Satin Versus Semi Gloss Floors

Both satin and semi gloss finishes are used on commercially prefinished.

Satin versus semi gloss floors.

The higher gloss level of semi gloss makes it slightly more durable than a satin finish. This gives a more formal feel that really highlights the beauty of hardwood. Somewhat dull in comparison to high gloss satin does offer a hard and durable finish. The choice of finish for hardwood flooring is a personal preference to a degree although there are factors to consider.

If you look at these two pictures here the one on left is a semi gloss. Semi gloss has a slightly higher luster level than satin. This means more light reflects off your floors. I m hoping one of the flooring professionals who sometimes post here can advise you on this.

Semi gloss paint both satin and semi gloss finishes can lend a beautiful sheen to any interior paint job. Matte satin semi gloss glossy from least shiny to most shiny. I know for certain we didn t use high gloss. In the case of flooring the first application should be done by experienced professionals especially on new unfinished wood.

If you re stuck between the two read this guide to help you determine which. Again in the same way you may choose to stain the hard wood floor before. Both satin and semigloss finishes are available in clear or amber colored formulations. The satin finish comes next with a kind of glow about it but not that light reflective high gloss look.

And then at the very opposite end of the spectrum from the gloss finish is the matte finish which is fairly flat and non reflective as finishes go. Satin and semigloss urethanes can be applied to all types of wood surfaces from flooring to furniture. With that being said satin is by far the most popular look at least in westchester and new york city area. Satin is often mistaken for semi gloss owing to its partially reflective nature.

They re both about the same color but you can see that the floors look very different. I believe in our addition where we installed hardwood floors to match the 90 year old hardwood in the rest of the house we used either a satin finish or possibly at most a 50 50 mix of satin and semi gloss. The one on the right is a satin. Satin is as the material states and very shiny and silky looking.

There are 4 levels of hardwood floor finish sheens. Then comes semi gloss which is a step down from the ultra shiny sheen of gloss floors. The sheen measures how shiny or glossy your floor s finish is.