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Daily Care for Stone Countertops
Special Care: Granite
Special Care: Marble
Special Care: Limestone
Special Care: Travertine
Special Care: Soapstone
Special Care: Pietra del Cardoso |
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Scratching
Soapstone is a relatively soft stone that will be susceptible to
scratching. Using cutting boards with knives, and avoiding abrasive
cleansers and scraping heavy pots and pans along the surface will help
reduce scratching. Soapstone has the unique characteristic that
scratches that do occur may be buffed out with a fine grit (400 to 300)
sandpaper, and then touched up with some mineral oil. Deeper scratches
may require use of heavier grit sandpaper. If so, start with the heavier
paper, and gradually work up to the finest grit to create a finish
consistent with the rest of the countertop.
Staining
Soapstone is one of the only natural materials that can be considered
nearly impenetrable, and will not absorb stains in the same way as other
natural stone surfaces. Soapstone will discolor when a liquid makes
contact with its surface; however, liquids will evaporate off the
surface, leaving no stain behind.
Soapstone's natural color is a grayish blue tone. However, it can be
treated with mineral oil to create the darker, richer color that many
owners prefer and to help ward against showing scratches. If you choose
not to oil your countertop, its color will darken over time, taking on a
natural patina, especially in areas of high use. If and when to oil
soapstone countertops is up to the owner. For those who don't think
"when the spirit moves you" provides sufficient guidance, we suggest the
following schedule :
- Week 1: Two
applications
- Weeks 2 through 4: One
application per week
- Weeks 5 through 9: One
application per two weeks
- Apply monthly up to 18
months; as time goes on, you will need to oil the countertops less and
less frequently, noticing that the deep color will last longer between
applications. Oiling the countertop at least twice per year is
suggested after the initial 18 month period of care.
To apply mineral oil, simply wipe the oil over the entire countertop,
remove the surplus with paper towels then
buff with a clean cotton cloth. The cloth may be stored in a plastic
bag to be used for future applications or for touch ups when buffing out
scratches. Mineral oil can be found in the laxative aisle at the drug store.
(Veterinary grade mineral oil is good if you can get it. It's thinner
and easier to apply.)
Burning
Hot pots may be set directly on soapstone with no potential for the stone to
show burn marks. If you
do set hot pots directly on your soapstone surface, take caution after removing
it
as the stone will absorb heat from the pot and will remain hot to the touch
for some time afterwards.
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