Satin Floor Stain Vs. Gloss

Reflectiveness

• The amount of light reflected by satin and glossy finishing coats differs. If you are looking to brighten a dark room, consider a glossy coat for the floor. It reflects more light than a satin coat does. The effect is increased with lighter-colored wood floors such as pine. A satin finish does not reflect as much light. This allows noticing the wood’s details without a reflective glare.

Wear

• Satin finishes suffice for medium- and low-traffic areas of your home, such as in rooms with area rugs. High-traffic areas require a durable, glossy finish. This is tougher and longer lasting than satin finishes. In time, a glossy floor finish wears down to a satin appearance. This indicates it is time for another application.

Appearance

• The appearance of the floor coating is the main consideration for many homeowners. Glossy finishes create the illusion of a sheet of plastic or glass covering the floor due to its reflective nature. This makes a natural wood floor resemble artificial vinyl or laminate flooring. Some people do not like this look on their wood floors and opt for a more mellow satin finish.

Glossy to Satin

• If you apply a glossy topcoat over your stain and find it too shiny, you can fix it. Let the finish completely dry. Brush the surface with sandpaper, scuffing the glossy finish. Apply two coats of satin finish on top, drying it between coats. This softens the glossy floor’s brightness to resemble a satin coating.