Soapstone has what we call a living finish. Your use (and abuse) matures and changes it. It takes regular oiling to maintain and keep dark...and will lighten as time goes by, getting dark again when oiled.

Soapstone does not have to be oiled - it can be installed "au naturel" - leaving it to develop it's own patina in a different way. This will give a soft greeny-grey to bluey-grey color. Soapstone is too dense to absorb anything, so you do not have to worry about staining. It will also not etch.

Maintenance is pretty much just wipe-and-go. You just have to relax and enjoy your soapstone and make peace with the fact that it will not look brand new forever.

Soapstone is like blue jeans for your kitchen. The more you wear them, the more comfortable they get!