For my Evolians and Tribal figures, I often use a type of stone called steatite, also known as soapstone. One of the major benefits of working with this material is how easy it is to "sketch" into it, which allows me to offer finished pieces at a more affordable price.
Steatite is sourced from various parts of the world, including China, Brazil, and India. The color range is wonderfully diverse—from browns, yellows, blues, and reds to greens, whites, and every shade in between. With an average hardness of just 1 on the Mohs scale, steatite is very soft. This means that items made from this stone should be handled with care to avoid chips or scratches. They're ideal for display but less suited for frequent use, like daily meditation or being carried outdoors.
But what if chips or small scratches do appear over time? Not to worry—restoring your piece is surprisingly easy to do yourself.
How to Repair Chips or Scratches
If your sculpture gets chipped, try gently filing the damaged area with a nail file. If that doesn't do the trick, use waterproof sandpaper—start with grit 220 (or 200/240) and lightly sand the damaged area. Don't apply too much pressure; let the paper do the work. Wetting both the sculpture and the sandpaper can help make the process smoother.
Once the chip or scratch is gone, rinse the sculpture with water and move on to a finer grit sandpaper, such as 400. Repeat the process, and you’ll notice the surface becoming smoother. For an even finer finish, you can go over it once more with 800 grit paper.
After sanding, let the sculpture dry naturally—either in the sun, near a heater, or at room temperature.
Restoring the Shine
To bring back the original sheen, rub the treated area with clear or white beeswax (antique wax or even colorless shoe polish can work too). If you have a gas torch, gently warm the surface first before applying the wax. Use a clean cloth or disposable brush to apply. (See video instructions)
Small scratches can even be treated this way without sanding first.
Let the sculpture cool for a few hours after applying the wax, then buff it with a dry, clean, soft cloth until it shines again. Don’t have a torch? No problem—just apply the wax cold and allow it to sit overnight so it can soak into the stone as much as possible.
Good luck and enjoy your piece!