How to Carve a Soapstone Pattern
- 1). Draw the outline of the design you wish to carve on the stone, using a black marker.
- 2). Trace over the design with your electrical tools to carve the "rough" first stages of your piece. For simple writing and designs, use a thin bit in your rotary tool. Press lightly to get a feel for the tool; the more pressure you apply, the deeper you will cut. Apply even pressure throughout your carving to ensure that the pattern is at the same depth.
- 3). Carve out finer details with small hand files or sandpaper. Rubbing a file or sandpaper over soapstone will smooth it out and remove any rough areas you do not want on your finished piece.
- 4). Apply water to your carving periodically as you work to remove dust from the surface of your stone and to help you reach into the detailed areas of your pattern. Removing the dust also allows you to check that you are carving at an even depth.
- 5). Let the stone dry once you are satisfied with the carving. Paint the stone with several layers of tung oil to seal it. Polish with a wax-based cleaning product to give the carving a beautiful shine.