Oiling your soapstone is NOT REQUIRED for maintenance of soapstone; it simply makes the surface darker.

There is no set rule on application. Since THE OIL IS NOT ABSORBED, you are creating a thin layer of oil on top of the surface of the stone, it will not “stain”. A large amount of oil is not necessary, just enough to spread from backsplash to the edges. (We often use an oily rag kept in a plastic bag to make the process faster and easier). Apply the oil and wipe the rag from side to side until a smooth coat has developed. The more layers of oil you apply, the less likely it is to evaporate. However, if your counters feel slick and slimy, feel free to remove excess oil layers with a paper towel or old rag (the oil doesn’t need to soak in because it never will). Initially the oiling maintenance is recommended once every two to three days for the first three to four weeks (or more often if some parts of the counter are subjected to more sunlight or if you use alcohol based cleaning products that will counter-act the oil). The darkening process will vary based on the type of the stone, certain varieties of soapstone can achieve a darker color than others at a faster rate depending on the mineral composition. After the first three to four weeks, touch-up applications will be needed on certain portions of the stone that tend to evaporate more quickly just to have a continuously oiled surface. After the first six months, your counters should maintain the darker, “oiled look” with more infrequent oil touch-up applications.To see the difference with slabs half oiled click here.