How To Protect Soapstone Carvings
Be sure to gently rub the sandpaper onto the carving at the exact location of the scratch to remove the thinnest layer of soapstone and buff out the scratches.
How to protect soapstone carvings. Unless you are working with a power tool that throws large pieces of stone hard safety goggles and a respirator should protect your face while carving soapstone. A word to the wise. Clean the surface with soap and water.
For this reason cleaning with soap and water is strongly recommended. Restrict the amount of handling you do as the oils from your hands can leave a residue. You just have to handle it with care its pretty fragile stuff.
Soapstone found in areas of the Canadian Arctic largely varies in color and density. Wrap around goggles offer the best protection against dust and flying chips. Wear respiratory protection while carving.
Many customers choose to leave the stone untreated. Excessive polishing can wear away carved details. In most cases just a light dusting is necessary to keep a finished piece looking great.
I put Renaissance wax on mine and lightly buffed it with a rag by hand. Make sure you support any area youre dusting since soapstone is so soft. Even if you are carving small quantities of stone the stone itself may contain asbestos or silica.
Stone sculptures made from soapstone will need to be handled with slightly more care than carvings from harder types of stone. Dip the soft cloth in the mixture and rub it over the surface of your carving. Soapstone can be finished with many products.