Types of Wood Luster

Low Luster

• A wood with a low-luster finish diffuses light and reflect a subtle sheen on the surface. Oil finishes result in a low luster. Linseed, danish, teak and mineral oil seep into the wood without leaving any residue. However, this luster is difficult to maintain.

Satin Luster

• Wood with a satin luster reflects more light than low-luster finishes, but are still rather low. Finishes that create a satin luster give a country or modern look to wood, and make scratches and dings difficult to detect. Synthetic polyurethane varnishes penetrate deep into the wood, creating the satin luster. Shellac also provides a mellow satin sheen.

Semi-Gloss

• Wood with a semi-gloss luster reflects from 50 to 75 percent of the light in the room. This type of luster can be gained with a wax, varnish or clear lacquer finish. A semi-gloss luster is difficult to maintain. Dings, scratches and dust are more visible.

Glass-like Luster

• A glass-like, or high-gloss, luster reflects more than 75 percent of the light in the room, and therefore reveals every imperfection in the furniture or floor. French polish provides a very high gloss and is used on fine, period furniture. Bowling lanes and basketball courts typically use a high-gloss luster on their floors.