Top 10 Questions about Crystal Carving

This article presents some of the common causes of crystal discoloration, as well as tips on how to repair cracks and how to maintain the crystal in daily life.Master some handy tips and tricks to make it easier to deal with unexpected problems in the carving process.

Why does the carving of crystal make it turn white?

Many people who have just started carving crystal always encounter the problem of the surface turning white.In fact, this problem is most often related to the materials used or the techniques employed.

These are common causes of gray hair.

One possibility is that the crystal contains natural cotton-like fibers or impurities which, after polishing, cause uneven reflection of light, resulting in a whitish appearance.Second, if the tool's rotational speed is too high, friction will generate heat, and the surface will be burned.The third cause is that the polishing compound was not cleaned off completely, and after drying, it leaves a white haze.

It can quickly deal with the white hair problem.

First, use a soft-bristled toothbrush dipped in warm water to lightly brush over the surface. If the white marks fade, they are probably polishing residue.The white spots can be polished away using a woolen wheel and jade wax.If the problem is due to an internal flaw, he suggests that the carving angle be adjusted to avoid the flawed area.

How can the cracks be repaired?

When a crack appears, don't give up! Depending on the situation, the work can be saved.

Repairing the cracks.

Fine cracks can be filled with crystal glue.If a crack occurs at the edge of the piece, then the design can be changed so that the crack is incorporated into the pattern.

Emergency treatment for the big crack.

If you encounter a crack, don't force the carving to continue. First, use an acid-free glue to fix the broken surface. After 24 hours, use a 4000-grit sandpaper to slowly repair the shape.Once complete, the piece is left to sit for three days after being treated with preservative oil, which helps hide the signs of the restoration work.

Prevention is better than cure.

Rather than trying to fix problems after they occur, it's better to avoid them in the first place. Before carving, use a strong flashlight to check the internal structure of the material. Every 15 minutes or so, stop and let the tool and the crystal cool off. And when the work is finished, remember to keep it in a sealed bag to avoid temperature changes.

Tips for choosing tools.

For beginners, it's best to use a diamond wheel rather than a regular grinding wheel.The polishing process is divided into five stages, from rough to fine, and you can't skip any.