Description

Soapstone contains the mineral talc and has a characteristic softness. The naturally occurring colours will vary with each individual block. Approx 7-10 blocks per 10kg bag. Also available Hebel Carving Blocks. Due to the weight of these goods this product may incur excess shipping costs.

Soapstone is a popular, soft, and easy-to-carve metamorphic rock widely used in art, particularly for beginners and specialized, delicate sculpting.

Its primary artistic uses of Soapstone include:

• Sculpture and Figurines: Due to its soft texture artists and students carve it into small to medium-sized sculptures. These include figurines, and animals, often using files, rasps, and saws rather than power tools.
• Inuit Art: It is the primary medium for traditional and contemporary Inuit carvings. These include creatures from the Arctic environment and, historically, items like oil lamps and pots.
• Decorative Household Items: Artists carve soapstone into functional, decorative pieces such as bowls, coasters, jewellery boxes, and candle holders.
• Jewellery Making: Its ability to hold a smooth finish when polished makes it ideal for carving beads, pendants, and bracelets.
• Stamps and Seals: Known for its ability to hold fine detail, it is used for making personal seals and stamping tools.
• Sketching & Drafting: Artists and craftsmen use “[soapstone pens” or chalk (sticks of solid soapstone) to draw guidelines on metal or dark fabric. Soapstone lines are easy to see and erase.
• Relief Carving: Due to its uniform structure, it is excellent for detailed carvings that pop from a flat surface.

Soapstone is often finished with oil or wax to bring out deep colours and give it a high-gloss, smooth finish.

Polishing Soapstone:

Polishing soapstone, whether for countertops or carvings, is best achieved by sanding with progressively finer grits (up to 3000 grit) followed by applying mineral oil or beeswax to darken the stone and enhance its natural sheen. For a durable, high-gloss shine, use aluminium oxide powder with a soft cloth.

Step-by-Step Polishing Guide

• Clean the Surface: Thoroughly clean the soapstone with soap and water to remove debris and oils.
• Sanding (For Scratches/Gloss):
  • Start with 200–400 grit sandpaper for rough areas or to remove deep scratches.
  • Progress to 600, 800, and up to 2000–3000 grit for a polished finish.
  • Tip: Use wet/dry sandpaper with water to make sanding faster and easier.
• Apply Oil or Wax:
  • Mineral Oil: Apply a light coat of mineral oil or beeswax with a soft cloth to darken the stone and provide a deep shine.
  • Buffing: After applying oil, use a clean cotton or flannel cloth to buff the surface until it is no longer sticky.
• Optional – Advanced Shine: For an extra glossy finish on carvings, use a buffing wheel with jeweller’s rouge or aluminium oxide powder.

• Key Tips for Soapstone Care

• Initial Oil Applications: For new soapstone, apply mineral oil several times over the first few months to help it darken and harden uniformly.
• Removing Scratches: Minor scratches can be removed by rubbing them with a small amount of mineral oil.
• Heat Application: To help oil/wax absorb better, warm the soapstone in the sun or with a heat gun to 250–300°F (121-149°C) before application.
• Maintenance: Over time, oiling is only needed every 6–12 months.