Sales Training Booklet 5 - Atlantic Soapstone Creations

SOAPSTONE
YOUR QUESTIONS,
OUR ANSWERS
680 East Hubbardton Road ■ P.O. Box 807 ■ Castleton, VT 05735
Phone 802-468-5636 ■ Fax 802-468-8968
www.greenmountainsoapstone.com
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SOAPSTONE
YOUR QUESTIONS, OUR ANSWERS
Version 2, Edition 1, 2008®
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IT’S ALL ABOUT GREEN MOUNTAIN SOAPSTONE COMPANY
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IS SOAPSTONE A NATURAL STONE?
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I HEARD THAT SOAPSTONE COMES IN SMALL SIZED SLABS?
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ANY SOAPSTONE WILL WORK IN MY KITCHEN, RIGHT?
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WHAT IS MY PALETTE OF COLOR?
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ARCHITECTURALLY, DOES SOAPSTONE HAVE OTHER USES?
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WHAT QUALITIES MAKE IT KITCHEN FRIENDLY?
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CAN I CUT AND CHOP ON IT?
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IS THERE A TIME TABLE FOR OILING SOAPSTONE?
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YOU RECOMMEND OILING SOAPSTONE, WHY?
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WHY SHOULD I USE A SOAPSTONE SINK?
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WHAT COUNTRY DOES SOAPSTONE COME FROM?
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WHY TRUST GREEN MOUNTAIN SOAPSTONE KNOWLEDGE?
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SOAPSTONE FEELS SOFT, WILL IT WEAR THIN OVER TIME?
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HOW COME SOAPSTONE IS NOT AS POPULAR AS GRANITE?
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SOAPSTONE MUST HAVE SOME DISADVANTAGES?
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IS SOAPSTONE CONSIDERED A GREEN PRODUCT?
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CARE & MAINTENANCE OF YOUR INVESTMENT
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USING AND CARING FOR YOUR SOAPSTONE SINK
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PHOTO GALLERY (Photo’s from some of our fabricators)
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This book contains a series of questions that have become the most
often asked of Green Mountain Soapstone. Over the years we have
done our best to provide a response to architects, designers, fabricators and most importantly homeowners questions.
It also provides what we feel to be clear, to the point, honest answers.
Hopefully we covered everything, but we’re sure there is a question
that was left out. When that question is asked, please feel free to call
us. We can always add a page!
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 who we are
Green Mountain Soapstone is a family owned business, located in
the picturesque Green Mountains in Castleton, Vermont.
Heritage—“Something such as a way of life or traditional culture
passed from one generation to the next.”
Stone has been a way of life for three generations of the Socinski family. We didn’t wake up one morning and say “let’s get in the stone business today”. With stone quarries on two continents this is a Socinski
family heritage passed down from grandfather, to father, to son. And
while soapstone may be only one of the many stones we’ve worked
with over the past 60 years, it certainly is our favorite.
We’ve created countertops, sinks, fireplace surrounds & liners, flooring, steps, masonry heaters, lab tables and much more over the years
out of soapstone. Our mill in Castleton, Vermont sits on over 20 acres
and supports more than 30 local families each day. Combined with our
quarries in Brazil more than 100 people work each day in support of
our customers.
Soapstone has been a part of American homes since the early 1800’s;
many homes today still contain working sinks and wood stoves built
over 100 years ago! While they all may not have been built by GMS
personnel, they all have one thing in common, durability!
 what we do
At Green Mountain Soapstone we quarry and supply soapstone for
the kitchen and bath industry. We ship raw slabs and containers to suppliers and fabricators throughout the United States and Canada. We
also supply dimensional cut-to-size soapstone for masonry heaters,
wood stoves, restoration and duplication work. We offer the largest
soapstone slabs and inventory available. We have the world’s most
beautiful soapstone, which we offer as Green Mountain Soapstone
“Original” and “Ice Flower.”
