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How to Clean Soapstone Tiles?

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Soapstone tiles is a type of soft stone mined from quarries, similar to limestone and granite. Since it’s naturally non-porous and stain-resistant, it makes a popular choice for household surfaces like countertops and sinks. Another one of Soapstone tiles’s perks is that it’s easy to clean, though there are a few important maintenance tasks that you’ll want to stay on top of.


Start by giving your Soapstone tiles a preliminary coat of mineral oil to lubricate it and give it a deep, rich charcoal color. After that, get in the habit of re-oiling your Soapstone tiles surface every few months to keep them looking their best. Rub the oil into the Soapstone tiles with a clean, dry cloth.


Polish the surface using smooth, circular motions, working your way gradually from one end to the other. Fold your cloth or sponge or press your fingers into a central point to penetrate into corners and narrow recesses. When you’re finished, inspect the surface from various angles. It should appear faintly glossy all over. If you’ve missed a spot, it will be obvious.


If you apply the oil unevenly, some sections of the Soapstone tiles make turn out darker than others. Allow the oil to sit for about half an hour. Remember, the oil won’t actually soak into the Soapstone tiles. What it’s doing is trapping moisture against the outer surface of the stone, which will eventually cause it to oxidize and take on a deep, rich, near-black color.


Soapstone tiles fresh from the quarry is a very light gray color. After a few coats of mineral oil will darken it to a more robust earthy tone. Use a separate cloth to remove any excess oil. Take a second clean, dry, lint-free cloth or paper towel and run it over the top of the Soapstone tiles. Doing so will pick up any lingering oil residue, leaving the surface sleek and ready for use.

How Painting Your Tile?

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Decide on your colors or design. If you are painting existing marble wall tile in your home, make sure that the colors you choose complement the rest of your design scheme. It is usually best to choose light colors when painting your tile, as dark or bright colors can overwhelm a room. If you’re painting a design, choose one that will be easy for you to do and will look good in your home.

Create a painted design (optional). If you want to paint a design, try searching for inspiration in Spanish, Portuguese, or Chinese tile paintings. You could also try a geometric design, like a chevron pattern or checks. Transfer your design to the tile with a pencil. If you have an intricate design, draw it on the elegant tile with pencil first. Be sure to press the pencil very lightly so that it is easy to hide with paint and/or erase if necessary. You can also practice on paper beforehand.

Paint your tile. If you are painting a design, start with the lightest color first to avoid smudges, and let each color dry before starting a new one. If you’re painting a home surface in a solid color, apply the paint in multiple thin layers. It’s usually necessary to do at least 3 layers, especially if your paint color is lighter than the original color.Painting over the grout is much easier than trying to avoid it, and it isn’t noticeable if you choose a light color.

Let the paint dry for at least 24 hours. For small art projects, 24 hours will be enough, but for larger home surfaces, wait for at least 48 hours. This is especially important for high-traffic areas like the bathroom or kitchen counter. If you’ve painted a ceramic bathtub, wait for several days before filling it with warm water.

Coat with clear urethane to seal in the paint. You can buy urethane from any home supply store. It’s important to use a sealant like urethane that is made for ceramics, especially if you’re painting kitchen or bathroom tiles that get a lot of use and come into contact with moisture. Apply according to the package directions and let it dry thoroughly before touching your tile.