#377 In the foundry: "Striding Cougar", lost wax casting, con't . . .

To follow this process from the beginning, scroll back to post #369, January 2.

The patina is a permanent color that is applied to the bronze.
The surface of the sculpture is heated and treated with
chemicals which react with the copper in the bronze.
Various colors can be obtained by using different chemicals.

Shown at right, the bronze cougar has been metal chased, approved by the artist, then sandblasted before it is
taken to the patina room.

Shown below, the bronze cougar is polished  . . . a process called "blue-padding"

Next, the bronze is heated with a propane torch.

Below, ferric nitrate is stippled on while the bronze is hot.

Next, a coating of titanium dioxide is applied over the ferric nitrate.

Next, the bronze continues to be heated and the final coat of ferric nitrate is applied.

Below, patination is complete and the bronze is allowed to throughly cool.

Shown below, a coat of wax is applied to the bronze.

Finally, the bronze is attached to a walnut base.