Sculpture Care

SHONA STONE ART

Care and Repair

All stone sculptures scratch and chip. Rapoko or soapstone (steatite) by nature is soft and scratches very easily. It is almost imposs= ible not to accidently or inadvertently scratch the sculpture. Repairs, however,= are not difficult and we recommend:

Minor Surface Scratches (<1mm deep):<= /span>

1.&n= bsp; Heat scratched area with naked flame from a candle or torch ensuring no direct f= lame contact apply heat only.

2.&n= bsp; Area to be treated should be at correct temperature when about a one-inch diamet= er ‘dull’ circle appears, be careful to allow low heat as hot flame may cause = the rock to ‘pop’.

3.&n= bsp; Apply frugally with small paintbrush a coat of clear or neutral floor or shoe nat= ural WAX polish, if temperatures correct it should melt like ice and be shiny and the scratch should disappear before your eyes.

4.&n= bsp; Re-heat and repeat until scratch disappears.

5.&n= bsp; Allow to cool to room temperature. The area of new wax will appear dull like fres= hly polished shoes before shining as it cools.

6.&n= bsp; Remove any excess or spilled polish on non-polished portions by sanding or scraping with a blade.

7.&n= bsp; If the sculpture or carving has a smooth surface, finish by buffing the dull a= rea with a soft cloth to a shine. Wipe down the whole sculpture removing any du= st. If the surface of the sculpture is of rough texture use a shoe-buffing brush on the dull area until it shines. Wipe down the whole sculpture remov= ing any dust.

Chi= ps, Grooves, and Scratch= es (>= ;1mm deep):

8.&n= bsp; Smooth minor chips and scratches with fine to very fine water paper (400 to 600 grit) using water as lubricant.

9.&n= bsp; Deep scratches and chips may require initial shaving with a rasp working the are= a to blend in with contours of the sculpture.

10.&= nbsp; Wash the repair area with water.

11.&= nbsp; Repeat steps 1 through 7.

Bre= aks:

12.&= nbsp; Clean each the break face thoroughly (with compressed air if available) ensuring = they are dust and moisture free.

13.&= nbsp; Apply industrial strength epoxy or super glue adhesive to the broken faces follow= ing the manufactures recommendations.

14.&= nbsp; Apply positive pressure by clamping or rubber bands while the adhesive to sets or= a bond to manufacturer’s recommended period.<= /o:p>

15.&= nbsp; Repeat steps 8 through 10 about 10 to 15 mm (½ inch) on either side of the repaired fracture.

16.&= nbsp; Using a sharp knife or pair of scissors blade re-etch and restore, any details (s= uch as giraffe spots) removed or altered by the repair.

Restore Luster:

17.&= nbsp; Place sculpture or carving in direct sunlight for about one to two hours or a cool oven at 65^oC (150^oF) for 30 minutes.

18.&= nbsp; Repeat step 7.

GOOD LUCK! ENJOY YOUR BEAUTIFUL STONE ART!<= /p>