Whether you’re refinishing your existing hardwood floors or installing new unfinished planks, your floors need a durable hardwood finish to keep them looking beautiful. As you consider your home’s interior design, lighting, and foot traffic, you’ll discover a wide range of polyurethane finishes for hardwood. Among the most popular water-based and oil-based finishes are satin finish and semi-gloss.
At Panel Town & Floors, we understand that it can be tough to choose the right hardwood floor finish. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide between a satin vs. semi-gloss polyurethane finish for your hardwood floors.
Hardwood Floors Need a Top Coat
The final step in hardwood flooring installation is to protect and seal the wood planks with an attractive and durable finish. The two main types of hardwood finishes are oil-based and water-based polyurethane—a strong synthetic resin. This protective layer seals the hardwood and shields it against everyday wear and tear. The polyurethane resin is installed as a liquid and dries to create a durable protective finish.
- Oil-based polyurethane: Adds a layer of dimension to hardwood floors since it develops a rich honey color over time. It takes longer to dry than water-based polyurethane. Trusted brands of oil-based polyurethane include DuraSeal and Masterline.
- Water-based polyurethane: Enhances the natural appearance of hardwood flooring and stays clear as it ages. It dries faster than oil-based polyurethane. Reliable brands of water-based polyurethane include DuraSeal, Masterline, and Bona.
Both types of floor finishes add durability and style to your natural hardwood floors. Keep in mind that both satin finish and semi-gloss will show signs of wear over time.
Examples of oil-based polyurethane finishes:
Examples of water-based polyurethane finishes:
Sheen Types of Hardwood Floor Finish
Hardwood floor finishes are typically rated by the level of sheen it has after drying. The sheen rating, also known as luster, is based on the overall shine of the hardwood top coat.
- Matte Finish: has the least amount of sheen with 10-20% luster. The overall finish appears more dull and flat. Lower maintenance and conceals scratches and wear.
- Satin Finish: is one of the most popular finishes and features moderate sheen with 35-40% luster. Requires moderate maintenance to keep its sheen and is often used in traditional and modern interior styling.
- Semi-Gloss Finish: is another common choice for residential interiors, with a slightly glossy sheen and 45-55% luster. Reflects more light than a satin finish and is typically used to give rooms a sophisticated, high-end feel.
- Gloss Finish: features the highest sheen with around 70% luster. Typically used in formal interiors with minimal foot-traffic. Its durability also makes gloss a common finish for gym floors. While the high shine creates an elegant look, it is high maintenance and requires regularly cleaning and polishing to maintain its appearance.
Satin vs Semi-Gloss Polyurethane Finish
Two of the most popular varieties of hardwood polyurethane are satin and semi-gloss. Each finish is designed to protect your hardwood floor surfaces and provide an attractive layer of sheen. While both floor finishes are durable, strong, and protect against surface abrasions and dents, there are a few key differences between satin and semi-gloss hardwood finishes.
Satin Hardwood Floor Finishes
Satin floor finish is ideal for high-traffic areas of your home, especially in areas with high amounts of natural and artificial lighting. With around 35-40% luster, satin finishes help to diffuse lighting in your living space and provide a muted, neutral look. A durable hardwood satin finish requires moderate maintenance, while its low sheen helps to mask surface abrasions and minor wear.
Advantages of a satin polyurethane finish:
- low to moderate luster level
- minimal light reflection and shine
- warms interior spaces by helping to disperse ambient light
- conceals minor wear and surface abrasions
- disguises surface dust and dirt
- ideal for high-traffic areas
- versatile and suits modern and traditional interior design
Drawbacks of a satin polyurethane finish:
- low sheen can make hardwood floor surfaces appear duller
- slightly less durable than semi-gloss and gloss finishes
Leading manufacturers of satin finishes for hardwood floors include DuraSeal, Masterline, Bona, and Basic Coatings.
Examples of Satin Hardwood Floor Finishes:
Semi-Gloss Hardwood Floor Finishes
Semi-gloss is one of the most common polyurethane finishes for residential hardwood. This durable surface coating features 45-55% luster and is perfect for rooms with low light such as a den or dining room. The reflective hardwood finish of semi-gloss makes it ideal for elegant, classic living spaces. To maintain their luster, semi-gloss hardwood finishes typically require more maintenance than satin finishes.
Advantages of a semi-gloss polyurethane finish:
- moderate luster level
- brightens living spaces with higher sheen and reflective qualities
- transparency allows hardwood grain to show through
- enhances the natural woodgrain of unfinished planks
- creates depth and richness with stained hardwood flooring
- higher gloss level optimizes strength and durability
Drawbacks of a semi-gloss polyurethane finish:
- higher maintenance and need regular cleaning to maintain shine
- not suitable for high-traffic areas
- can show surface scratches and stuffs more than a satin finish
- surface dust and dirt can be more visible
Top producers of semi-gloss finishes for hardwood floors include Bona, DuraSeal, and Basic Coatings.
Examples of Semi-Gloss Hardwood Floor Finishes
Choosing Between Satin vs Semi-Gloss Finishes
Satin and semi-gloss finishes for hardwood floors provide exceptional durability and attractive styling for your home’s interior spaces. Deciding which luster level to go with largely depends on your lifestyle and your home’s lighting and design. Both types of hardwood floor finish provide a durable protective layer while creating an attractive and cohesive aesthetic.
Here are a few considerations to help you decide on the best satin or semi-gloss polyurethane finish for your home.
- How glossy do you want your floors?
- What is your interior design style?
- How much cleaning and maintenance are you prepared to do?
- Do you have children or pets?
- Will the finish be used in high-traffic areas?
- How much natural and artificial lighting are in the room?
- Will TVs and computer screens be obstructed by reflecting light?
At Panel Town & Floors, we carry a wide selection of quality oil- and water-based polyurethane finishes, including DuraSeal, Basic Coatings, and Bona. Our catalog of semi-gloss and satin hardwood finishes provides a range of options to suit your needs and preferences.
Learn more about these proven water-based or oil-based polyurethane products available in satin and semi-gloss:
DuraSeal 550 VOC Polyurethane (1 Quart). Long-lasting oil-based hardwood floor finish with light amber color.
Basic Coatings StreetShoe OPT (1 Gallon). Clear water-based finish designed for high traffic wood floors.
Bona Traffic HD Water Based Finish (1 Gallon). 2-component water-based finish including hardener.
Browse our online selection of satin and semi-gloss hardwood finishes or visit our store today!
