Cons
- It requires more maintenance than satin and matte polyurethane.
- The less recommended type of finish for households since flaws are more noticeable.
Comparing Satin And Semi-Gloss Polyurethane
Appearance
Semi-gloss polyurethane finishes are more reflective than satin, so a satin finish paint will reflect less light. While semi-gloss polyurethane contains less flattening paste, tends to reflect a significant amount of light, and appears shinier.
Both are in the middle of the sheen spectrum. Matte is the dullest as it reflects virtually no light.
Sheen Level
At 55% sheen level, semi-gloss polyurethane is below high gloss finishes.
Satin finishes are a popular choice for most homes and compliment all shades of hardwood floors. They have 40% luster.
Scratch Resistance
Satin polyurethane is better at concealing surface imperfections compared to semi-gloss polyurethane.
Semi-gloss polyurethane will show more flaws than satin poly due to increased light reflection. Semi-gloss polyurethane is more resistant to scratches that a satin finish.
Durability And Maintenance
Satin and semi-gloss polyurethane finishes are equally durable because they use the same formula.
Satin hides dirt, dust and scuff marks more effectively than other materials. Semi-gloss will reflect more light, so surface debris will be easier to see.
Semi-gloss polyurethane is more difficult to maintain.
Formula And VOC Levels
Our experts believe that polyurethanes are similar in composition or formulas. The levels of VOCs found in satin formulations are the same as those found in semi-gloss formulations.
However, a water-based poly has lesser Volatile Organic Compounds quantity when compared with an oil-based poly.
Dry Time
Water-based polyurethane dries much faster and can be re-coated in just two hours, whereas oil-based polyurethane requires 24 hours. It takes about four hours for oil-based polyurethane to dry.
Water-based polyurethane will cure 1 to 3 days after the final coat is applied. On the other hand, oil-based polyurethane takes about two weeks to cure fully.
Practicality And Cost
Although a high gloss polyurethane finish is more eye-catching, it may be a poor choice for household use because of its slippery nature.
Semi-gloss poly and satin urethanes are more popular in homes because they are less slippery.
Satin urethanes also hide surface imperfections better than high gloss finishes.
Other Polyurethane Finishes
Gloss Polyurethane
This type of polyurethane is the most gleaming of all and has approximately 70% luster. This type of polyurethane is often found in gym floors and other similar environments.
Cons
- Weaker resistance to moisture
- Polymer that is more durable than polymer with a glossier finish.
- Polymer may stain more easily than semi-gloss or gloss poly
Comparison Of Satin, Semi-Gloss And Gloss Polyurethane
Satin or Gloss Polyurethane Finish?
Gloss poly mirrors more light on wood floors. Satin polyurethane finishes mirror roughly 50 percent less light.
A gloss polyurethane finish is highly slippery due to its shiny appearance, while satin polyurethane finishes possess a lower sheen and provide a smooth feeling surface.
Both gloss and satin polyurethane finishes have excellent durability.
Semi-Gloss or Gloss Polyurethane?
Semi-gloss and gloss polyurethane finishes have different sheen levels or reflective qualities. Gloss is the most gleaming, while semi-gloss comes in second.
Gloss polyurethane is not recommended for people with light sensitivities.
Satin or Matte Polyurethane
You can choose between matte and satin polyurethane finishes for those who prefer a low shine finish in polyurethane.
Matte has virtually no light reflection due to the high levels of flattening paste in the formula. Satin sheens contain more flattening agents, but they are less than those in matte formulations.
A satin polyurethane will reflect light and hide surface imperfections.
Polyurethane On Hardwood Flooring: Does The Finish Affect The Color?
Polyurethane can be applied over paint to alter its colors, oil- or water-based. However, this is not always true for hardwood and other wood surfaces.
The surface will show the yellow tint from poly with an oil-based base. If an oil-based finish is used on hardwood floors, this tint will become more apparent over time.
Use a water-based product to prevent your floor from turning yellow with time.
