Abstract: An investment casting or molding method comprises encasing a consumable pattern in a no-bake material that hardens without the application of heat. The encased pattern is then transformed to a fluid state and evacuated, thereby forming a mold cavity. Preferably, the pattern is coated with a refractory material prior to encasement, so that the resulting mold cavity is lined with the refractory material. Coating the pattern with one and only one layer of refractory material is preferred, resulting in a refractory coating that is not self-supporting. In another embodiment, a refractory-coated consumable pattern is located in a container, and a granular backing material is packed in the container around the coated pattern. The pattern is then transformed to a fluid state and evacuated to form a refractory-lined mold cavity in the container. The refractory coating again preferably comprises one and only one layer of refractory material, thereby resulting in a coating that is not self-supporting.