Gloss Wood Floors vs. Satin Wood Floors

Matte and Satin Finishes

• For those who seek the look of natural wood that has been left unfinished, a matte sheen is the best choice. This type of floor masks unsightly footprints and does not easily reveal built-up dust. Satin floors reflect a little more light and are considered to be low luster in nature. Satin-finished floors are the most popular choice for manufacturers that factory-finish their products or provide on-site finishing service for their customers.

Gloss Choices

• Semi- or medium-gloss floors provide a sheen that lies between the light-reflecting qualities of satin and high-gloss flooring. Cherry lends itself well to the semi-gloss look as the additional light brings out the deep, rich color of the wood. High-gloss floors are the most difficult floors to finish effectively. A very high-quality level of sanding is required to mask the imperfections that high-gloss floors can so easily reveal.

Floor Use Considerations

• For commercial applications where appearance is key and floors are regularly and professionally maintained, high-gloss flooring is often used. A fine example of high-gloss flooring may be found on professional basketball courts where a pristine look is desired to please the paying customers. In the home setting, where the appearance of dust, footprints and household spills are an everyday occurrence, a satin floor is much more practical. The marks caused by children at play and by day-to-day foot traffic are better disguised with a satin sheen.

Surface and Penetrating Finishes

• Surface finishes are produced by applying a stain for color production followed by an application of urethane or conversion varnish. Oil-based urethane is available in all sheen levels but tends to yellow with age. Water-based and moisture-cured urethanes are available in non-yellowing formulations. The former products are low odor producers, while the latter have a high odor level at the time of application. Conversion varnish is a high odor, quick-drying product. Penetrating finishes combine stain that soaks into the wood with a wax coating that provides a pleasing satin sheen.