How to Seal a Soapstone Kitchen Counter
Before applying a sealant, be aware that a sealant can slightly darken the surface of the soapstone. Try testing the sealant you intend to use on a scrap of stone. Also, use cutting boards to protect the surface of the stone. Cutting directly on the surface of the countertop will be hard on both your knives and your soapstone countertop.
Step 1: Clean the soapstone kitchen counter with a commercially prepared stone cleaner appropriate for use on soapstone. Be sure to remove any food or previous cleaner haze. Buff with a clean, soft cloth and make sure that the surface is completely dry before continuing.
TIP: Try using several soft flannel cloths to buff the stone and apply the sealant. Clean them after every use and keep them with your cleaning materials for the next time.
Step 2: Apply a coat of soapstone sealer to the surface of the soapstone kitchen counter. Always apply the sealant to the rag and not the stone, using long overlapping strokes to apply the sealer. Don't over apply, but be sure to cover the counter with an even sheen.
TIP: Food grade mineral oil can be a substitute for soapstone sealer, but it may cause the surface of the counters to become slightly darker. Apply it using the same technique used to apply a commercial product.
Step 3: Allow the sealant you used on the soapstone kitchen counters to soak in for 2 hours.
Step 4: Lightly shine the surface of the stone and remove the extra sealant using a soft, clean cloth. Plan on applying a new coat of sealant every two months with average use.
Published by Amy Whittle
Amy Whittle is a freelance writer based in clean, green Boulder City, Nevada. She specializes in home improvement, green living, and health and fitness issues. You can check out her work at Woman’s Day, th... View profile
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2 Comments
Post a CommentYes soapstone is nonporous and can't be sealed. The wax or oil will just sit on the top of the counter. When it disappears it is because it is drying out and evaporating.
Soapstone also doesn't require any special cleaners. Just soap and warm water.
The wax and oil are used to help darken the stone quicker. While it doesn't protect the stone using the wax and oil adds a layer on top so if you do get a scratch you are usually only scratching the wax or the oil and it is easily fixed.
Hope this helps with your soapstone needs.
I would respectfully like to correct some of the items mentioned in this article. Architectural soapstone (soapstone that is strong enough for your countertops) mainly only comes in the grays, greens, charcoals, and blacks. The ligher brown, red and tan soapstone you may have seen is what is called artistic grade soapstone and mainly used for carving and NOT recommended for countertop usage.
Also soapstone is a non porous rock so it will not need to be sealed because it will not stain or etch. Please do not take mine or anyone elses word for it, contact your local soapstone countertop dealer, get a sample and leave red wine on it for 24 hours. This is why they used to use soapstone to make all those chem lab tables you remember from school. Dealers will often recommend putting mineral oil/dry wax on your soapstone but it does not seal the stone, in fact it doesnt benefit the stone at all by having it on there, it merely makes your soapstone darker in appearance.
I would not rec