I think I've defeated the watermarks on my soapstone!

15 years ago

Happy news!

Back in August, I conceded defeat to the ever-present water "stains" on my soapstone. And I let my stone "go gray" (b/c the water marks were only a problem when the stone was oiled.)

The gray was no good. Every speck of butter, oil, fingerprints on my particular variety (called Santa Barbara, from M tex) left dark blotches that couldn't be removed without sanding. Strange b/c most soapstone owners here report being able to scrub out their oil marks with cleanser.

So, on a whim, I tried using GRAPESEED OIL. Good ole Trader Joe's saved my counter!! The grapeseed oil is amazing. It seems far more permanent than the bee's oil/beeswax combo that most of us have used. 6 weeks later, it looks dark and beautiful. Best of all, it doesn't leave water marks!!!!! And it is MUCH easier to apply than the waxy stuff, so no more "soapstone elbow" for me!

Hip hip hooray!

:-)

francy

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Comments (16)

berf
15 years ago
OH WOW! Congratulations! I have been following and worrying over your story--with my soapstone yet to be installed (by the end of this month) --wondering if I'd find myself in a similar situation. This is great to know.

One more reason to love TJ's!

B
janwad
15 years ago
Thanks for the update!
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Jodi_SoCal
15 years ago
Wonderful BAF, you deserve a break after all you've been through with your soapstone.

Jodi-
pluckymama
15 years ago
Francy, post a pic of your grapeseed oil countertops!
vizslalover
15 years ago
I'm planning to give my Light Vein Venata counters their semi-annual (no joke) oiling tomorrow since we're having a BBQ on Sunday. I don't have enough Bee's Oil to finish so maybe I'll try this. My only question is have you noticed any smell or anything to suggest the oil on the stone is going rancid? You said its been 6 weeks?
bayareafrancy
Original Author
15 years ago
Hi Viz,

No--no rancidity at all (I was concerned about this, and rejected olive oil b/c of this). And it just feels smooth and silky. Note: I only wash my counters with a very diluted 'natural' soap and water mixture. This doesn't remove the oil. But I don't know if a standard kitchen cleanser would.

Just noticed I spelled 'watermarks' as one word in my title. That would be a silly thing to find on a countertop!

Believe it or not (given the plethora of pictures I usually post), I don't think I have any new ones. The kitchen is a disaster area b/c I got stuck in the middle of a painting job.

:-)

francy
vizslalover
15 years ago
No harsh counter cleaners here either so maybe I'll give the grapeseed oil a try.

If I remember, I'll take some before and after pics for people who want to see some serious patina ;)

Thanks!!
grannabelle
15 years ago
although i did not chime in earlier, my ss behaves very much like yours - and like you, i let mine just go natural - oiling very infrequently and never close to company since i would have the water marks, etc, until the oil dissipated (note: this is only on certain parts of my counters - other sections are not so effected)...i do not mind the oil "stains" from use - but i am going to try the grapeseed oil this weekend and then i will report back - THANKS
rmkitchen
15 years ago
I love seeing your name here, and I esp. love that you've found a great solution for your countertops (tennis elbow sucks)!

I've been thinking of you, wondering how your painting is going, and I've also been thinking of your bicycle. I'm thinking of asking for one (a comfy cruiser bicycle) for the winter holidays, and that made me think of you, toodling around ....

L'Shanah Tovah! My four year-old and I made pumpkin challah to take to my two year-old's class -- it was a beautiful color but I wasn't thrilled with it. (It was a v. wet dough, more like batter, hard to keep its braided shape.)

Yea for your countertops!
victoriajane
15 years ago
I am new here but I stumbled upon the "patina" thread while doing a search on soapstone...I have to admit it gave me pause! (although there was never a chance I was actually going to give up on soapstone.) Can I admit that I've never heard of grapeseed oil before? Now I will stock up. Congrats on your success!
zanne_lh
15 years ago
hi francy,
congratulations! this is so exciting! and thank you!

"No--no rancidity at all (I was concerned about this, and rejected olive oil b/c of this). "

i'm curious -- does grapeseed oil have a longer shelf life than olive oil? how long do you think it will be ok? or do you just expect to rub off most of it before it goes bad?

congrats again!
mustbnuts zone 9 sunset 9
15 years ago
Congrats! I am so glad this appears to be working for you. As stated above, L'Shanah Tovah! Looks like it will be a great new year!
bayareafrancy
Original Author
15 years ago
A few followups on the grapeseed oil:

I don't know anything about the shelf life. I only know that it has a higher smoke point (and so is great for sauteeing). And it's very healthy.

My counters now don't look or feel "oiled." They are just matte black. The Bee's oil made them a little waxier feeling (and water would bead up on them). This just feels like the oil is "one with the counter" if that makes sense.

When you first apply it, the counters will look wet and oily and shiny. Different from bee's oil. Don't panic! I actually enjoyed pouring on a liberal amount b/c it is easier on my elbow. After applying the oil, just buff off the excess with a clean cloth. It is very fast overall.

I hope it works well for others. Who knows, b/c I seem to have an odd variety of soapstone. And I hope you all have Trader Joe's in your neighborhoods. Because grapeseed oil is pricey. I wouldn't have thought of using it, if it weren't for the cheap, nice sized bottles of it that they sell.

rm: L'Shana Tovah! Our synagogue celebrates a kid version of Rosh Hashana as "the birthday of the world." This is super fun! At our house, we take it a step further ande bake a birthday cake, and put on those big number candles for the year. We sing happy birthday to the world, and then i give my boys a gift that has something to do with nature. They love this holiday! My 7 year old took his shofar for show and tell today. And the cruiser bike is awesome!!! Except I have my feet "walking" on the ground more than peddling on the peddles, because I have to match my four year old's pace.

:-)

francy
sergeantcuff
15 years ago
Good work Francy! This makes me happier about choosing soapstone. My planning is going well. My contractor has now suggested a line of cabinets that offers a soft light yellow painted finish. I've only seen pics on the web, but he can get me a sample door. I love the yellow I now have, and I love love your yellow next to your soapstone. Our kitchens can be twins.
Maureen
bayareafrancy
Original Author
15 years ago
Hee!

:-D

francy
eandhl
15 years ago
francy, I am so glad you found a solution!!!! Maybe a picture?

I think I've defeated the watermarks on my soapstone!

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