Loyalty—“A feeling of devotion, duty, or attachment to somebody or
something.”
Some call this customer service. We call it a relationship. We do not
sell soapstone, our customers do. We work hard to support the many
fabricators, distributors & designers whom insist on Green Mountain
Soapstone.
Our pro-active approach of reaching end-users includes national
magazine advertisements. Fine Homebuilding, Old House Journal and
Old House Interiors are just a few that acquire attention every month.
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Our website receives several hundred visits each week requesting
information which we refer to their local dealer. Those referrals often
convert to sales. We are long-standing exhibitors at national trade
shows such as KBIS, IBS, Coverings and Stone Expo.
Marketing is only part of our support. Our national fabrication network is fully supported by experienced, hands-on people. Combined,
GMS independent fabricators carry well over 100 years of experience
into the field each day.
Availability, marketing and fabrication support keeps us the leaders
of the soapstone industry.
 our mission
For decades, New Englanders have enjoyed the beauty, durability
and longevity of soapstone. Our mission at Green Mountain Soapstone
is to demystify the fabrication and installation of soapstone, enabling
everyone access to this fabulous product. Until recently, soapstone was
only distributed in New England. The traditional crafting skills were
only known to those in the northeast. Today, Green Mountain Soapstone possesses several large soapstone quarries which enables us to
offer soapstone nationally. We train contractors, cabinet makers and
solid surface fabricators nationwide in the fabrication techniques used
by the original Vermont craftsmen to create countertops, kitchen islands, fireplace surrounds and more. Soapstone seams can be made so
that the joint is smooth and inconspicuous.
Longevity— “Long duration of life.”
We can proudly say that we are one of the reasons for the resurgence
of soapstone. Today we are the largest supplier of soapstone in America. We will continue to quarry, market and distribute quality soapstone for years to come.
We have several legal quarries in Brazil that provide well paying
jobs and safe working conditions. We’ve been through the ups and
downs of the soapstone market and have learned first hand the importance of quality and planning for the future.
We have seen other suppliers' come and go; most are just trying to
cash in on the soapstone resurgence. They neither have the supply nor
the experience to deliver long term. Others are just granite companies
quarrying from poor deposits and selling inferior stone cheap, trying to
make a quick buck.
Quality soapstone is rare and hard to find. Our skilled Geologists
actively prospect and seek out the richest deposits. This enables us to
continually secure new quarry locations. Ensuring our company’s longevity in the soapstone business for years to come.
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►IS SOAPSTONE A NATURAL STONE?
Soapstone—A soft metamorphic rock composed mostly of the mineral talc.
Soapstone also includes chlorite, carbonate, and tremolite. Soapstone forms
through the alteration of ferromagnesian silicate minerals during metamorphism.
Soapstone (steatite) is a naturally occurring metamorphic rock found
in various localities of the world. It is geologically associated with ancient ocean rift zones of ultra-basic, igneous rock assemblages.
These rock units become altered due to the tremendous heat and pressure that occurs during periods of mountain development and tectonic
upheavals.
The process of steatization changes the minerals in the rock into talc
and dolomite (magnesium carbonate). The soft talc mineral gives soapstone the smooth feel of soap and the carbonate mineral provides the
strength and integrity.
Green Mountain Soapstone keeps an active file of mineral test for all
it’s stones. This information is available to those that require it.
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►I HEARD THAT SOAPSTONE COMES IN SMALL
SIZED SLABS?
At one time soapstone blocks were cut smaller to avoid veins. Since
seams in soapstone countertops are virtually invisible, this was not a
problem. As other stones increased in the marketplace, soapstone was
forced to quarry larger blocks. Larger slabs sometimes will contain a
few more quartz veins, but they only add to the aesthetics of the project.
Our 1 ¼” slabs average in size 60” x 100”. We also cut smaller sizes
for fabricators that are not capable of handling large material. Custom
thickness and sizes can be ordered, but time must be allowed for quarrying and sizing of blocks.
