The instructions on all polyurethane cans say to stir well before use. That’s because the zinc oxide sinks to the bottom of the can as it sits on the shelf. Stirring ensures a uniform result by distributing the paste evenly throughout the product. He also said, “technically, the higher the sheen, the tougher the product will be — but not by much. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being most durable, satin is a 9.5 matte, and matte is a 9.2. Don’t make your decision based on that because you’re not losing much, and both options are incredibly durable.” Although labelled as a clear polyurethane varnish, as with any varnish, the finished effect depends on the type of wood it is applied to – with some darkening the wood grain. For example, if a wood floor finished with satin polyurethane is exposed to the same abrasive wear as a wood floor finished with matte polyurethane, the satin floor will lose some of its luster. In contrast, the appearance of the matte floor will remain the same. Suitable for all types of interior woods, the matt finish option is not suitable for use on floors, nor should it be used over French polished surfaces.

Maintenance: Satin requires more frequent cleaning since dust and dirt are more visible. You can easily clean both finishes with a damp cloth. Go light with water when cleaning to avoid damaging the wood. Be sure to dust cabinets or sweep floors before using a damp cloth to wipe them clean. In this comparison of matte vs. satin polyurethane, you’ll learn how they compare in appearance, durability, upkeep, and more. Application: Brush only. For Health and Safety reason related to all solvent-based paints, spray application is not recommended. STIR THOROUGHLY BEFORE USE. Product is ready to use. Do not thin. Apply up to 3 coats of Dulux Trade Polyurethane Varnish. Dulux Trade Polyurethane Varnish is not suitable for use on other surfaces such as masonry. On surfaces subject to heavy wear such as flooring, the gloss finish is recommended. He mentioned, “most Minwax poly finishes come in satin, but only one water-based finish comes in matte. The oil-based satin polyurethanes have a slight yellow tone that enriches the word, whereas the water-based matte product goes on completely clear and doesn’t alter the wood’s appearance.”

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Matt and satin floor varnishes can also deliver abrasion, scuff and scrape resistance in schools and lecture halls Rust-Oleum 4900 Polycoat 2K – Water Based Regarding the 2k providing a 10 year solution, this would be longer than we would anticipate for exterior wood. The finish can be maintained by ensuring any mechanical damages are repaired as and when they occur, the product data sheet also provides details on required preparation, application and curing.

Protect wood surfaces – floors, desks, furniture, counter-tops, etc. – for longer than standard wood varnishes, and as such are slightly more expensive than the economically priced counterparts Wood and water don’t mix. So, never soak or oversaturate wood when mopping. Water can penetrate the polyurethane and seep between the floorboards, leading to cupping, warping, and other irreversible damage to the wood. Other finishes: When choosing between matte and satin, consider the other finishes in your home. For example, if most of your furniture, trim, and molding has a satin finish, a matte finish might disturb the unity of the aesthetic.

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Since the initial appearance of matte and satin is so similar, you won’t notice a significant difference. If you were to compare matte vs. semi-gloss over ten years, the change in appearance would be much more noticeable.

I go into detail in this guide to deep cleaning wood floors, but the basic steps are to vacuum or wipe loose dust and debris, then mop with a microfiber floor mop and fast-evaporating floor cleaner (like Bona). On average, you’ll need to refinish floors every ten years. Of course, it also depends on how much wear they experience or if they receive direct sunlight. If you see gouges or scratches, discoloration, or decreased luster, it might be time to refinish your floors. What Experts Say About Matte vs. Satin Polyurethane Can be applied by brush, spray or roller. Traditional varnishes, in comparison, are usually brush applied only. Wood varnish helps to seal and protect a range of wooden surfaces, and you can buy it in a choice of colours. You can use interior varnish to coat and seal internal doors, as well as wooden furniture such as dining tables, wardrobes, and bedside tables. You may also wish to apply it to your skirting boards to give them improved protection and an attractive shine. There are clear versions, as well as products that come in natural wood shades like oak and pine. Overall, the takeaway from these experts is clear. The sheen level is the main difference between matte and satin polyurethane; durability and the visibility of imperfections and debris are secondary and shouldn’t influence your decision much. FAQs About Matte and Satin PolyurethaneI’ll focus on matte vs. satin polyurethane in this comparison, but semi-gloss and high-gloss are two other popular choices. The key difference between matte and satin polyurethane is the appearance. Matte reflects almost no light, giving it a dull, low-sheen look. Matte’s gloss level is between 15-30%. Satin is also a low-sheen finish, but it reflects more light, making it slightly shinier. Its gloss level is between 30-40%. Application equipment for water based polyurethane varnishes can be cleaned-up with soap and water – always refer to product datasheets for manufacturer specific recommendations for cleaning and storage. You can get away with cleaning floors coated with matte polyurethane less often because minor dust and debris won’t be as visible. Advanced, next-generation wood varnishes from Rubio Monocoat provide these much-wanted features and the advantages of wood oils, varnishes, and waxes, over their traditional counterparts: