Does soapstone need to be sealed?

No, soapstone never needs sealing. It’s non-porous, which means liquids can’t soak in the way they do with granite or marble. Sealers exist for stones that absorb stains; soapstone doesn’t have that problem. The mineral oil people sometimes apply is often confused with sealing, but it’s actually just for color enhancement. Oiling deepens the natural gray to charcoal black and evens out the patina that develops with use. Skip it entirely and the stone will still be perfectly protected — just lighter and more weathered-looking over time. Both finishes are correct; it’s purely a style call. If you’ve been told to seal your soapstone, that advice came from someone treating it like granite. They’re different stones and they need different care.