Handling of the larger slabs is the same as a large granite or marble
slab. Due to natural fissures in those stones a mesh back is often applied to supply additional support. Since soapstone is such a dense
material that mesh is not needed. As our slabs continue to be quarried
in larger sizes, we may consider applying the mesh for safety reasons.
Tiles are also available in 12” square that are 1/2” in thickness.
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►ANY SOAPSTONE WILL WORK IN MY KITCHEN,
RIGHT?
Yes and no. Soapstone is found in basically two varieties depending
on the talc content.
 Artistic soapstone has a high talc content making it very soft. Normal use would be for carving and welders pencils. Examples you
may have seen include intuit whales and boot dryers. Another is
the statue of Jesus overlooking Rio de Janeiro. You do not want this
stone installed for a kitchen countertop.
 Architectural soapstone contains a lower percentage of talc and is
used for sinks, countertops, floors and other architectural elements.
This is the only soapstone quarried by Green Mountain Soapstone.
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►WHAT IS MY PALETTE OF COLOR?
Basically one. Some of our stone has a blue tint, sometimes appears
green, but it is basically gray with flecks and veins of lighter quartz interspersed.
Soapstone turns to a darker charcoal color with age, use, and normal
care, including treating it with mineral oil.
As the discovery of soapstone boulders continue, there will always be
some different appearances as minerals and quartz veins go. Yet, the
talc and quartz content will always decide the quality of the soapstone.
Un-oiled Original PA
Oiled Original PA
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►ARCHITECTURALLY, DOES SOAPSTONE HAVE
OTHER USES?
Green Mountain’s soapstone has been fabricated for multiple uses.
Some include tabletops, benches, shower stalls, bathtubs, fireplace surrounds, Rumford fireboxes, windowsills, lintels, planters, Japanese
soaking tubs, and has become an excellent companion for radiant floor
heat. Masonry heaters built of soapstone have, literally, set the market
on fire.
Soapstone is a very neutral stone that adapts to temperature. From
handling the heat of a wood-fired pizza oven to surviving the cold and
snow of the backyard kitchen on winter break, soapstone has withstood
all tests.
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►WHAT QUALITIES MAKE IT KITCHEN FRIENDLY?
Soapstone has three characteristics that make it an excellent choice.
 Soapstone adjusts to heat. You can place a red-hot pan or dish on
a counter without any damage to the counter.
 Soapstone is non-porous so that no products that traditionally
stain a natural stone will penetrate the surface. Other surfaces
such as granite, marble or limestone have to be repeatedly sealed
to prevent liquids from staining them.
 Soapstone is chemically neutral so acids like lemon or tomato
juice do not affect it nor do alkali’s found in some household
cleaners.
 ***No other solid surface countertop material has all three of these
characteristics
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►CAN I CUT AND CHOP ON IT?
We believe that there was a good reason that cutting boards were invented, and that was to save your countertop. We do not know of any
surface, stone or otherwise, that will withstand daily beatings from a
knife or cleaver!
That said, we know that somebody is going to cut on it sooner or later
(hey, we all have families). What you will find are fine surface
scratches. Often these come from displacement of the mineral oil. You
can reapply the mineral oil to hide them, or let them be. Surprisingly,
they seem to add to the patina of the stone.
Deeper scratches can be removed without bringing in an “expert”
with messy tools. Please refer to our care information on page 25.
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►IS THERE A TIME-TABLE FOR OILING SOAPSTONE?
We recommend weekly for the first month. Then twice a month for
the next three months. After that a monthly oiling, or less, depending
on use. Only you will know the timetable that works in your home.
There really is no right time or wrong time to oil. Kitchens that get
more use than others will require less oil in high traffic areas since the
moisture is naturally being replaced. The thin layer of oil, too light to
feel, will keep the
stone a consistent
shade of dark
gray. The oil does
evaporate so the
stone will lighten
with time.
