Why does soapstone darken over time? How fast does the change happen? Will oiling slow it down or speed it up? What if you want to keep the original color? Will the veining still show? What does it take to keep the surface clean, smooth, and balanced?
At Tops Countertops, we answer these questions every day. Whether you’re planning a soapstone kitchen or already living with one, we’ll show you exactly what to expect and how to keep your countertops looking their best for years.
Why Soapstone Countertops Change Color Over Time
Soapstone is one of the few countertop materials that naturally evolves in appearance, and that’s part of its charm. Over time, it develops a soft patina, shifting from a light gray to a deeper charcoal or even near-black, depending on the specific slab.
What causes this shift?
This change doesn’t come from polish or sealant; it comes from life. Every day use, from oily fingerprints to cooking splatters, water spots, and even air exposure, gradually darkens the surface. These elements slowly penetrate the soapstone, changing its tone and enhancing its natural veining.
Treated vs. untreated soapstone
Some homeowners speed up the color change by applying mineral oil or beeswax to the surface. This gives the stone a rich, even tone almost instantly. It also tends to bring out more contrast in the veining.
Others choose to leave the soapstone untreated, letting it darken naturally over time. This creates a more gradual, uneven patina that eventually settles into a lived-in look.
There’s no right or wrong here; it just depends on whether you want to guide the process or let the stone evolve on its own.
Learn more about why textured and honed countertops are gaining popularity for their matte, lived-in look.
How fast does the color change?
It depends. Some soapstone countertops begin to darken within a few weeks. Others may take several months. Things like how often the countertop is used, whether it’s exposed to oil or water, and the density of the slab all play a role.
No two soapstone slabs age exactly the same. That’s part of what makes this material so unique; your countertop won’t look like anyone else’s.
If you’re still weighing your options, here’s a guide on how to choose the right kitchen countertop based on your cooking and lifestyle habits.
What the Color Change Looks Like — and How to Care for It
Soapstone doesn’t just darken; it transforms. What starts as a soft, light gray or cool blue-gray surface gradually shifts into a deep charcoal or almost black finish. As this happens, white veining becomes more defined, and the stone takes on a richer, more dramatic contrast. This isn’t just a color shift; it’s part of the stone’s character.
Choosing how the patina develops
As a homeowner, you have two clear options:
- Let the patina naturally develop over time through regular use.
- Or enhance it intentionally with mineral oil or beeswax to speed up and even out the darkening.
If you choose to oil or wax your soapstone, the effect is almost immediate — the color deepens, and the contrast in the veining pops. Oiled soapstone tends to look more uniform and finished. If you prefer a slower, more organic evolution, leaving the soapstone untreated will give you a surface that ages unevenly at first, but gradually settles into a unique, lived-in tone.
How to speed it up (or not)
To darken the stone on your own schedule, apply mineral oil or a product like Alberene Dry Wax in thin layers, using circular motions to work it evenly into the surface. After the first application, you’ll likely need to reapply oil every few weeks for the first few months. Once the stone reaches its stable tone, upkeep becomes less frequent.
On the other hand, if you prefer the raw, unfinished look, just let it go. Soapstone will darken naturally as it comes into contact with hands, water, and cooking oils; no products are needed.
Everyday care and surface refresh
Soapstone is non-porous, which means no need for sealants or harsh cleaners. Mild dish soap and warm water are enough for routine cleaning. If you notice scratches or blemishes, they can be easily sanded with fine-grit sandpaper (around 300 grit) and re-oiled if desired.
Over time, if your soapstone starts to look lighter or uneven, a quick oiling will bring back that rich, dark finish. But even without it, the surface continues to develop character with every meal, every touch, every day.
Still curious about sealants? Here’s our full countertop sealant guide.
See the Beauty of Soapstone in Every Stage
At Tops Countertops, we help homeowners choose and care for soapstone countertops they’ll love for decades. Whether you want that soft, natural gray or a rich, dark finish, we’ll guide you through every option.
- Explore a variety of soapstone slabs and finishes
- Learn how to maintain or enhance patina over time
- Get expert guidance on care, oiling, and surface refreshing
- Veteran-owned, trusted local service in the South Puget Sound
[Schedule Your Soapstone Design Consultation →]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How fast does soapstone darken?
It depends on the stone and how it’s used. In high-use kitchens, you may see visible changes in a few weeks. In lower-use areas, it can take months. Oiling can speed up and even out the process, but natural patina develops at its own pace.
Can I keep the original light gray color?
It’s tough to keep soapstone completely light. Even clean hands and water can cause gradual darkening. Some homeowners minimize it with regular cleaning and avoiding oiling, but the patina is part of the stone’s natural character.
Do I need to seal soapstone like granite?
Not in the same way or frequency as you would seal granite or marble. But it’s still smart to understand general care for natural stone countertops to extend their life and beauty.
Some homeowners apply mineral oil or wax, but this is purely aesthetic, not functional. It’s about how you want the color of your soapstone to look over time.
What happens if I scratch the surface?
Soapstone is soft, so light scratches can happen, but they’re easy to fix. You can gently sand the area with fine-grit sandpaper, wipe it clean, and apply oil if desired. Most scratches blend into the patina naturally.
Is the darkened look permanent?
Not entirely. If oiled soapstone lightens over time, it can be re-oiled to restore the darker tone. But natural patina tends to stay, giving the stone a unique, aged finish that reflects everyday use.