Matte vs Satin Polyurethane: Which Finish Should You Choose?

Do you want to finish wooden furniture or floors? You need to choose the right finish. It is a difficult task. In the market, Matte and satin polyurethane are two popular finish options available. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. They offer different benefits. In this article, we’ll explain the difference between matte vs satin polyurethane. We also help you to choose the best one for your project.

If you’re planning to give your wooden furniture or floors a new look, you can choose the finish between the two. Before we tell you the differences between matte and satin polyurethane, let’s first understand what polyurethane is.

What is Polyurethane?

Polyurethane is a type of varnish. It provides a protective coating to wooden surfaces. It is made by combining polyol and diisocyanate. Polyurethane creates a chemical reaction that forms a hard and durable coating.

What is Matte Polyurethane?

Matte polyurethane is a finish. It has a low-gloss or dull appearance. It is perfect for those who want a natural, rustic look for their wooden surfaces. Matte polyurethane has a low reflectivity, which means it doesn’t reflect light as much as other finishes. It also hides imperfections and scratches well. It is a great choice for high-traffic areas.

Matte Polyurethane: Advantages and Disadvantages

Matte polyurethane is a type of finish that creates a non-glossy or low-sheen surface. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of using matte polyurethane:

Advantages:

• Aesthetically pleasing: Matte polyurethane has a natural and soft look. It helps to achieve a rustic, vintage, or modern look for your furniture, floors, or other surfaces.
• Hides imperfections: It can hide imperfections such as scratches, dents, or bumps. It is a suitable option for surfaces that are prone to damage.
• Easy to maintain: Matte polyurethane is easier to maintain than glossy finishes. It does not show fingerprints, smudges, or dust as readily.
• Non-reflective: It does not reflect light as much as glossy finishes. It is more comfortable for the eyes and reduces glare.

Disadvantages:

• Prone to Staining: It can be more prone to staining than glossy finishes. It has a more porous surface.
• Less Durable: Matte polyurethane can be less durable than glossy finishes as it is less resistant to wear and tear, and may require more frequent touch-ups or recoating.
• Difficult to Clean: It requires special cleaning techniques and products. Regular cleaning methods can damage the finish or leave a residue.
• Harder to apply: Matte polyurethane is harder to apply than glossy finishes. It requires more skill and experience to achieve an even and uniform surface.

What is Satin Polyurethane?

Satin polyurethane has a slightly glossy appearance. It has a higher reflectivity than matte polyurethane. It is still considered a low-gloss finish. Satin polyurethane is a popular choice for those who want a smooth and silky look for their wooden surfaces. It offers a moderate level of protection and is ideal for surfaces.

Satin Polyurethane: Advantages and Disadvantages

Satin polyurethane is a type of finish that creates a smooth, low-luster surface with a slight sheen. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of using satin polyurethane:

Advantages:

• Aesthetically pleasing: It provides a subtle sheen to your surfaces. Satin polyurethane is also giving them a sophisticated and elegant look. It can be a great option for furniture, cabinets, and flooring.
• Easy to maintain: Satin polyurethane is easier to maintain than glossy finishes as it does not show fingerprints, smudges, or dust as readily.
• Good protection: It provides excellent protection for your surfaces. It makes them resistant to scratches, stains, and water damage.
• Versatile: Satin polyurethane can be used on a wide range of surfaces, including wood, metal, and plastic.

Disadvantages:

• Less durable: Satin polyurethane can be less durable than glossy finishes. It is less resistant to wear and tear and may require more frequent touch-ups or recoating.
• May require more coats: It may require more coats than glossy finishes to achieve the desired level of sheen.
• Difficult to repair: Repairing satin polyurethane can be difficult repair the existing finish.
• Longer drying time: Satin polyurethane can take longer to dry than glossy finishes, which can prolong the time needed to complete a project.

Matte vs Satin Polyurethane

Matte polyurethane has a lower gloss level and a dull appearance. It is a good choice for hiding imperfections. It is also slightly cheaper than satin polyurethane. On the other hand, satin polyurethane has a medium-low gloss level and a slightly shiny appearance. It is a good choice for showing off the natural beauty of wood grain. Satin polyurethane is slightly more expensive than matte polyurethane.

Both types of polyurethane are highly durable, scratch-resistant, and stain-resistant. They are also easy to maintain and are recommended for use in high-traffic areas. Matte and satin polyurethane are less likely to yellow with age compared to other types of finishes.

Differences between matte and satin polyurethane

	Matte Polyurethane	Satin Polyurethane
Gloss Level	Low	Medium-low
Sheen	Dull	Slightly shiny
Durability	High	High
Scratch Resistance	High	High
Stain Resistance	High	High
Color Retention	Good	Good
Maintenance	Easy	Easy
Application	Hides Imperfections	Shows Imperfections
Recommended Use	High-traffic Areas	High-traffic Areas
Appearance After Aging	Less Yellowing	Less Yellowing
Price	Slightly cheaper	Slightly more expensive

Difference between matte vs satin vs semi-gloss polyurethane

Matte Polyurethane	Satin Polyurethane	Semi-Gloss Polyurethane
Low reflectivity	Moderate reflectivity	High reflectivity
Hides imperfections and scratches	Shows imperfections and scratches	Shows imperfections and scratches
The natural and rustic look	The smooth and silky appearance	Shiny and reflective appearance
Not as durable as satin or semi-gloss polyurethane	More durable than matte polyurethane, but less than semi-gloss polyurethane	The most durable of the three
Ideal for low-traffic areas	Best for high-traffic areas	Ideal for very high-traffic areas
Enhances the natural beauty of dark and richly-grained woods	Adds depth and richness to light-colored and uniform-grained woods	Makes colors and grains of wood appear deeper and richer

Keep in mind that the choice between matte, satin, and semi-gloss polyurethane depends on personal preference. It’s important to consider the level of traffic in the area. It will receive, as well as the desired level of shine and durability.

Frequently asked questions

Is matte or satin polyurethane more durable?

Both matte and satin polyurethane offer good durability and protection for wooden surfaces. However, satin polyurethane is more resistant to wear and tear. It is also a better choice for high-traffic areas.

Can I use matte and satin polyurethane together?

Yes, you can use matte and satin polyurethane together to create a unique finish. For example, you can use matte polyurethane on the base coat and satin polyurethane on the topcoat.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing between matte vs satin polyurethane depends on your personal preference. Or you can use it for the type of wooden surface you’re finishing. Matte polyurethane is a good choice for natural and rustic looks, while satin polyurethane is ideal for smooth and silky finishes. Both finishes offer good durability and protection for wooden surfaces, and it’s important to consider the color and grain of the wood when choosing between them. With this knowledge, you can now make an informed decision and achieve the perfect finish for your wooden project.