Removing sketch lines

[Newbie]

I just starting carving not too long ago and I've discovered a common problem I have with each carving I try. When sketching lines on my wood, if I put a line in the wrong place, I can never seem to fully erase it. I'm using a regular mechanical pencil found in the school section of Walmart. Is there something different I should be using?

[LBlake]

How are you trying to remove it? If I have a mark I don't carve away, I sand it away without problems. I use the same kind of pencils. Hope that helps!

[Lynn O. Doughty]

First, make sure you use only a pencil to mark the wood. Never use a liquid marked as it will soak into the grain. As for removing the markes...just carve them off! Thats part of the process of carving.

[Claude]

A little ivory soap and a toothbrush will scrub it off quickly. Dry with a hair dryer when finished scrubbing.

Claude

[Dicky]

I find the white polymer or vinyl erasers very good. Available at most stationery stores.

[Nomad]

I like to use a #6H sometimes. Lighter lines and less tracking of graphite to the rest of the carving.

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

I have had the same problem, when Iam done with a carving I go over it with a 3M disc to remove all marks and fuzzys before I paint.

Dave

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

These are the discs: 3M Radial Bristle Discs at Little Shavers

Dave

[scooter]

Carve 'em off...

S~

[rick-in-seattle]

First be certain you are using a #2 or softer lead; in a standard pencil rather than a mechanical pencil.

Use an art-gum eraser to remove the graphite stain, then wash the surface lightly with a little dish soap and water. This will raise the compressed wood fibers.

Once it's dry, try the eraser again.

Or use Scooter's method; that's my preference.