How to Darken Soapstone Countertops
Soapstone is one of those timeless materials that truly gets better with age. The veining and speckling begin to shine through, and the patina that comes with time gives a classic aesthetic. However, if you’re like me and want that deep charcoal or near-black look right away (rather than waiting years for it to patina naturally), there’s a simple and effective way to enhance the color: using a stone enhancer, oil, or sealant. In this post, I’m walking you through exactly how I darken our soapstone countertops using Tenax Ager, the product I’ve used and loved for years. It deepens the stone, highlights veining, magically erases scratches, and gives our kitchen that moody, lived-in look I adore. Click through for the details and my process!
It’s no secret, soapstone is my preferred countertop material. In fact, I’ve used it in our last few kitchen renovations. At this point in my life, I’ve been living with soapstone kitchen counters for over a decade! It’s one of those awe inspiring materials that feels traditional, timeless, and ages like a fine wine. It’s durable, beautiful, and super versatile… and it can be installed just about anywhere (indoors or out). The caveat? Natural soapstone slabs don’t have that dark, rich black color right away. If you’re going for that lighter gray look that will slowly darken over time, leave your soapstone as is… otherwise, read on!
Why Darken Soapstone?
While soapstone naturally darkens with time and use, the process can be uneven depending on your slab, habits, and kitchen traffic. Naturally, it will absorb oils… from cooking, from touching or interacting with it- just everyday use. The higher traffic areas will look significantly darker than areas that see less use. In the image above, you can see what natural soapstone looks like, versus soapstone that has absorbed oil. Using a color enhancer allows you to:
- Achieve that rich, black tone right away
- Even out the overall finish
- Highlight beautiful veining and enhance the soft texture
- Minimize the appearance of surface scratches
- Add a layer of protection against spills and staining
If you love that velvety, high-contrast look— this is exactly how you achieve a durable, practical, and beautiful soapstone countertop. I follow this process once a year!
The Product I Use: Tenax Ager
After testing various oils and enhancers over the years, Tenax Ager has been my go-to. It’s a solvent-based color enhancer and sealer specifically designed for natural stone… soapstone, granite, marble, slate, limestone, and more. Unlike traditional mineral oil (which fades quickly), Tenax Ager actually penetrates the surface and lasts much longer. As I mentioned, I do this roughly every 12 months… it’s manageable maintenance!
Note: This is not a natural oil… it’s a professional-grade product. It gives a bold, even finish, and protects your countertops from daily wear.
Supplies You’ll Need
How to Enhance Soapstone Countertops
Here’s my process, step-by-step. It’s a quick project that takes less than 10 minutes and makes a big visual impact…
1. Clear and Clean the Countertops
Start by clearing your countertops, and quickly clean the surface… removing any crumbs or debris. Once dry, wipe down the counters, making sure there’s no leftover oil or cleaner.
2. Test a Hidden Spot
Tenax Ager instantly darkens stone, so always test a corner or an inconspicuous area first. You’ll know within seconds if you like the depth of color.
3. Apply the Enhancer
Using a sponge or microfiber cloth, apply a thin layer of Tenax in circular motions. Work it into the stone in sections to avoid streaks.
4. Let It Absorb
Allow the product to penetrate the stone for 5–10 minutes. You’ll see the stone darken as it absorbs the enhancer. Check out the scratches… they magically disappear.
5. Wipe the Excess and Buff
Using a clean dry cloth or paper towel, remove any remaining product. Buff the surface with your towel until it feels smooth and dry to the touch.
How Often Should You Reapply?
Tenax Ager typically lasts 8–12 months, depending on your kitchen habits and cleaning routine. If the counters begin to lighten or water stops beading on the surface, it’s time for a reapplication. I typically repeat this process around the 12 month mark.
Soapstone Care Tips
To keep your countertops looking beautiful and low-maintenance, I do have some tips for you. I’ve been using soapstone daily for over a decade, and it’s such an easy and forgiving material… here are some basic guidelines:
- Avoid harsh or acidic cleaners
- Use cutting boards to prevent deep scratches
- Wipe up spills
- Reapply Tenax as needed (usually 1–2x a year)
- Stick to mild soap and water for daily cleaning
FAQs About Darkening Soapstone
Absolutely! I sit hot pans directly on my countertops. It’s one of the most durable and convenient countertop materials you can buy. Check out this post on why we used soapstone in our kitchen… again.
Yes- mineral oil is a traditional method, but it fades quickly and requires more frequent upkeep. Tenax provides a deeper, more even finish that is longer lasting.
It depends on your specific slab, but in most cases- yes. It enhances the natural veining and brings out a rich charcoal or black tone.
According to my local fabricators- yes. It’s a softer stone, like marble, and that makes the process easier. In our current kitchen, I requested a more complex edge profile (an ogee edge), and they didn’t have any issues. As long as you’re using a professional fabricator, they shouldn’t have trouble. Check out this post on how to select different countertop edge profiles! Below, I’m dropping a photo of our countertop being fabricated. Notice how light it looks without the ager?
Related Posts
Looking for more posts to help you with your kitchen renovation or need assistance choosing the best countertop? Check out these:
- Everything You Need to Know About Soapstone
- The Kitchen Dimensions Every Designer Knows (And You Should Save)
- How to Select Different Countertop Edge Profiles
- Cabinetry Hardware Placement Guide (With Easy Examples)
- 10 Budget-Friendly Ways to Instantly Refresh Your Kitchen
- Ideas for Customizing a Kitchen Island Or Cart
- 15 Aesthetically Pleasing Kitchen Storage & Organization Ideas
- My Top Paint Color Picks for Dark Kitchen Cabinets
- An Honest Review of the Big Chill Classic Range
- What to Know About Solid Surface Countertops (Pros & Cons)
If you’ve been waiting for your soapstone to darken and develop that gorgeous, moody patina- but want to speed up the process, Tenax Ager is the solution. I love how it brings out the depth, veining, and character in our countertops, while also making them easier to maintain. It’s one of those quick, budget upgrades that has a big visual payoff. Have questions or want to see more of our soapstone? Be sure to check out our kitchen tour or drop your thoughts in the comments. I always love chatting natural stone!