Wednesday, March 30, 2011

"What should I use on my soapstone?"

We've got the answer! Here are 3 maintenance free ways of treating your soapstone. Absolutely no oiling required.

• 95% of our clients no longer use Mineral Oil. Traditionally most soapstone customers used a mineral oil to darken the stone. The problem is the oil evaporates with time as it never dries on the stone. Therefore we have had so many people complain about this that we have developed and discovered the products below that completely eliminate the need to oil your soapstone countertops.

For client wants to darken the soapstone to a dark green or black:

1. Dry Wax. Do 2-3 times initially and then it should last for 7-12 months. Client can keep the small 8oz can for occasional waxing in area’s around the sink where there is heavy use. 8 oz lasts for probably 10+ years. All natural. We think this is the best choice for soapstone.
2. Tenax Tiger Ager (buy from Grandquartz, Hardrock Tools, or other stores, - Apply once in the beginning and then every 5 years or so. This is NOT a natural product however it darkens the stone in a similar way mineral oil does without the need to re-apply frequently.
3. Akemi Dark and Super. Apply once in the beginning and then every 5 years or so. This is NOT a natural product however it darkens the stone in a similar way mineral oil does without the need to re-apply frequently.
Out of all of these I prefer the Dry Wax because it is natural and lasts for a long time. Also it gets the dark color people are looking for. For those who want zero maintenance use the Tiger ager.

Clients want to keep the soapstone countertop light grey (natural color):
 
1. Do nothing. The countertop will naturally darken over time around the sink where food and oils hit the stone often. They just need to use some cleaners to keep the stone lighter.
2. If they don’t want the stone to darken at all over time use a very light sealer without the impregnator or color enhancer. This will keep the stone the light blue grey color.

For more information go to:  http://www.gardenstatesoapstone.com/soapstone-countertop-nj.php

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Go Ahead, Scratch your Soapstone!

Are you afraid of ruining your beautiful new soapstone countertops? Don't be! You can even let your crazy kids scratch your soapstone.  You as a consumer can fix it!

If your soapstone countertop becomes scratched, follow these easy restoration steps:
  1. Most scratches will disappear with a dab of mineral oil. To permanently remove a deep scratch, use 120-grit sandpaper, sand the scratch area in a circular motion until the scratch is almost gone, then use 220-grit sandpaper with water added to the area.
  2. Soapstone countertops are easier to maintain than granite or concrete countertops.
  3. Once the scratch is sanded away, apply a light coat of mineral oil to the area. Repeat the oiling as necessary - two or three times over the next 72 hours in order to match the coloration of the rest of the stone.
  4. Countertop installers from Garden State Soapstone provide professional service across New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware.
  5. Oiling will enhance the luster and color of the soapstone, and restore that brand new look once again. Subsequent coats should be re-applied monthly or as needed.

So go ahead, scratch your soapstone!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

What Our Soapstone Can Add to Your Kitchen!

Before
After













Brooklyn, NJ
Turn your Brooklyn condo around for less than $2000! In these before and after pictures you can see how our Minas Soapstone updates this kitchen adding a high end, modern design for a fantastic price. 

Before
After

Hopewell, NJ
Don’t forget your Soapstone table and bar when remodeling your kitchen.  This beautiful home shows how Soapstone can be used for multiple surfaces, not just countertops.
Before
After

Maplewood, NJ
It can’t get more beautiful! Add a custom soapstone sink to your kitchen for a total transformation!  We specialize in custom soapstone sinks made to fit your own personal design