We have to little fabrication error spots like that you can find them. If you don't, you'd never notice...

I'd ask him to let you live with it a week -- but if it's still very visible then, to try something else.

Just FYI - There's a black epoxy colorant they can use in seams and patches and stuff. OR, you can mix with soapstone dust for color. OR, a bit of both. We assumed the soapstone dust would give the best color-match, and were surprised to be quite wrong. The black with just a tiny touch of soapstone dust was perfect.

What caused the gash? He needs to replace the top. I do not think Epoxy will adhere to soapstone, I am not sure, Kevin may need to chime in.

If the gash and repair are that noticable then he should just replace the top.

Our epoxy has adhered for five years...

I would not be happy. I'm no pro but I would think the epoxy on soapstone would stick out and be very noticeable. It won't oil up the way the rest of the top does, and fade the way the rest of the top does.

Deep scratch/large gash seems like a no no on install day - no matter what countertop it is.

Agree - if it came to you with a big gash, it should not be installed. Would be different if you made the gash :) but it sounds like the gash happened during transport/delivery, etc. . . . I would not accept it.

It's installed already. Rejecting the work is not optional at this time. I am beyond devastated.

I'm really sorry that happened to you. :( I hope in time you'll feel better/that it will look better...

Sorry for not getting in on this thread sooner - been busy here in AZ....

There's a few different types of glues that could work - HOWEVER -
What YOU may think is a deep chasm - may not be at all - or it may be still -

Can you post a pic or two of your "deep scratch" ???

It's always good to see what the problem is FIRST -
BEFORE recommending a remedy....

The issue with adhesives adhering to Soapstones - is that Soapstone
has an extraordinarily HIGH amount of TALC in it's make up -
which is hard for many glues to bond to for long periods of time.....

Let's take a look at the scratch - to see if sanding it out is even a
remote possibility...

kevin

Bumping this for natashak so that it doesn't fall off page 1.

The good news (if there is any good news) is that you have quite a bit of white veining. I would think it would be more noticeable on a stone with more solid.

Hope the others chime back in! And hoping for a good resolution for you.

Sandy

Thanks, Sandy!

Could you somehow circle or point at what the gouge is? I think I see it, but I have no way of being sure.
Thanks.
Maybe they can just flip it over and use the other side.
Casey

It's on the large green vein--running the other way.

I know this probably won't make you feel better but...I dropped a 20 pound antique herb roller on my new soapstone a few years ago and caused a huge dent in my counter. Fast forward a few years and it is hardly noticable. It is just one of many dings and scratches that can be felt but not seen.

One piece of advice is that sometimes, big dents don't accept oil the same and even after oiling, it is still white. I have found that I have to sand them a little so they accept the oil. I also use a sharpie in the bottom of the dents too. I have a REALLY soft stone and I am very clumsy so everytime I drop a dish, wineglass or a can, I end up with a ding.

I do feel though since the installers caused the dent that you should have some kind of retribution though. Hopefully something can be worked out.

Any ideas how to get the epoxy out? Joshua is going to come and help me fix it, when he makes up the coast.

I would just wait for Joshua as he seems to be the soapstone expert per this forum. Seen pics of some of his "miracles" so if he can't fix this don't think anyone can. Patience will be rewarded! Thank goodness for Joshua!!

Yes! Joshua is going to save my counters! :)

Let's not get our expectations up past the point of human capability now....

I mean - C'mon... Joshua IS - "DA MAN" - However - some things are
beyond what a guy can do.... I know Joshua is pretty much got the
Soapstone market cornered - I'd want him on this problem ahead of
anyone else too - because Soapstone is what he does the most of...

However - I would STRONGLY advise NOT setting the bar SO HIGH -
that even Joshua can't clear it... OK???

The biggest problem here is that your numbskull fabricator put epoxy into
the gauge (sp?) and did not even attempt to color it to match the surrounding
stone and it's various color changes... Now - THAT has helped to compound
the problem....

Joshua may be able to "erase" the entire issue - maybe not - just don't
go into this expecting that he'll be like some supernatural being able to
"erase" the whole thing.... give him a chance to work his mojo - just be
prepared for the worst - hope for the best..

With Joshua on this - you have the best chance of getting the "best"....
But just remember - he's human just like the rest of us, and there might
be some things even Clark "Joshua" Kent - can't resolve.....

hth

kevin

ha - Kevin, you mean Joshua can't fly and walk on water? ;-) (I'm sure Natashak will try to have reasonable expectations.)

If it's any comfort, Natashak, I'm with Casey - I honestly can't tell where the gash is in your picture. Is it this here?

You're in good hands with Joshua, but I just want to say that over time, your soapstone will get dents, scratches and maybe even gashes. That's the nature of the stone. While it seems inconceivable to you right now, eventually you will take it in stride. You have to. I understand that you're suffering because you've spent so much money and had such high expectations, only to have your happiness marred on the first day by an installer's mistake, but your slab is absolutely gorgeous and looks incredible with that cherry I see on the right.

I agree that he should offer some recompense for the gash, but I disagree with those who say you should have rejected the slab. It's just too beautiful. Is it Black Venata?

Our soapstone fabricators made a mistake with the cut for the prep sink; I wanted a negative reveal and they did a positive reveal, a large one. When I saw it on the day of installation I was heart-broken. They offered $300 or a new slab. I couldn't bear the thought of losing that slab, so I accepted the discount (which effectively paid for my runnels.) Everytime I look at the reveal, which is really quite unattractive, I am glad I made the decision I did. And everytime I look at the scratches and dents that my stone has accumulated over the last two years (and which I occasionally buff out; mostly not), I am glad that my vision of a "perfect" kitchen included the imperfections of soapstone.

Best of luck.

Thank you, everyone! I have reasonable expectations regarding Joshua's job. I'm looking forward to meeting him--maybe by the time he comes, I'll have more gashes he can fix. ;)

I'm not too sure of the color. It's from Avanti in Frederick Maryland. They don't have colors. It is absolutely gorgeous soapstone.

My cabinets are being painted as we speak. They were cherry, but are being painted a creamy white. I will post full pictures by the end of the week!

Again, thanks for the support, everyone. Much appreciated.

And, yes--circuspeanut, that's the gash!

I'll be curious to see what Joshua does to fix it, but it looks recoverable to me. A combination of black and clear epoxy (in the right places of course) will make it very hard to pick out when the stone is oiled.
I had to make a few repairs while doing mine and they turned out pretty good. I'm sure Joshua can do better! For example:

Chipped corner.

Repaired. Once oiled the black epoxy is invisible.

Bad seam, black epoxy right through the white vein.

I used a Dremel to remove most of it and refill with clear epoxy, looks much better.

So don't panic yet, I'm sure it'll be OK!

- D

Beautiful repairs, Don!