Soapstone problems

10 years ago

Just installed a Noire soapstone counter in our kitchen. First coat of wax made the richness come out and we loved the look. Over the past week a number of blemishes have appeared that we cannot get out. Did all the reading, including a similar post from 2009 stating they hired someone to resurface their counters with a different grit.

Before we head down that path I would like to get some thoughts on the problems we are seeing.

Some spots - tried waxing over.

Below is a stain that came from the bottom of our hot water heater. The stains match the rubber feet of the heater. Used dawn soap and light sanding with a scotch pad- no luck

Some water spots near the sink

Suggestions on how to get this counter to the advertised state?

Thanks in advance

Featured Answer

User

10 years ago

Remove the wax. It's the problem. Wax lifts in the presence of moisture. It's one of the worst ''protective'' surfaces possible. If you want to enhance soapstone, use mineral oil only.

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Comments (9)

apple_pie_order
10 years ago
What does your countertop shop recommend?
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PRO
Cancork Floor Inc.
10 years ago
All of these spots remind me of "water spots" that you would normally associate with furniture finishes = wax/polish. As everyone else has pointed out, the wax is the issue.

Strip the wax and the issues should resolve. Once the wax is removed go ahead and treat with oil and continue enjoying your beautiful counter tops.

Who suggested wax vs. oiling?
Aaron I
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks for the responses. The wax was recommended by the installers, but they also mentioned there was a good oil. I would like to remove the wax and go with oil as suggested here. Acetone was recommended to me for wax removal - not working. Tried dawn dish soap - not working.

I will continue down the wax removal path. I am waiting for the installer to call back Monday.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
10 years ago
Oil is the only finish I use on soapstone
Aaron I
Original Author
10 years ago
Still working with the installer. 99% sure it is the wax. Interestingly, the wax seems to have cured or hardened and is performing as advertised a couple weeks after install. Problem is that the marks that occurred in the first couple days are not coming out.
PRO
Cancork Floor Inc.
10 years ago
Sounds like there was some sort of "cure time" with the wax where it went from "wax-like reactions that normally occur with furniture" to "oil-like" performance. Interesting.
PRO
Crocodile Rocks
8 years ago
I'm sure you've already gotten this taken care of. But still wanted to point out, that all you or the fabricator would have to do is sand it and reapply the oil/wax of your choice. Thats the beauty about soapstone, is that you can fix it yourself :-) Hope you are still enjoying it!
jazger
7 years ago
curious on how all this worked out for you.