a question about relief carving repair

[Betty]

I have been doing relief carvings for my grandchildren and great grandchildren for a few years. I've just been doing this as a hobby and enjoy making them happy. I had carved three sets of Pooh characters for the great grandkids and there was a house fire that damaged one set. The plaques have smoke damage and I have been using sandpaper trying to fix them. It's a very slow process and I was wondering if there is a solution that I can use that will remove the damaged areas. I carve the characters, use a stain on it, then paint, then use a spray varnish to finish. I know I'm going to have to repaint them, which I don't mind doing, but I don't want to do anything to damage the wood. The plaques I use I buy from craft stores and I'm not sure what kind of wood it is. I'm just trying to repair the carved side, and just going to leave the back and edges as they are. That won't change the appearance of my carving. If anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate any help. I have considered buying the new Dremel Multi Max but don't know if that would work. Thanks in advance for any help.

[Betty]

I was checking in to see if I got a response. I found where it said there were 2 responses, but now I can't find them. Don't know where to go to find them. Hope you can help. Thanks

[Druid]

If your going to repaint them a simple sugar soap should clean of most of the ( I assume black ) residue, any left on the back and sides is all part of the history and could be left there?
Sorry you had this mishap. Hope it's all coming back together for you.
Les

[Betty]

Thank you. I will give it a try. Thanks for posting.