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►YOU RECOMMEND TO OIL SOAPSTONE, WHY?
Soapstone is non-porous so nothing will penetrate the surface. When
liquid is spilled or applied to the surface, the stone darkens due to the
light refracted off the stone. The stone lightens when the substance is
removed from the surface either by evaporation or cleaning.
Thus, in order to avoid an inconsistent color or tone, we recommend
applying mineral oil to the surface of the stone. While oiling is done at
the homeowners discretion (and often enjoyment), there is no right or
wrong way.
We have developed a special lightweight formula that applies easier
and gets the most coverage. Please see our care information included
in this booklet.
Most importantly is the grade of mineral oil. FDA approved food
grade mineral oil will not go rancid as an olive oil would. It has no
odor or taste. In most cases the thin layer applied to the countertop will
dry overnight. We suggest using our bottled mineral oil, otherwise a
heavier grade oil may be found in most drug and grocery stores.
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►WHY SHOULD I USE A SOAPSTONE SINK?
In the 1800’s, before the kitchen existed as we know it, the soapstone
sink was a mainstay of multiple uses. The old large double-bowl sink,
that many New England homes still have in their basement or laundry
room today, were used to keep water warm, do the laundry (by hand),
bathe and rinse fresh foods. Often kept on the porch facing the sunny
south, the farmer would boil water early in the morning and pour it
into the bowls. Instantly the stone would begin to adapt to the water
temperature and in return, with help from the sun also warming the
soapstone, keeping the water warm throughout the day. When the
kitchen moved indoors, those same soapstone sinks were to large too
make the move.
Today, the soapstone sink has been revitalized. Not only does it look
great surrounded with soapstone countertops, but it offers the homeowner a chance to design their own sink. Because most soapstone sinks
are custom built to fit the cabinet or wall placement, a homeowner that
loves to cook can design a sink that works in their kitchen. The noncooks just needing a small sink for doing a few dishes and wanting to
save countertop space, can be accommodated as well.
Green Mountain Soapstone offers custom built sinks. (see photo below). In addition, we also have stock sinks that often fit customers
needs and help keep the budget down.
As vanity sinks
become a home
staple, soapstone
has once again
adapted. Single
block carved bowls
make an excellent
bathroom sink. Its
non-porous nature
can deal with every
chemical imaginable that we use in
our daily routines.
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STOCK SINKS
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Boston Williams Sink
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Chicago Wright Sink
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New England Double Bowl
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►WHAT COUNTRY DOES SOAPSTONE COME FROM?
Soapstone is found throughout the world in relatively minor deposits
ranging from small rocks to wide seams, boulders and other deposits.
Soapstone is found in the Appalachian range from Maine to Georgia
with significant deposits in Vermont and Virginia. Finland and Brazil
are the largest international producers of soapstone.
Stone found in Brazil tends to be best in the kitchen while the Finnish
stone works well in stoves. Two thirds of the soapstone that is imported from Brazil yearly to the United States is via Green Mountain
Soapstone quarries.
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►WHY TRUST GREEN MOUNTAIN SOAPSTONE
KNOWLEDGE?
The stone varies in color, hardness and purity from deposit to deposit. We only use stone suitable for the intended end use.
Quality soapstone is rare and hard to fine. Our skilled geologists actively prospect and seek out the richest deposits. This enables us to
continually secure new quarry locations.
We are the largest soapstone supplier in America. Two-thirds of the
stone arriving in America from Brazil yearly is via Green Mountain
Soapstone’s secure legal quarries that provide well-paying jobs and safe
working conditions.
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►SOAPSTONE FEELS SOFT, WILL IT WEAR THIN
OVER TIME?
Soapstone will wear, softening the edges and accumulating some
nicks, scratches and dents over time. It will never wear thin and it certainly doesn’t wash away.
