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How to Remove Chisel Marks From Stone

Chisel marks are the result of directing a chisel too deeply into a piece of stone. If a chisel is used incorrectly, the chisel will pulverize the stone under the chisel and leave a white bruise on the stone. A chisel is the correct tool for removing large areas and defining stone shapes, but no one wants chisel marks on a stone sculpture, patio, table or wall. Removing the marks that chisels leave behind is worth the time and effort it takes.

Things You'll Need

  • Cabinetmaker's rasp
  • Damp cloth
  • Riffler
  • Wet/dry silicon sandpaper
  • Colored pencil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Smooth the cut area of the stone by placing a cabinetmaker's rasp against it and running it over the stone with long sweeping strokes.

    • 2

      Wet the stone with a damp cloth and smooth any rasp marks and remaining chisel marks by applying a steady pressure to a small riffler against the stone.

    • 3

      Place the stone where you can run water on it, and sand it under the water with wet/dry silicon sandpaper. Starting with 150-grit paper, sand the stone, let it dry and then inspect it for any remaining chisel marks or scratches. If there are still marks, circle them with the colored pencil and resand with the same paper.

    • 4

      If no marks remain, continue the sanding process by doubling the grit of the sandpaper. For example: after you have removed all of the marks with the 150-grit sandpaper move on to wet sanding with the 300-grit sandpaper. Continue sanding, drying and inspecting in this manner, doubling up next with the 600-grit paper and, finally, the 1200-grit.

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