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Archive for Soapstone

Care & Maintenance

March 13, 2019

Originally published on greenmountainsoapstone.com

Taking care of soapstone is simple.

Treated

We recommend applying a light coat of Soapstone Enhancer or Mineral Oil to all sinks and countertops upon installation. GMS Soapstone Enhancer and GMS Mineral Oil both enhance the inherent natural veining characteristics and crystallization detail of the stone.

Versatility of finish is one of the great pluses of soapstone. Not everyone chooses to color enhance their soapstone. Some homeowners love the natural, untreated soft-gray look. Others choose to bring out the color with GMS Soapstone Enhancer or Mineral Oil. Some treat it weekly, others monthly and some treat only when company is coming. However, when treating with mineral oil, the more often you treat after installation, the sooner you will not have to do it as often.

If your soapstone becomes scratched, follow the easy restoration instructions below:

STEP 1 – Sanding Scratches
Light scratches will disappear with a direct dab
of GMS Mineral Oil or GMS Soapstone Enhancer.
To permanently remove a deeper scratch, apply medium pressure to the scratched area with
an 80 grit sanding sponge. The deeper the scratch, the more sanding will be needed.

Untreated

STEP 2 – Oiling or Enhancing
After the scratch has been sanded out, apply a light coat of GMS Mineral Oil or GMS Soapstone Enhancer to the sanded area. The mineral oil application should be repeated 2-3 times over a 2-3 day period until the sanded area matches the coloration of the rest of the stone. GMS Soapstone Enhancer should be applied twice. The second application should be about 24 hours after the first.

Returned to its former beauty… To maintain your soapstone use a damp cloth or sponge with cleanser for cleanings when needed. Oiling will enhance the luster and color of the stone, and restore that brand new look. Subsequent coats should be re-applied as you see fit.

Countertops Design, Kitchen Countertops

Soapstone

March 9, 2019

Posted by Christina Palmer

Originally published on Ashevillekitchentops.com

The lasting beauty of natural stone

Soapstone is the ideal choice if you like the natural beauty of stone but want a warmer, softer feel than marble or granite. Soapstone’s unique and classic beauty will add character to your kitchen or bath, while it’s durability makes it a practical choice as well.

What is Soapstone?

Soapstone is a naturally occurring metamorphic rock, made up primarily of talc and dolomite. The talc gives soapstone it’s soft feel, while the dolomite gives the rock strength and integrity. You might be familiar with soapstone carvings or other soapstone products, these are made from artistic soapstone which has a high talc content. We use only architectural soapstone quarried by Green Mountain Soapstone, which has a lower talc content and is used for sinks, countertops, floors and other architectural structures.

Is it durable?

Although it feels soft to the touch, soapstone is one of the most dense and durable countertop materials available. Your soapstone countertops will last many lifetimes – there are 150-year-old soapstone sinks that are still perfectly serviceable today. Soapstone is non-porous, therefore stains do not penetrate below the surface. It is also chemically inert. This means it will not react to household cleaners or spills of acidic or alkaline liquids such as lemon or tomato juice. It can withstand immense heat, so pots and pans off the stove or out of the oven will have no effect. The stone will never wear thin and although the name is “soapstone” it definitely does not wash away.

What about maintenance?

Unlike granite, soapstone does not need to be sealed. The only maintenance is a periodic (and optional) oiling with a food grade mineral oil. How often you will want to oil depends on how frequently you use the kitchen, and factors such as the temperature and humidity in your home. Because soapstone is non-porous, the oil will evaporate over time, leaving the stone looking lighter. Daily clean-up is easy, with mild soap and water.

What will it look like in my home?

Soapstone’s classic beauty allows it to work almost anywhere, from a turn of the century farmhouse to a sleek, contemporary home. Our soapstone starts out gray, with time and oil it patinas to a color somewhere between very dark green and charcoal. Each slab is unique and most have veins that run through the stone which vary in color from white (quartz) to light green or gold.

Soapstone does patina with age, accumulating some nicks and scratches along the way. Most scratches disappear with either oiling or a light sanding. Slabs are available in sizes up to 60″ x 100″ and run 1 1/4″ thick. If seams are necessary, they are narrow and colored to match the stone, making them quite unobtrusive. Soapstone countertop installation does not require any special cabinet modifications. Soapstone countertops work well with either drop-in, vessel, undermount, or farmhouse sinks. Kitchen farmhouse sinks made from soapstone are available in a variety of styles and sizes.

Soapstone is not your typical countertop. It’s natural beauty and unique texture make it a focal point of any room. If you think soapstone is for you, please contact us for more information and to see our slabs.