Finishing Alabaster

["GeorgeJulieJessie Graham" <gjjgraham@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dear John,

Your question touches of one of my favorite subjects. Because alabaster is
so easily damaged, I like to use an indoor stone floor tile sealer made by
Trewax Company. They make many different stone products. I was doing a lot
of shows a few years ago, and the damage from all the handling and setting
up was a problem.

I wanted a finish that protected the stone from scratches. A real problem
with alabaster. The sealer is a high quality akrilic floor wax. After
sanding to 400 or 600 grit, I rub a very small amount onto the stone with a
thin cotton cloth, old t-shirts work for me. I rub it on so thin that it
drys almost immeadiatly. I don't let a visible layer dry on. Rub it so fine
that it seems to soak into the stone. After repeting this process 2 or 3
times, you will get a clear shine. I would't call it a high gloss, but you
will a finish that lets the beauty of the stone really come out while giving
you  protection from scratches.  The finish is much harder than the
alabaster. I really like the fact that it dosen't lay of the surface. It is
in the stone.

Some of my pieces have a lot of textured areas that pick up hand stains very
quickly. This wax keeps the oils from going into the stone, making it much
eaiser to wash the pieces off with soap and water. I just dab and brush it
on. When it dries you can't see it .

I was concerned with how this stuff would look after a long time. So I have
kept track of some indoor and outdoor pieces for up to 7 years. so far so
good.

Since you are just starting in carving stone, try a lot of different kinds
of finishes.  They all have different looks. some are more work than others.
Experiment and learn. Let the sculpture dictate what kind of finish it gets.
Some pieces get lost behind a very high glossy finish. Sanding and polishing
a very complex piece of stone can be more work than its worth.

I could go on , but over polishing this message would be guilding the lily!!
Good luck
George Graham