Gray vs black soapstone?

3 years ago

I am aiming for a dark gray soapstone in a rustic cabin kitchen. Is it better to go with "black" soapstone (which looks dark gray when not oiled) and not oil it, or gray and constantly oil it to dark gray? And problems with not oiling soapstone if happy with the natural color?

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darbuka

3 years ago

This is my Belvedere soapstone, now 7 1/2 yo. it’s one of the hardest varieties, and has gorgeous light green and white veins. Unoiled, it is medium grey, with the veins not as prominent. Here is our slab at M. Teixeira, with the template selected by me.

Initially, we oiled our counters. At two years, we stopped, stripping off the patina. Bon Ami or Comet, and the scrubby side of a Scotch blue scrubby sponge, is all we used. This brought the counters nearly back to its original color. Since then, we just let the soapstone do its thing naturally…removing patina once or twice a year. Some sections gather patina and darken, more than others. That’s the nature of soapstone, and hard to avoid.

In our galley kitchen, the sink/prep/rangetop side, darkens way more than the wall ovens/baking center/fridge side. The soapstone in the baking are also has the more dramatic veining.

This is the baking center ^^^^^^. Here, below, is a closeup:

To my knowledge, there is no way to keep soapstone one particular shade of gray. Patina is going to form, i. e., the stone is going to darken, as it is used. The more you oil your counters, the darker they will become. Since patina is on the surface, it can be removed, or most of it. But, it will then begin the process of darkening again, as it is used.

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Comments (7)

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Patricia Colwell Consulting
3 years ago
I am confused do you want dark gray ? IMO if black looks dark gray to you when not oiled why would choose something that needs constant oiling
gardengrl66 z5
3 years ago
I think you need to go and look at (and touch) the soapstones in question. It's not just a matter of color; an un-oiled stone is generally very matte, sometimes almost chalky in appearance. Oiled is shinier and looks a little more finished (even controlling for the same honed finish). The shop usually has spray bottles so that you can wet the stone and thereby get an idea of how it will look when oiled.

Mind you, if you use your counters for cooking they will eventually darken and get that oiled look no matter what. You can always strip out the oils with acetone or something, but that is also more work...
Chloe C thanked gardengrl66 z5
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catspa_zone9sunset14
3 years ago
One doesn't "constantly" oil soapstone -- only in the first few months or so after installation to hasten the darkening/patina process. After that it seems to be something like a semi-annual or annual affair for many, or not at all. I actually prefer the grayer soapstones, because of their silky touch and softer coloring even after being oiled, compared to harder, darker soapstones like Stormy Black.
Chloe C thanked catspa_zone9sunset14
loobab
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I like the color of the blacker soapstones, like the kind we had on our laboratory tables back in school.

Not just for the nostalgia, but also, I love the way the darker color looks with wooden cabinets and wooden cutting boards, baskets, wood handled knives, etc.

So as far as aesthetics, think about what else you are having in your kitchen and then decide which color looks best in the total vision you have for your kitchen.

BUT,

More important than aesthetics is the function of the soapstone.

For me, I would want a soapstone that is the most durable.

"One of the most important things to consider when choosing soapstone is hardness. There are three types of soapstone: talc, steatite, and chlorite. Talc soapstone is the softest type of soapstone, and it’s also the least durable. Steatite soapstone is harder than talc, but it’s still relatively soft. Chlorite soapstone is the hardest type of soapstone, and it’s also the most durable.

When it comes to hardness, you’ll want to choose a soapstone countertop that’s durable enough to withstand everyday use. "

https://doradosoapstone.com/blog/which-soapstone-hardness-is-best-for-you
Chloe C thanked loobab
Chloe C
Original Author
3 years ago
Thank you. All very helpful. Wanted to make sure there wasn't a disadvantage to going the route of no oiling (patchiness/uneven wear/etc). Does darker equate to harder/more durable?
Beatrix
3 years ago
"Does darker equate to harder/more durable?"

Generally, yes. the more gray soapstone varieties will have a higher talc content.
Chloe C thanked Beatrix