How To Choose A Polyurethane Finish For Hardwood Flooring
Color
The tint of thepoly finishis significant because it affects the appearance of the floors. There are many colors available for some finishes. However, other options might be very limited.
After drying, water-based poly looks clear, whereas oil-based finishes yellows over time. Water-based is the better choice if you want to retain how your wood floors look.
Cost
Before starting any work on your floors, you must already know how you want them to look. If you dont want the surfaces to turn yellowish, dont go with cheaper options.
Oil-based poly costs more than standard finishes. But you can use dark wood if you prefer or work on large wood floor surfaces.
Drying Time
It is possible to recoat water-based polyurethane after two hours, while oil-based finishes require 24 hours to dry. The drying time for an oil-based finish is four hours, but it is more expensive.
Curing time for water-based polyurethane ranges from one to three days after the tough topcoat is applied.
Application – Odor and ease of application
Water-based varieties are much less labor-intensive and do not always require sanding between coats.
However, seven coats of water-based poly are needed to get smooth wood surfaces and avoid wood grain, but only three coats of oil-based finish are needed.
Water-based options have a faint odor and emit few volatile organic compounds, while oil-based finishes have an unpleasant odor; thus, you need a gas mask or face mask.
Luster or Type of Finish
High-gloss and matte arent recommended for heavily used hardwood floors.
Oil-based finishes offer many advantages. The most obvious is their versatility and the attractiveness they provide with their satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss poly.
FAQ
Which polyurethane is glossier, semi-gloss or shinier?
Semi-gloss finishes are shinier than satin polyurethane. Satin varnish has a more flattening paste, giving it a duller appearance. Satin polyurethane has a higher level of reflected light than semi-gloss varnish and polyurethane because it contains more flattening paste.
What polyurethane finish to use on kitchen cabinets?
The finish that you choose for kitchen cabinets is determined by your personal taste and the amount of natural light available. Semi-gloss is more likely to show dirt and marks; a satin finish is better. Semi-gloss will be more appealing if you want a glossier and more glassy look.
Is it possible to change from satin to semi gloss and vice versa?
If you want to change the finish from satin to semi-gloss and vice-versa, achieve the best results by sanding and stripping the surface before applying the new finish.
Is it possible to use semi-gloss and satin polyurethane together?
Satin can be applied over semi-gloss polyurethane. However, to allow the satin polyurethane adhere to the semi-gloss, it is necessary to remove the glossy finish.
Does the type of polyurethane (oil or water-based) affect the appearance of satin and semi-gloss finishes?
Yes. Yes. Oil-based polyurethane formulas have a higher sheen and more color than water-based polyurethane. This can affect their appearance.
Is it possible to mix semi-gloss and satin polyurethanes?
If both satin and semi-gloss polyurethane are mixed in the right proportions, the resulting sheen will be somewhere between the two. Due to the tendency of the satin to predominate, you will need to use a two-to-one ratio of semi-gloss and satin.
Which is better for kitchen tables, satin or semi-gloss polyurethane?
If you prefer a shiny or lustrous finish, a semi-gloss is better than satin for kitchen tables. Semi-gloss furniture will resist more moisture and stains than satin, which means you get more value over time. Semi-gloss and satin furniture can be contrasted.
Which is better for stairs, satin or semi-gloss polyurethane?
For stairs finishing, satin is preferable to semi-gloss. Because stairs are often used in homes and offices, they are more susceptible to scratches and dents.
You should go for a finish that will not highlight imperfections, and satin is a better choice.
Is satin polyurethane equivalent to water-based polyurethane
Satin polyurethane is different from water-based polyurethane. Water-based polyurethane is a water-soluble paint, whereas satin polyurethane is a polyurethane finish.
Conclusion
Now that you know everything you need about semi-gloss vs. satin polyurethane finish, you can decide what you prefer to use on wood surfaces based on appearance, maintenance, drying time, and durability.
