Metal finishing Q&As since 1989
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Plating wax sculpture
Q. Hi
I am trying to establish a way of making sculptures using wax then perhaps electroplating the wax model at a later stage. I'm finding it difficult to find such a wax. I will need a wax that has clay like properties or even plastacine type properties. Can any fellow sculptors out there help me? Or some one with technical know how? I also need some help on the electroplating process.
Many thanks,
Artist / Sculptor - Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
2004
A. Excellent modeling wax:
100 parts yellow wax
13 parts venetian turpentine [on
eBay or
Amazon]
6 1/2 parts lard
72 1/2 parts elutriated bole
First melt wax (slow), add venetian turpentine and lard and then bole. Mix thoroughly, pour to a vessel containing water, and knead it several times.
According to Techno-chemical recipe book, New York 1917.
- Cerovski vrh Croatia
A. I CURRENTLY PLATE NON CONDUCTIVE ITEMS SUCH AS BABY SHOES, WAX MOULDS,RESIN CASTINGS, CLAY ITEMS AND VARIOUS OTHER MATERIALS. I USE A ACID COPPER PLATING PROCESS WHICH I COULD GLADLY ASSIST YOU WITH.
CHEERS,
- CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
2004
A. This sort of plating has been around for a while and there are several methods.. taking in the definition of details diminish based upon exterior plates. there is a dielectric solution like a paint that is electrically excited. there are many things in the jewelry world which create their crafts with mere paint and plate.however when plating this avenue requires high temperatures and wax will not be not stable enough.....maybe a water deloutable base material which is not associated with heat problems..I have not cold plated anything before? so I am limited to any advice about it.
Marc Stringfellow- Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
2006
Q. Hello could anybody tell me what "elutriated bole" is?
I have no clue !
thanks !
- North Miami Beach, Florida
September 11, 2010
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