Washing my carving

[arfer1943]

Can I wash a half-carved carving to see the surface more clearly before finally finishing it?

If so, any tips? Hot or cold etc.

[Claude]

I use a bar of white hand soap and an old toothbrush to scrub off the graphite and hand-dirt. Wet the toothbrush, rub on the soap, pass the carving through the stream of water, scrub with the brush. Rinse. Then I take it back to the workbench and dry it with a hair dryer.

I don't see any reason you couldn't do this during the carving process.

Claude

[Scott Hagerty]

I don't know why not. I use a scrub brush and Dawn dish liquid before painting.

[Robson Valley]

I carve wearing cheap leather gloves. My shop is cold in the winter. Keeps my hand grime off my work. Cushions the vibration from thousands of mallet strikes per day.. Marginal safety, but I don't plan to cut towards my hands anyway. They get surprisingly dirty (quickie hone!!!!!).. Now on pair #6. $5.99 each, one pr per winter carving season.

[Bob K.]

I don't see why you couldn't.