Most scratches are just a displacement of the mineral oil. If deeper
scratches should occur, they can be removed with light sanding if desired, but often left alone they tend to add patina to the stone.
Sinks that were built well over 100 years ago (those found in many
New England garages and cellars) are still in use and just as attractive
as sinks built today.
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►HOW COME SOAPSTONE IS NOT AS POPULAR AS
GRANITE?
Probably due to its relative rarity and limited supply. Quarrying
soapstone takes knowledge and patience.
Because it is unlike most other architectural minerals, soapstone has
not been quarried or marketed by large companies and has not been
sold through traditional stone distribution channels.
And due to the limited supply of architectural quality, the chances of
soapstone ever reaching the sales magnitude of granite is very unlikely.
Soapstone is readily available from Green Mountain Soapstone.
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►SOAPSTONE MUST HAVE SOME DISADVANTAGES?
Depending on how you look at it, and you would have to speak to
several soapstone owners, maintenance of the stone when it is first installed can be a disadvantage. Applying the mineral oil to get the aesthetic appearance consistent can take time, however, we’ve had soapstone lovers revisit us over the years that speak of how much they enjoy
oiling their countertops, often referring to it as therapeutic.
In summary, we feel these three points best describe any drawbacks
to using soapstone:
 Soapstone is basically available in only one color. It will age to a
darker, almost a black charcoal finish. This is not all bad, we’ve
had a few husbands tell us they like the limited color choice as it
speeds up product selection by a few weeks.
 Soapstone requires some maintenance such as periodic oiling to
maintain a consistent appearance. That said, the homeowner will
decide what the oiling
time table will be.
 Soapstone is softer and
tends to get fine scratches.
These are easily removed,
in most cases, by reapplying mineral oil.
When you meet a person
that has a quality soapstone
like ours installed be prepared to hear nothing but
rave reviews. Most people
that get turned off to soapstone have installed the subpar artistic product that we
mention in other parts of this
publication.
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►IS SOAPSTONE CONSIDERED A GREEN PRODUCT?
At the current time no stone fits every requirement to be considered
part of the Green Movement. Yet soapstone is accepted by many Green
minded designers, builders and homeowners due to its earth-friendly
qualities. The following are a few points that have been made to us:
Soapstone is quarried in an open pit, thus, the land is refilled with
dirt, allowing grass and trees to reclaim the land.
Soapstone is chemical free;
 It needs no sealer as it is used in it’s natural state.
 Because it is non-porous, a mild soap and water clean up is a snap.
 Mineral Oil, also a natural food safe product, is used to enhance it.
Soapstone is a one-time, life-time investment. Sinks that have been
used since the early 1800’s in New England are still being used today in
many laundry rooms.
Soapstone is recyclable. Old high school and college science labs that
for some reason are being taken out and replaced with other materials
have been reused for sinks, countertop and vanity tops with simple reconditioning.
Soapstone has withstood the test of time and is ready to take on the
future. Whatever use it has been specified for, more than likely it is still
in place today. Soapstone is ready for the Green movement, fact is has
been ready for more than 200 years!
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►CARE & MAINTENANCE OF YOUR INVESTMENT
 WHY IS IT RECOMMENDED TO OIL SOAPSTONE?
Since soapstone is non porous, nothing penetrates the surface. When
any liquid is spilled or applied to the surface, the stone darkens because
the light is refracted off the stone. The stone will lighten when the substance is removed from the surface either by evaporation or cleaning. In
order to avoid an inconsistent color or tone, we recommend applying
mineral oil to the surface of the stone.
 FIRST OILING
When applying mineral oil for the first time a “stone changing experience” will occur! Instantly the gray soapstone will turn to a dark charcoal color and the characteristics of the soapstone will come to life.
These few simple steps will make the oiling experience easier.
Be sure to wipe the soapstone down with a wet sponge. This will
gather all the residue of dust left behind that can gum up the oil.
