ARTCAST is a foundry dedicated to casting artwork. A dedicated art foundry is important because casting and finishing your sculpture requires very specialized work.
 

To avoid lost time and ensure completion of a project with maximum satisfaction, close liaison between the artist and ARTCAST is essential. It is important that we have all the information concerning your sculpture when an order is placed. For example, information regarding the desired finish of the piece, whether it is to be polished or patinated, details of the mounting requirements and so forth, should all be included.

Set out below are details that the artist and the foundry should be concerned with, before a project is started.

  When modelling more intricate forms, armatures are used to reinforce the softer modelling materials. Very complicated original models have to be cut for easier molding, in which case knowing the location and material of the armatures helps to ensure a clean cut. Whenever possible, avoid using wire armatures if your original is to be cast direct. A plastic or wood armature is ideal as it can be burned out. Always inform the foundry of any foreign material in your wax original.
  When making a wax model from a mold it is essential that certain criteria be met, since the quality of the wax model determines the quality of the casting. Depending on the size (volume) of the wax model, it should be either solid or hollow. The ideal thickness of a hollow wax model should be about 3/16" (5mm) to 1/4" (6.5mm) maximum and it should be as uniform as possible. ARTCAST prefers that the wax is thin (less than 3/16") rather than too thick. The wax should be free from flaws, such as flowlines, pinholes and so forth. For a polished casting the surface of the wax must be smooth and should have no ripples or other imperfections. It is also important that the inside be as smooth as possible. To make a wax model, one can either pour or brush the wax into the mold. Signatures, trademarks, edition numbers, etc should all appear on your wax model.
  It is important that ARTCAST knows in advance the positioning details and the mounting requirements for the finished sculptures. The pin, bolt or hole locations should be clearly marked. If the positioning angle is critical but not obvious, the artist should either be present for the mounting, or mark the piece with a permanent marker or provide sketches/templates with measurements.
  Patination is the chemical colouring of the bronze and patinas in a wide range of colours can be achieved, including various shades of green, red/gold, brown, black and others. However, since it is a chemical process, an 'exact colour' cannot be guaranteed. Even subsequent castings may vary somewhat in colour. Some patinas are not suited for outdoor pieces because the weather will adversely affect them. Outdoor bronzes may be maintained by waxing regularly, but more often they are left to the elements to enhance their patina. The desired finish should be discussed with ARTCAST prior to casting.
  A polished mirror-finish on a bronze is attractive, but it is also costly due to the lengthy polishing process. To ensure a good casting and a good polished surface, ARTCAST should start off with a smooth wax model, free from pinholes or ripples. Polished bronzes will tarnish and should be cleaned regularly with a good metal polish and a clean soft cloth. Waxing and lacquering are only short-term solutions for 'maintenance-free' polished bronzes. Wax may be expected to last only a few months and lacquer scratches easily and will fail after a few years, requiring stripping and re-lacquering.