ferric nitrate, cupric nitrate or sulphurated potash.
Your bronze boyfriend is now ready to take on a date and make all your friends jealous.
If you follow these 7 easy steps you will live happily ever after……..