High Gloss vs. Satin Lacquer Finish

Appearance

• Because of the nature of lacquer compounds, a high gloss is the more common finish. It takes extra sanding or the addition of more chemicals to create a satin look. The high-gloss appearance reflects more light, which can be useful in a darker room or with an especially fine piece, but may not be ideal when it comes to glare under bright lights. A satin finish is more subtle, ideal for blending wood tones together and providing a natural look to instruments or furniture.

Grain

• If the wood you are working with has a striking grain, you should do what you can to preserve and draw attention to it. In this case a high-gloss finish is preferable. The refractive properties of the gloss tend to draw out and highlight differences in the grain, making it an ideal choice. But if the wood has a poor or boring grain, the satin option can help hide flaws and provide a smoother, less-contrasted surface.

Cleaning

• Satin finishes are in general easier to clean than high-gloss lacquers. This is not because of cleaning techniques, which are usually the same either way, but because of the properties of the high-gloss finish. Using the wrong type of cloth or oil on the finish can scratch it or slowly dissolve the coating over time. This is more noticeable on the mirror-like finish of a high-gloss coating than on the duller satin layer. Dust and grime are also more noticeable on a high-gloss lacquer.

Durability

• Durability depends largely on the type of finish and what compounds it uses. There are fragile satin finishes and durable satin finishes, just as high glosses can be either long-lasting or quickly fade based on quality. However, high-gloss shellacs and other coatings that provide just thin layer of lacquer can be damaged and fades more easily than the thicker, more resistant coats associated with satin finishes.