Modelling wax and casting wax for sculptures and models

Paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax, casting wax

Paraffin wax is very easy to mould. Microcrystalline paraffin wax has a particularly high thermal conductivity, i.e. it quickly softens and becomes mouldable, but also hardens again quickly, but is somewhat more brittle. The paraffin waxes from bildhau can be easily worked with hand heat, despite the different degrees of hardness. However, it can also be preheated so that the wax is more flexible from the outset. Casting wax is very hard and must therefore be heated – except for casting – 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 up to 3 cm in diameter. For larger models and hollow moulds, it is advisable to resort to the casting wax.

Which wax is right 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 easily can the material be moulded? How fine should the details be? How well must the contours be recognisable? Can the material be pigmented? Is it suitable for the lost wax process if, for example, a bronze casting is to be created?
In order to be able to see the contours of sculptures well, darker waxes, for example, are more suitable. If you want to pigment wax yourself, go for 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 thus does not deform as quickly.

Armouring for wax models

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