Can you post a picture? "Leathered" isn't a term usually associated with soapstone, and I'm hesitant to give you the usual recommendation would would be to just take a scrubby to it and scrub it off.

I too have not heard the term "leathered" for soapstone.
If it is just a matte finish, almost any abrasive is safe on soapstone. A green or blue sponge scrubby, or even sandpaper works.
I'd also like to see what your stone looks like... chris

I used a wet paper towel wrapped around straight edge razor blade - that seemed to work well without scratching.

here are some pictures I have on hand

We have installed leathered soapstone more than once.
Clean it with a solvent, whatever is required to remove that type of paint (Lacquer thinner, paint thinner or acetone). It will not hurt the stone.

Thanks, Kevdp4. How do you do the caulking between the soapstone backsplash and counter? If you are going to use oil or wax do you caulk it after or before? You can see the dark line at the intersections on the 4th picture

Try a razor blade.

Caulk before applying oil or wax. Why didn't the installers caulk it?

Razor blades can easily damage soapstone so be careful.