Metal Chasing and Finishing

Like wax chasing, bronze must also be chased or cleaned to address the slight imperfections that may result from the casting or shell building process. On larger sculptures, where assembly of cast sections is required, chasing is essential to take down weld lines formed by the joining of two planes.

Metal chasing usually starts with large electric or pneumatic grinders to remove the bulk of the unwanted metal. Then, more refined and smaller tools such as die and pencil grinders are used to re-create the artist’s subtle surface texture.

Much as a house needs a wood frame to stand, many monumental bronzes require a stainless steel internal structure that can withstand earthquakes and high winds.