Only use food grade mineral oil. We recommend our special bottled
mix. It is important that the oil is food grade as petroleum based oil
could make you sick.
With a clean, dry cloth, apply the oil liberally to the stone, covering all
areas evenly. (Yeah, you can cheat and just pour it on!) It will be “oily”
to the touch when first applied. Give the oil a few minutes to rest and
then with a dry cloth wipe away excess oil. Any oily residue left will
dry overnight. Your soapstone is now ready for work.
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►CARE & MAINTENANCE OF YOUR INVESTMENT
 HOW OFTEN DOES SOAPSTONE HAVE TO BE OILED?
We recommend weekly for the first month. Then twice a month, or
less, depending on use over the next three months. The thin layer of oil,
too light to feel, will keep the stone a consistent shade of dark gray. The
oil does evaporate so the stone will lighten with time. And, most importantly, if you never oil it, it is fine, just expect to see darker spots in
areas where you do most of your work (this is not a stain). When
you’re tired of the spots, oil it!
 DOES THE SOFTNESS OF SOAPSTONE EFFECT WEAR?
Soapstone will wear, softening the edges and accumulating some
nicks, scratches, and dents over time. Sinks that were built 100 years
ago (those found in many New England cellars) are still as attractive as
sinks built today. If you want to remove a scratch, it can be removed by
lightly sanding with an 80 grit sandpaper (80 grit is the finish of your
stone). Soft, pressure and circular strokes should be used letting the
paper do the work. Be careful though, in most cases a scratch is no
more then displacement of mineral oil, which disappears when oil is
reapplied.
 NOW USE IT!
Soapstone loves to be used! In fact, five, ten and even twenty years
from now, you will marvel at how beautiful the stone has aged. Soapstone adds to the love of cooking and baking. Remember, this is natural stone, your look in veining and uniqueness are unlike anyone else’s
in the world.
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►USING AND CARING FOR YOUR SOAPSTONE SINK
 A FEW SIMPLE POINTS OF REFERENCE:
Detergents – To our knowledge, there is not a detergent that will effect
soapstone. From a mild dish liquid to the abrasive cleaners such as
Comet or Ajax, the soapstone has shown no ill effects. Remember that
the soapstone is non-porous. In most cases, a milder soap and warm
water clean up is fine.
Inside the sink – You will notice that the bottom of the sink is sloped
for draining. But, due to the sinks slab construction, square corners are
created. With regular rinsing build-up should not be a problem. When
you see a need to clean those corners, we suggest using a soft scraper
(like a vinyl vegetable brush) for a safe and easy clean up.
Oiling - History has proven that oil inside the sink reacts a bit differently than on the countertop. We believe this is due to the detergent
removing the oil. Thus sink areas may take a few more rub downs with
mineral oil to create a consistent dark look. Use and time will enhance
the sink into the traditional soapstone look.
 WHY YOU MADE A GREAT DECISION TO INSTALL SOAPSTONE
Soapstone has three characteristics that make it an excellent choice for
use as kitchen sinks and countertops.
 Soapstone is heat resistant. You can place a hot pan or dish on a
counter without any damage to the counter. In most cases, the
stone will not even feel warm to the touch.
 Soapstone is non-porous. No products found in the kitchen will
penetrate the stone. Other stone surfaces such as granite, marble or
limestone have to be repeatedly sealed to prevent liquids from
staining them.
 Soapstone is chemically neutral. Acids like lemon or tomato juice
do not effect it nor do alkalis found in some household cleaners.
***No other solid surface countertop material has all three of these
characteristics
Thank you for choosing to include our soapstone in your lifestyle!
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680 East Hubbardton Road ■ P.O. Box 807 ■ Castleton, VT 05735
Phone 802-468-5636 ■ Fax 802-468-8968
www.greenmountainsoapstone.com
Vermont ▲
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▼ Brazil