Satin Vs Semi Gloss Polyurethane Floors

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

Satin vs semi gloss polyurethane floors.

The shinier you go the more noticeable scratches dents scuff marks and imperfections even dirt on the floor will be. Polyurethane is applied as topcoat for flooring in order to protect the wood from scratches scuffs and other types of abrasions. The one on the right is a satin. The choice of finish for hardwood flooring is a personal preference to a degree although there are factors to consider.

Semi gloss has a slightly higher luster level than satin. A satin finish has a sheen factor of 40 percent to 50 percent. This is the level of finish applied to most prefinished flooring. The gloss level will affect the appearance of your project but not its durability.

Most clear finishes are available in gloss semi gloss and satin sheens. A satin finish floor is easier to care for than a high gloss floor and will last longer without needing to be refinished. Polyurethane is an oil based resin finish that is commonly applied to wood flooring and furniture. The higher gloss level of semi gloss makes it slightly more durable than a satin finish.

Matte satin semi gloss glossy from least shiny to most shiny. They re both about the same color but you can see that the floors look very different. This gives a more formal feel that really highlights the beauty of hardwood. All polyurethane floor finishes are as durable as each other and they will stand the test of time admirably.

Satin finishes add some shine while still letting the natural beauty of wood grain come through. When it comes to hardwood floors which type of finish sheen is most in style. This means more light reflects off your floors. Selecting a sheen is a matter of personal preference.

If you look at these two pictures here the one on left is a semi gloss. Minwax ultra fast drying polyurethane for floors. The semi gloss finish is a bit shinier in an oil based polyurethane than a waterborne one. With that being said satin is by far the most popular look at least in westchester and new york city area.

The satin will then coat the floor with a light dusting of protection in appearance but the actual result is as equally durable as the gloss and semi gloss. 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. Then comes semi gloss which is a step down from the ultra shiny sheen of gloss floors. There are 4 levels of hardwood floor finish sheens.

Semi gloss polyurethane is clear shiny and not really recommended for households with pets or small children. The satin finish comes next with a kind of glow about it but not that light reflective high gloss look.