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No, soapstone does not crack easily. The softness of the material protects it from cracking but makes it prone to other types of damage such as scratches. Scratches may need to be buffed out occasionally using fine-grit sandpaper. You can also conceal minor scratches in your soapstone countertops by rubbing the surface with mineral oil.

You generally cannot change the color of the natural stone, such as making granite countertops darker or lighter. Some people claim that certain chemicals will lighten or darken granite, but those will damage the stone and not provide uniform, expected results, so it’s better not to try. Similarly, some people ask whether they can stain over granite. Granite is beloved for its stain-resistant finish, so you probably won’t get the best outcome if you try to stain over granite to make it darker.

Instead, consider honing, painting, or applying another material over the top of the granite to make it appear darker.

Maintenance includes regular cleaning with appropriate products, periodic sealing to protect against staining and wear, and addressing minor issues before they escalate.

Buffing is a less expensive and less time-consuming alternative to other floor repair techniques, but it’s only ideal for removing surface-level scratches and damages. Floor-buffing machines work to gently smooth out the floor’s top layer rather than removing it the way that sanding does. 

This process is ideal for gently worn floors, but it won’t have the desired impact on floors with severe damage. On the other hand, sanding fully strips the floor’s top layer so damages beneath the surface are accessible to remove or repair. Since the process is more involved, it requires more time, tools, and experience to achieve the best possible results.