These can be lightly sanded with 300 grit sandpaper. Deeper scratches can be removed using 80 to 200 grit paper (starting light and getting more aggressive if you need, then working back to higher grits for a smooth finish). Sometimes rough paper towels are enough to rub out a light scratch.
80 grit sandpaper is pretty rough and will sand quite a lot of soapstone quickly. As the scratch is sanded out, you will want to graduate to a higher grit sand paper (220) – then higher to (300-400) for a finish that will basically match the original grit finish.
While it may appear soft, soapstone countertops do not crack easily. This is however a problem when it comes to scratches. The softness makes it easily susceptible to scratches but protects it from cracking.
Start by using 80 grit sandpaper and work your way up to 120, or 220 if you like. If you go up to 220, but do not like your results, sand it back down with 120 grit, you are merely removing very small amounts from your stone and will not harm it. We feel that 120 grit is sufficient.
Because you will use some areas more than others, the stone will darken unevenly. This darkening is called patina and it is specific to you and how you use your countertops. Soapstone is soft, so scuffs and scratches will show. These can be lightly sanded with 300 grit sandpaper.
With a small piece of coarse sandpaper, sand the scratch area in a circular motion until the scratch is almost gone, then using a smoother sandpaper do the same thing but this time using water. Sanding will remove the mineral oil, so you will have to apply oil.
Soapstone is impermeable to heat, acid, and other alkalis and harsh chemicals as an inert material. You can use virtually any soapstone cleaner to care for this beautiful, indelicate product. Still, we recommend avoiding harsh cleaners that could exacerbate skin and sinus irritations in your guests.
The application of mineral oil is the most commonly mentioned method of restoring the look of soapstone counters. Mineral oil works to quicken the natural darkening process of soapstone and leaves off a soapy residue (that's why it's called soapstone!).
"It is a softer material, so it does scratch easier," Carbia says. Homes with children who drop things, or homeowners who prefer cutting straight on the countertop as opposed to using a cutting board, might damage soapstone.
Soapstone is primarily composed of the mineral talc, the softest mineral there is. The talc content of a given slab of soapstone dictates just how easily it can be scratched during everyday use.
Soapstone is both chemical resistant and heat resistant, so you can set hot pots and pans directly on soapstone without risk of cracking or scorching. Soapstone is much softer and more prone to scratching than granite or quartz however, so preparing food directly on your soapstone counters could easily scratch it.
Therefore, practically any household cleaner can be used to clean soapstone. Unlike most natural stones, soapstone is not damaged by ammonia.
That rich charcoal color soapstone is known for comes when the stone is exposed to water, grease and oils. These liquids cause the stone to oxidize, which darkens the stone's color and really brings out its natural beauty.
Believe it or not, bleach will not harm it either. However, Bleach is not needed, since the soapstone's natural high density will not harbor bacteria of any kind. Simple soapstone and water or vinegar and water. Will work wonderfully well and clean any surface bacteria just as well as bleach or harsh cleaners.
If you don't have a coating on your natural stone surfaces but are still worried about disinfecting, regular Clorox Wipes can be used to give your counters a wipe down in a pinch, but don't let them sit directly on the stone!
Soapstone surfaces need not be sealed, but we recommend treatment with mineral oil if consistent surface darkening is desired. Without treatment, soapstone will darken in uneven regions around surface areas most frequently used. Leaving the soapstone untreated will develop a patina of age that many people enjoy.
Soapstone is used because it's heat resistant and needs little maintenance.
You should apply it with a clean cloth, then wipe the excess away—it's that simple. Although soapstone is naturally nonporous, it will benefit from a beautifying sealer like SimpleCoat to make the colors pop and protect it from staining. Water, oil and greasy substances can cause it to become discolored and stained.
You do not have to commit to oiling soapstone the day it is installed. You can remove oil from the surface with rubbing alcohol or acetone if you have an accidental oil spill on an un-oiled counter without any negative effects.
The beauty of soapstone is that although it's very dense and heavy it's also soft enough to fabricate with woodworking tools like circular saws, orbital sanders, belt sanders, jigsaws, routers and files.
Soapstone is a very soft mineral and the polished exterior surfaces can be scratched. Scratches may be easily removed by sanding lightly with medium steel wool or 120 grit sandpaper. The surface may then be buffed with 400 grit sandpaper or fine steel wool.
In my opinion, going up to 1000 is fine for most stones, but harder stones like agates should be taken up to 1500 or 2500 grit before polishing.