In sculpting, what is the purpose of sanding?

Sanding in sculpting primarily serves the purpose of smoothing out rough edges. This process is essential for achieving a refined finish on the sculpture, allowing the artist to eliminate any imperfections or tool marks left during the initial shaping and carving. When an artist sands a sculpture, they typically progress through various levels of grit, starting from coarser grits to finer ones, which gradually polishes the surface and enhances the overall aesthetic quality of the artwork.

In the context of sculpting, a smooth surface can be crucial for both the visual appeal and tactile experience of the sculpture. Sanding not only helps in creating a more polished look but also prepares the surface for further treatments, such as applying paint or a protective coating.

While texture can be important in sculpture, creating it through sanding is less common, as this process tends to smooth rather than add texture. The addition of color typically involves painting or applying other pigments, and protective coatings are usually applied after the sculpting process is completed and the desired surface finish is achieved. Thus, the primary role of sanding is to ensure a smooth surface that enhances both the sculpture's beauty and longevity.