Semi-Gloss vs. Satin Finish on Urethane Floors

About Urethane

• A urethane finish protects wood floors from damage. The finish resists scuffs and scratches from kids, pets and day-to-day abuse that all floors receive. Urethane finishes are also water-resistant and never need waxing, making them a low maintenance option for finishing your wood floors.

Oil-Based Urethane

• Oil-based urethane is available in a gloss, semi-gloss and satin finish. Because it is a solvent-based product, it has a strong odor and fumes, requiring adequate ventilation when applying the finish to your floors. Two or three coats are required, with a minimum of eight hours between coats. Oil-based urethanes are transparent, but amber with age, and so are not recommended for use over faux finishes, pickled or white-washed floors.

Water-Based Urethane

• Water-based urethane goes on with a clear finish and stays clear over time. It has low odor and cleans up with soap and water, making it a more user-friendly product for the do-it-yourselfer. Three to four coats of water-based urethane are recommended, but the product dries quickly, usually in two hours. Water-based urethanes are available in gloss, semi-gloss and satin finishes.

Gloss

• Urethanes are available in high gloss, semi-gloss, and satin finishes. High-gloss finishes are the most durable and have the shiniest finish. These urethanes are generally used in commercial applications on floors with a high volume of traffic. Semi-gloss and satin finishes have a flattening paste added to dull the finish and reduce the reflection of light off of the surface. Both semi-gloss and satin finishes are less durable than high gloss. Light reflecting off of a semi-gloss finish shows surface scuffs and scratches. Homeowners with the high traffic of children and pets may prefer to use a duller finish. Satin finish urethane is only slightly glossy, reflecting less light than semi-gloss urethane. Although a satin finish is slightly less durable than a semi-gloss finish, scratches and scuffs are not as noticeable.