discoloration on soapstones?

[mike in ct]

hi,
well i'm picking up a used hearthstone soapstone tonight if all goes well. it's an older unit that was rebuilt before being retired. the p/o said they burned coal in it. 2 of the stones on right side are badly discolored from heat. i know it's still functional as is, but was just wondering if there's any way to clean these up? i guessing it goes all the way thru and answer is to just replace. just looking for others who have have same issue to comment - mike

 

[jdp1152]

you can sand it down a bit if you're so inclined. Most pharmaceutical companies have their soapstone lab benches refurbed every couple of years. There are also some mixtures of chemicals and grit that are used to buff it out. No clue what they are, but some googling should yield some results.

 

[jdp1152]

First google result for Lab Bench Restoration:
http://www.bostonstonerestoration.com/soap-stone-lab-bench-restoration-and-the-mad-scientist

 

[Highbeam]

Hearthstone stones are not like woodstock stones. Hearthstone polishes their stones to a mirror like gloss so if you try and grind off a layer be ready to polish a stone. Think multiple steps like rubbing compound on a car. I don't understand what the damage is to your stones and whether it is gunk on the outside or you think that the stone is soaked with something but if it is on top then clean it with chemicals and if is soaked in then grinding off the top layer will only expose more pollutant.