Oiling Wooden Furniture

Oiling is a simple way to keep your domli piece looking grounded, warm and well-cared for.

Whether you’re refreshing an existing finish or completing a sanded surface for the first time, the process is calm, methodical and deeply restorative for the timber. Some may even find it therapeutic!

This page walks you through both re-oiling and initial oiling, with clear guidance for Habiol and Osmo products.

Re-Oiling

With everyday use, solid wood can lose a little of its surface lustre. A simple re-oil refreshes and protects the surface, while keeping the character that develops naturally.

Oiling

If you’ve chosen a sanded, unfinished option, oiling will bring the wood to life—revealing depth, grain and tone while adding everyday protection.

Re-Oiling

an existing domli finish
Note: excludes premium range (no maintenance is required)

With everyday use, solid wood can lose a little of its surface lustre. A simple re-oil refreshes and protects the surface, while keeping the character that develops naturally.

When to re-oil

  • The finish appears dull or dry
  • Water no longer beads on the surface.
  • You want to enrich the tone or revive sheen.

Light preparation

  1. Wipe the surface with a dry, lint-free cloth.
  2. If the grain feels raised or uneven, lightly sand with fine sandpaper (180–200 grit), then remove all dust with a lint-free cloth.

Using Habiol for Re-Oiling

Habiol is a natural, fast-absorbing oil that enhances warmth without adding a heavy finish.

  1. Apply a small amount of oil to a soft cloth.
  2. Work it into the wood in long, even movements following the grain.
  3. After a few minutes, wipe away any excess with an absorbent cloth and buff until the surface looks even, with no wet spots remaining.
  4. Allow the oil to sink in for 1–4 hours. Repeat as needed.
  5. After the last coat, leave the surface to dry fully until it is no longer tacky.

Important: oil-soaked cloths must be handled with care, as they can pose a risk of spontaneous combustion. Place them in a sealed steel container, or hang them to dry completely before disposing of them with your household waste.

Using Osmo (TopOil) for Re-Oiling

Osmo creates a durable, micro-porous finish designed for heavier-use pieces such as kitchen worktops.

  1. Apply a thin coat using a lint-free cloth or soft pad. Osmo performs best when used sparingly.
  2. Work it into the wood in long, even movements following the grain.
  3. Allow to dry for 8–10 hours with good ventilation.
  4. Apply a second thin coat, if needed, for added protection.
  5. Once fully dry, the surface can be used normally.

Oiling

your sanded domli piece for the first time

If you’ve chosen a sanded, unfinished option, oiling will bring the wood to life—revealing depth, grain and tone while adding everyday protection.

Preparation

  1. Ensure the surface is sanded smoothly to 180–200 grit.
  2. Remove all sanding dust with a lint-free cloth.
  3. We recommend testing a small area to check the final tone.

Using Habiol on Sanded Wood

Habiol leaves a natural, softly nourished finish ideal for a minimal, matte look.

  1. Apply a small amount of oil to a soft cloth.
  2. Work it into the wood in long, even movements following the grain.
  3. After a few minutes, wipe away any excess with an absorbent cloth and buff until the surface looks even, with no wet spots remaining.
  4. Allow the oil to sink in for 1–4 hours. Repeat as needed — we generally suggest 2–3 coats for balanced protection.
  5. After the last coat, leave the surface to dry fully until it is no longer tacky.

Using Osmo on Sanded Wood

Osmo provides a robust, hard-wearing finish while still feeling natural to the touch.

  1. Apply a thin coat using a lint-free cloth or soft pad. Osmo performs best when used sparingly.
  2. Work it into the wood in long, even movements following the grain.
  3. Allow to dry for 8–10 hours with good ventilation.
  4. Apply a second thin coat, if needed, for added protection.
  5. Once fully dry, the surface can be used normally.

Aftercare

Caring for your domli piece helps protect its natural character and keeps it looking its best for years to come. Each piece is crafted from solid wood, a living material that will subtly change and mature over time. With a little love and care, it will continue to age gracefully.

  • Clean with a slightly damp cloth; avoid harsh sprays.
  • Use coasters and soft pads under objects where possible.
  • Re-oil annually or as needed—solid wood responds well to small, consistent acts of care.
  • For stains or deeper wear, a light sand and re-oil will often restore the surface.

For full details on aftercare, visit our Product Care & Maintenance page.

Close-up of a solid wood desktop edge, showing the natural grain and smooth edge detail.

Responsibly sourced, thoughtfully made

We partner with Ecologi to support verified climate projects, including global tree-planting initiatives.

Together with our community of customers, we fund the planting of one tree for every order placed.

Our approach to sustainability is simple: use solid wood responsibly, minimise waste, and make products designed to last - so they don’t need replacing.

Trees funded through domli orders to date

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