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