Soapstone Utility Sinks

Has anyone tried to sand or strip one of those massive sopastone sinks in their basement? What worked well?

Thanks in advance!

Sand or strip to achieve what exactly?

I have not done this specific project but did something similar and used a sandblasting tool. Wasn't clear from your post if its painted and you are looking to return it to stone look, but you may find that stripping results in a patina being left in the stone from the paint color. That was my experience with an exterior stone water work I did this to.

I had a soapstone sink and counter and used fine grade sandpaper to sand out imperfections.

I had a soapstone sink and counter and used fine grade sandpaper to sand out imperfections. Then mineral oil on top.

Not sure if it was a trend or what but the exterior of my basement soapstone sink is also painted. We haven't tried anything, but I'd try that gel paint remover, the thick one. Soapstone is non-permeable, but because it's a vertical surface basic mineral spirits might be tricky to apply.

I had one in the basement that was painted inside and out. The paint on the inside was peeling so I removed it all, though I have forgotten how I accomplished this. I left the outside as is. Once cleaned the inside was a beautiful deep charcolegreyish green with lighter moss green veins. When we had some plumbing done the plumbers explained that if they tried to connect the new pipes and drain to the original soapstone sink it would be very expensive since the original fixtures or connections or something like that weren't standard size but rather made on site. Financially we had no choice but to remove it and go with an ugly white plastic slop sink. It broke my heart.

Yes the point is that mine is painted inside and out and I want to return it to natural stone finish and (thanks @spontaneous) reconnect it with new pipes. Now I see that it might be more expensive than useful. Thanks @boomie and @shh for useful suggestions.

Ask first before writing it off completely. What I find unaffordable might be a price that fits into your budget. While it was something that we couldn't fit into our budget every one's idea of what is or is not affordable is different.

Sanding it should work. Don't breath the dust. Or maybe wet sanding would work