Lost-Wax vs. Cold-Cast/Resin/Bonded Bronze?

Cire Perdue or Lost-Wax Process

Bronze statue and sculpture creations are a treasured form of art the world over. There are very few individuals trained in the tedious process practiced by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Many time-consuming, complicated steps are required for each bronze statue casting. In a world of high tech mass production, the art of bronze statuary casting remains essentially unchanged.

The foundry we do business with creates bronze statuary using the ancient cire perdue or Lost-Wax Process.

What is the difference between our statues and cold cast resin or bonded statues?

Cold Cast or Bonded as it is sometimes called is actually made of polyester, epoxy or another resin. Bronze powder and paints are used to achieve the bronze appearance. Marble dust can also be added to the resin to achieve a marble look, hence bonded stone.

Hot Cast is actually Bronze - essentially copper and tin; the tin being the lesser of the two metals. Other metals may be added to give different characteristics to the metal.

The making of a Hot Cast Statue is a complex and time consuming process, and specific technical expertise is needed to accomplish the task of making a bronze. The significant material and labor costs of making a Hot Cast versus a Cold Cast (resin) statue is the reason that collectors/lovers of fine bronze art statues place a higher value on Hot Cast Statues.