FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Does Soapstone Come From?

Soapstone is quarried from Brazil, India, Finland, Switzerland, and the USA. Brazil is the #1 producer of soapstone.

Do You Recommend Oiling Soapstone?

We recommend oiling soapstone to help the stone darken evenly, and enhance the natural aging process the soapstone goes through. The oil is not a protectant nor does the stone need to be protected.

What Happens If You Do Not Oil the Soapstone?

The stone will naturally darken unevenly, with time. It will appear more noticeably around the sink and countertop areas (those used more frequently). Leaving soapstone untreated, it will develop a rustic look which many clients prefer. The stone can always be oiled later on if the untreated results are not desirable.

Can I Place Hot Pots On My Soapstone Countertops?

Soapstone is quarried from Brazil, India, Finland, Switzerland, and the USA. Brazil is the #1 producer of soapstone.

Is All Soapstone the Same?

Nope! This natural stone varies in color, hardness, and purity from deposit to deposit.

What Color Is Soapstone?

It's a darker natural stone and comes in shades of grayish to green to blues, and charcoal gray. Random markings include white veining, shades of green, amber or beige in the shape of veins or other formations.

Will My Soapstone Counters Get Scratched?

Yes they will, however most scratches can be hidden by applying mineral oil. Deep scratches, that are less likely to occur, can be sanded off with little effort and time.

Does It Stain?

It is impenetrable, no liquid will permeate the surface and it will not stain. It is also unharmed by acids found in many household cleaners, and does not harbor bacteria like other more porous surfaces.

Is Soapstone Resistant To Acids, Bases and Common Household Cleaning Agents?

Yes, soapstone is resistant to acids and bases and is impervious to cleaning solutions like Lysol and those containing acids and alcohols. Even the harshest of cleaners used to sterilize surfaces won’t cause any harm or damage to soapstone

What Is Soapstone Used For?

Backsplashes, bathroom vanities, bathtubs, benches, bowls, cooking pots, countertops, fireplaces, fireplace fireboxes, fireplace surrounds, floors, furnaces, lintels, pizza stones, planters, sculptures, shower stalls, sinks, table tops, and window sills. If you can imagine it, you can probably use soapstone.

How Do I Clean My Granite Countertop?

Polished granite should receive the same cleaning care as polished marble, preferably using a specially formulated daily granite cleaner or using a mild phosphate-free, biodegradable liquid dish-soap, which contains no aromatics, followed by a thorough rinsing and drying. If you are going to go with just plain soap and water, keep in mind that this can lead to soap build up. This, in turn, may dull your countertop’s finish. We recommend using a prescribed daily granite cleaner. When using a daily granite cleaner, let it sit for about 30 seconds and then wipe it off well using a soft cloth.

Are Sealers Really Necessary?

Absolutely. Marble is a porous material, which means that any liquids which spill onto the surface tend to leech into the body of the marble. This can negatively affect how your marble will look over time. A sealer, or an impregnator as it is also known, can make sure that any materials remain on the surface of the marble. This is the best way to make sure that your marble retains its original look for as long as possible. Talk to your local outlet about which products to use and how long to leave them before sealing your marble again. Always read the labels of the products you buy, take safety precautions where necessary, and follow instructions carefully.

Does Granite Stain?

Granite isn't a particularly porous stone, but, like all naturalstone surfaces, liquid will penatrate if it isn't properly sealed. Your countertop will be sealed after they are installed. Also if a daily granite cleaner is used you may find that you don’t have to re-seal the counters as often because granite cleaner contains some sealer and every time the countertops are cleaned they are also being sealed at the same time. To tell if it is time to re-seal your granite countertops, preform a safe and simple water test. Sprinkle a few drops of water on your granite. If the water beads up, then your seal is probably going to be strong. If the water soaks in and darkens your granite, then it's time to re-seal. Sealing is vital as it creates a barrier of protection around you natrual stone. Same test method applies for all natural stone.

Can I Cut On My Granite Countertop?

We recommend to always cut and chop on a wooden or plastic cutting board.
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