Soapstone Carving

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Soapstone Carving
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Soapstone?

• Soapstone is a soft metamorphic rock that is
  perfect for beginning to carve. (Metamorphic is a
  rock that changes from one type into another type
  of rock).
• It is made up mostly of talc, with some Magnesium
  mixed in.

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Colors

• Soapstone is available in a variety of colors,
  including rose, green, turquoise, black, white,
  and grey.

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There are three steps to working with Soapstone

• Grinding this is the time to use Rifflers
  (files on sticks) and chisels to shape your
  stone.
• Sanding smoothing and refining your sculpture.
• Polishing applying a finish to your sculpture.

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Grinding

• Grinding is done with chisels (for large areas)
  and with Rifflers for smaller areas.
• Before grinding, it is a good idea to mark your
  stone with dots to use as guides for grinding off
  areas.

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Sanding and Polishing

• Sanding can be done with coarse sandpaper at
  first, then with fine sandpaper as you get closer
  to finishing.
• Polishing can be done by applying a wax to your
  sculpture, then buffing it off. This helps seal
  and protect your sculpture, and makes it less
  dusty.

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Then, display and enjoy.