Stone staining - Soapstone

["John Vancamp" <jvcstnwrks@zzzzzzzzzzzzz>]

 The stone I oiled definately did absorb this stuff. It darkened very
nicely.
   David

David.  Did the boiled linseed mix really penetrate the stone or did it
just dry on the surface, thus darkening it that way?  If you happen to have
a scrap or two around, would you do a little experiment?  Treat the scrap
stone as you described treating your fireplace surround, and after the
product has cured, cut the scrap in half and see if there is actually a
penetration into the stone's structure.   If I recall correctly, it is both
the density of soapstone and the crystalline structure associated with talc
that renders the stone impervious,  and as such, even though it is amongst
the softest of stones, it is one of the most weather resistant, and makes
for excellent exterior sculpture.  I saw no evidence of penetration on the
Virginia soapstone sculpture I oiled, and then removed the oil from.

JVC