After a bronze has been thoroughly chased, the majority of sculptors elect to have them coated with a coloring known as a 'patina'. The bronze is treated with chemicals and heat to give it the specified finish. There are many, many patinas from which to choose so the creativity of any given sculptor can be carried throughout the entire process. This step is usually the most rewarding part of the bronze casting process.

Please click on images for larger view.

In this photo you can easily see the difference between an unfinished sculpture and one to which a patina has been applied.
	The 3 bronzes to the left demonstrate the unique change a piece takes when a patina is applied.

Oftentimes when a piece is going to be displayed
outside or in a large setting, the patina
chosen is one which will give it a 'weathered'
or oxidized look as seen in the below three pieces.

There are times when a sculptor will choose to have a combination of patina and paint inorder to complete the desired effect.

As always, the decision for patina is left up to the sculptor. However, if a sculptor is new to bronze and not familiar or confident with what patina, if any, will best enhance his piece, the expert help and professional opinion of Elliot Gantz & Co., Inc is always available to him.

After the piece is patinated and buffed with a thin coating of wax, (much like one 'shines a shoe'), felt is applied to the bottom to protect it and whatever it is mounted on from damage.

The sculpture is then mounted on a base of the sculptor's choosing.

When all is said and done, if the completed sculpture is not to be delivered directly to the sculptor, Elliot Gantz & Co., Inc. will ship it to the desired location.

We hope you have enjoyed the tour and have possibly deepened your understanding of the bronze casting process. At this point we would like to further your bronze sculpture experience by inviting you to click on 'completed projects' for a gallery of scuptures that have been produced by Elliot Gantz and Co., Inc.

You are in Patina and Mounting