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<p>[QUOTE="all_fakes, post: 3405194, member: 55"]My thoughts on removal of the numbers, having worked some with soapstone: soapstone is a highly variable material, depending on the amount of talc in it. I've had pieces of soapstone that were so soft they could be carved with one's fingernails; and others that had inclusions that would dull a knife.</p><p>This piece doesn't look to have any inclusions, and though it is difficult to judge just how hard it is, if you wanted to try, I'd start by lightly sanding with 400 grit paper, see how that goes. If 400 takes off the numbers, sand very lightly with 600, and see if that matches the surface; If still too rough, next try 1200 or 1300 grit; if then still too coarse, go to jeweler's rouge. Then finish with a light coat of wax such as beeswax (I have an old supply of spermacetti wax which is no longer available). That should match the existing surface pretty well; that's how I've finished soapstone items that I've carved.</p><p>NOTE: I am not a professional soapstone restorer, this is just what I'd do if it was mine....and before doing any of this, I'd wait to see if anybody smarter than me has a different opinion. If Mark London or Komokwa says not to touch it, believe them. </p><p>And note that removal of the numbers will not be reversible; once you start, you'll have to finish the job. Oh - and it could be that a light coat of wax would hide the numbers enough that they don't bother you; and wax could be removed later if desired.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>
[QUOTE="all_fakes, post: 3405194, member: 55"]My thoughts on removal of the numbers, having worked some with soapstone: soapstone is a highly variable material, depending on the amount of talc in it. I've had pieces of soapstone that were so soft they could be carved with one's fingernails; and others that had inclusions that would dull a knife. This piece doesn't look to have any inclusions, and though it is difficult to judge just how hard it is, if you wanted to try, I'd start by lightly sanding with 400 grit paper, see how that goes. If 400 takes off the numbers, sand very lightly with 600, and see if that matches the surface; If still too rough, next try 1200 or 1300 grit; if then still too coarse, go to jeweler's rouge. Then finish with a light coat of wax such as beeswax (I have an old supply of spermacetti wax which is no longer available). That should match the existing surface pretty well; that's how I've finished soapstone items that I've carved. NOTE: I am not a professional soapstone restorer, this is just what I'd do if it was mine....and before doing any of this, I'd wait to see if anybody smarter than me has a different opinion. If Mark London or Komokwa says not to touch it, believe them. And note that removal of the numbers will not be reversible; once you start, you'll have to finish the job. Oh - and it could be that a light coat of wax would hide the numbers enough that they don't bother you; and wax could be removed later if desired.[/QUOTE]
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