cleaning relief carving

[woodbutcher39]

Hi
I have been doing a relief carving in a bass-wood plate-- the surface of the plate has glue residue and a light grey discoloration on the surface--

Can anyone make a suggestion about cleaning the surface?

Also, a portion of the carving is a university crest which I intend to paint-- would shellac be a good sealer/base coat to apply before painting?
Thanks
Woodbutcher39

[BobD]

Good questions, Woodbutcher39. I moved this out of the author questions area, where each response must be approved by a moderator, into the relief carving area where anyone can reply to your question.

Best regards,
Bob Duncan
Technical Editor

[pallin]

If the residue and discolorations are just on the surface, you might sand or shave them off with your carving tools. But, if you are going to seal and paint, it may be an unnecessary step.

[Kate]

I have used a number of different things with good results.
On Basswood, steelwool would likely NOT be a good option because it does sometimes leave a bit of a grey residue. You could try it on a test strip though.
A white scotch brite might also work.
Then there is sandpaper, it works but is a lot more tedious.

Oh, on flat surfaces, sometimes a Pink Pearl eraser will get rid of the grey residue (usually crud from handling)

Kate

[Donald Smalley]

I use a water base clear sealer, works just fine, you can get an oil base too, either will work, I clean mine with a dremel tool, they have a little wheel thats fuzzy, I can't think of what they call it, it's brown and about 3/4 inch diameter, they work great.

[papasar]

Don't know what kind of glue that you used. I use rubber cement and it rubs off easily and leaves no residue to affect finishes.
Bill K.

[woodbutcher39]

papasar
I use Krylon's Easy-Tac --- spray type --