Modelling wax and pourable microcrystalline wax for sculptures and models

Paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax, pourable microcrystalline wax

Paraffin wax is very easy to mould. Microcrystalline paraffin wax has a particularly high thermal conductivity, i.e. it quickly becomes soft and mouldable, but also hardens again quickly, making it somewhat more brittle. The paraffin waxes from bildhau can be easily worked with hand heat, despite varying degrees of hardness. However, it can also be preheated so that the wax is more flexible from the outset. Pourable microcrystalline wax is very hard and must therefore – be heated except for pouring – if you want to combine it with modelling wax.

The paraffin waxes offered by bildhau are also suitable for the lost wax process in bronze casting (lost mould) for models with a diameter of up to 3 cm. For larger models and hollow moulds, it is recommended to use pourable microcrystalline wax.

Which wax is the right one for your project

When choosing the right modelling wax, consider the following, among other things: Are you working at high or low room temperatures? How and where will the sculpture or model be stored after completion? How large will the work be? How stable does it need to be? How easy is the material to mould? How fine should the details be? How well should the contours be recognisable? Can the material be pigmented? Is it suitable for the lost wax process, e.g. if a bronze casting is to be created?
To be able to see the contours of sculptures well, darker coloured waxes are more suitable. If you want to pigment wax yourself, use natural-coloured waxes. Hard microcrystalline wax is suitable for large works, as microcrystalline wax softens very quickly, but also hardens again very quickly. Normal, hard modelling wax is recommended for working in very warm rooms or if your sculpture is to be placed in a rather warm room, as it does not soften as quickly when heated and therefore does not deform as quickly.

Armouring for wax models

To build larger sculptures out of wax and give them greater stability, you can use reinforcement in the form of rods made of metal, plastic or wood. If you are moulding a wax model that is then to be cast in bronze using the lost mould process, please ensure that you use a reinforcement that burns completely so that you do not have any unsightly residues in the bronze.