Restoring a soapstone countertop

11 years ago

How do I restore my soapstone countertop? It has been in place only 7 years but has many oil and apparent food and sink stains.

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Comments (4)

PRO
Cancork Floor Inc.
11 years ago
Oil (cooking oil, skin oil, mineral oil, etc) will seep into the very top surface of soapstone causing it to turn a bit darker. It is possible to buff out (80 grit sand paper) each oil drop. This takes time and patience (and elbow grease) but it can be done.

Once the stains have been removed, you can prevent more "staining" (oil marks...not actual stains) by routinely rubbing the stone with mineral oil which will prevent the discolouration in the first place (some websites recommend application every 8 WEEKS).

In theory, you are seeing the "darker" oil spots compared to the lighter "dry" areas. By darkening the entire surface with mineral oil, you will prevent the appearance of "dark" spots. And the one oil will repel the other which means the mineral oil will help prevent more stains/dark spots in the future.
Tonia Tussey
11 years ago
I would try oiling over the whole counter, on top the old oil stains, should all blend right in. You can also try wax made for soapstone, a lot of people like the wax better than mineral oil.
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stonecat55
11 years ago
Nothing"soaks into" soapstone. Everything you see is sitting on top of your counter. Before you consider sanding you might try acetone or some other grease removing substance.
stonecat55
11 years ago
After you remove everything from the top of your counter with acetone or goo gone or something else. Try applying a dry wax to your countertops. Dry wax like Dorado Soapstone Dry Wax is easy to apply and lasts a long time.