Cold casting is a term used to describe the process of mixing certain fine powders with resin before casting it to get the look of metal, stone, etc. The look and feel of the faux piece is quite authentic!
“Not everything is as it seems, and not everything that seems is!” – This famous quote sums up the credence that appearances can be deceptive! And cold casting fits the mold perfectly here, pun unintended!
Indeed, something that looks like it is made of metal, stone or even wood does not always have to be so. It could very well be a good old resin masquerading as copper, bronze, steel, wood, ceramic or even marble or granite!
People will obviously wonder how this is even possible. Well, welcome to the world of cold casting where certain powders are used with resin to create the look of metal, stone or porcelain, as desired.
Where to use?
The cold casting technique comes in handy for various applications. It will stand in good stead every time someone wants to recreate the appearance, weight and feel of say, steel, aluminum, copper, brass, bronze or nickel silver without having to go through the time-consuming and risky process of heating the metal to liquid form in a furnace and fabricating the piece as required.
This can be used for making metal or stone figurines with the usual mold making and casting techniques. It also works well for making props and other items that are mostly for cosmetic use. Not to mention that it can be used for repair and restoration works when a single part is missing and getting it made in the regular way just does not seem feasible. Antiques are usually restored with cold casting powders allowing the artist to generate the required look.
The best part is that it eliminates the heavy expenses involved in the regular processes as well. Indeed, the technique is simple, quick and easy on the pocket too. Any layperson familiar with the mold making and casting technique can easily reproduce a metal, stone, wood or ceramic lookalike that he/she wants.
How to use?
All this talk will make everyone curious about what these powders are and how to actually use them. Well, the mold of the part to be reproduced is made in the regular manner. Regular resin is used for making the cast. The difference in the process is that cold casting powder is mixed in the resin. Alternatively, the resin cast can simply be slushed, brushed, dusted or sprayed with the powder to conserve the materials. It is usually backfilled to get the desired weight. Abrading or burnishing the finished cast will reveal the desired look that is difficult to differentiate from the original!
EnvironMolds offers a complete range of fine metal, stone and wood cold casting powders that can be used to create faux brass, bronze, copper, steel, aluminum, silver, marble, granite, porcelain and wood castings. The simulation will stay completely believable!