Home
    • Expertise
    • Takeback
    ProjectsSamples0
    • Home
    • News
    • Looking after your Richlite
    Q+A

    Looking after your Richlite

    Daily care & maintenance

    Date: 02.03.2026

    Richlite is a solid, through-colour composite material made from compressed paper and resin. Dense, durable and warm to the touch, it behaves much more like a hardwood than a laminate or solid surface. Over time, the material develops a natural patina, with colours becoming richer and deeper through everyday use.

    Typically finished with Osmo Hardwax Oil, Richlite is suitable for demanding applications including kitchen worktops, splashbacks, office tea points, furniture and joinery.

    Cleaning Richlite

    Everyday cleaning

    Richlite requires very little maintenance and can be cleaned day-to-day using a damp cloth or sponge with warm water. Richlite is non-porous and naturally antimicrobial. For more stubborn marks, use warm soapy water or a mild, non-abrasive cleaner.

    Avoid harsh chemicals or strong alkalines like bleach, abrasive cleaning powders and scouring pads which can dull or distort the finish. 

    Staining

    As with most natural materials, some products can stain if left on the surface for prolonged periods. Spills should be wiped up promptly to avoid marking and particular care should be taken with:

    • Beetroot
    • Red wine
    • Papaya
    • Dishwasher tablets
    • Oven cleaners
    • Grout and cement-based products

    Polishing & Surface care

    Richlite develops character through use, and light scratches and marks form part of its natural ageing process. To refresh the finish periodically, apply Osmo Spray Cleaner sparingly using a bamboo or microfibre cloth and buff evenly across the surface. This helps replenish oils and waxes within the finish and maintain appearance over time.

    Avoid applying polish more than once per week, as excessive use can lead to wax build-up.

    Repairs & refinishing

    Unlike many surface materials, Richlite can be spot repaired, restored or fully refinished if required. Although refinishing is rarely necessary, surfaces can be rejuvenated by an experienced fabricator or through Material Rescue's refurbishment service if they become heavily worn or damaged.

    Get in touchGet in touch
    Full Care & maintenance info
    Shop maintenance products
    • Durat and Richlite Fabrication + Finishing | Bamboo cloths

      £9.00 (£10.80 incl. VAT)

    • Richlite Fabrication + Finishing | Richlite Spray Cleaner

      £10.00 (£12.00 incl. VAT)

    Other news

    Exterior of the Ace & Tate store featuring Plasticiet's retail installation, showcasing bespoke display pieces made from Mother of Pearl, a recycled polycarbonate material designed for circular retail interiors.

    Ace & Tate

    Q+A
    A bespoke mid-century inspired kitchen by Wood Works Brighton featuring a large Durat kitchen island in the colour 0100-01 and worktop, rich timber cabinetry, suspended ribbed-glass storage, and minimalist black bar stools.

    Designing the KITUI Kitchen

    Q+A

    3 Days of Design 2026

    News
    Contemporary interiors showcasing bold material choices, layered textures and considered surface design. Featuring Pierreplume, Durat, Karlite and Richlite

    Materials in Motion

    News

    Impact report 2026

    News
    Hannah Cox and supporter holding Project Salt Run banner in front of the Taj Mahal during 100 marathons challenge

    Project Salt Run

    Q+A
    Surfac Matter's London fields studio, showing bespoke Durat tables, Richlite Shelving showcasing material library and samples laid out on the table.

    We are moving

    News
    B Corp Month infographic image for the 2026 celebration

    B Corp Month 2026

    Events
    View allView all
    Surface Matter - HomeMaterials used better.B Corp

    Follow

    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Press

    Sitemap

    • About
    • Articles
    • Contact
    • Projects
    • Resources
    • Shop
    • Material Rescue ↗

    Newsletter

    Copyright © 2026 Surface Matter. Terms of use