Soapstone is a favorite for kitchen countertops not only for its strength and beauty, but also for the ability to change its look without a major overhaul. Classic soapstone ranges in colors from light ash gray to rich charcoal allowing you to choose the shade that best complements your décor. Over time, soapstone deepens in color. But if you’re looking to refresh the appearance of your existing countertops, there’s no need to install new countertops—we have a solution for a simple update. Although you can’t change the actual color of your soapstone, you can modify the shade—lightening or darkening it—using a couple of easy methods.
Enjoy the Natural Beauty of Untreated Soapstone
Soapstone will naturally change over time without the need for sanding or oiling. Simply leave your countertops alone and let nature take its course. As you use the surface, soapstone will develop a rich patina, changing the look of your countertops naturally. High-traffic areas darken faster while less-used sections retain their original hue. This natural process creates a “map” of the countertop’s lifetime in your kitchen, giving it a unique look that can’t be replicated.
While all soapstones look beautiful when untreated, some varieties really shine when left in their natural state. Untreated Margarida Soapstone is light gray and filled with flowing white veins while Santa Rita Soapstone resembles a classic marble pattern.
Darken Your Soapstone With Oil
While untreated soapstone retains its natural color and veining, applying a mineral oil treatment can deepen the background and highlight the white veins. For example, Anastacia Soapstone is naturally dark gray but becomes almost black when oiled. Natural Manhattan Gray Soapstone resembles poured concrete but turns black with white veining after treatment. Oiling brings the bold white veins in Fantasia Soapstone to the forefront for a dramatic appearance.
The frequency of mineral oil application can make a difference in the look of your soapstone countertops. Two or three applications can quickly deepen the color, while regular mineral oil or wax treatment helps maintain the soapstone’s patina for a timeless, aged look. Reapplying oil periodically will help the surface retain its darkened shade.
Pro tip: Always apply mineral oil in thin layers, allowing it to soak in completely before wiping away any excess.
Lighten Your Soapstone Countertops by Sanding
Soapstone naturally darkens over time, developing a deep patina for its signature rustic look.
You can use a sanding technique to lighten your soapstone countertops. Sanding soapstone with a fine 300-grit sandpaper will buff out scratches and blemishes that have accumulated over time, reviving the surface. For a bolder transformation that can significantly alter the appearance of your countertops, use a coarser 80-grit sandpaper to remove the natural patina, revealing the lighter, original color of the stone. Start sanding your soapstone countertops in small areas at a time using circular motions, and wipe away sanding dust as you go.
This technique will not produce a lighter color than the stone’s original shade, but will help remove the deeper hue that comes with age. You can use the same technique to remove oil or wax treatment.
How To Remove Mineral Oil From Soapstone
Removing the mineral oil from your soapstone countertops can lighten the stone’s color to its original, natural shade. Since mineral oil doesn’t seal soapstone or offer any additional protection, you can remove it at any time without compromising the integrity of the stone. Follow these simple steps:
- Sanding. Start with a coarse-grit sandpaper (between 80 and 200 grit). Buff the countertops in sections, applying moderate pressure, until you’re satisfied with the lightening effect. Be cautious, as coarser grits can remove significant amounts of oil and alter the appearance quickly.
- Refining the Finish. Once you achieve the desired lightness, use a fine-grit sandpaper (around 300 grit) to smooth the surface and remove any scratches left by the coarser grit.
Important Note: Always wear safety glasses and a dust mask when sanding soapstone to protect yourself from dust particles.
Beware that fake soapstone may not react the same way to these techniques. Imitation soapstone may not achieve the desired effect and could potentially be damaged by sanding or oiling.
Honing Existing Countertops to Add Texture
For a more involved change, soapstone can be honed and leathered. This type of finish can be applied to your existing countertops to provide a different look and feel. The process is more involved than resurfacing your soapstone countertops with sanding and buffing: The stone is sanded with a series of coarse grits to add a leather-like, dimpled surface similar to the texture of an orange peel, adding dimension and refreshing the look of your countertops. While this process can produce a lovely soapstone surface, it’s not an easy project to DIY—we recommend contacting a professional for the best results.
With its versatility and low-maintenance nature, soapstone is an excellent choice for a countertop material. By using these simple techniques, you can customize the look of your soapstone countertops to perfectly suit your style. For more information on soapstone countertops, stop by one of our showrooms or request a quote today.