Floor Sheen (Matte, Satin, Semi-Gloss, Gloss)

Sheen refers to how much light a finish reflects. It is one of the most visible aspects of a floor restoration and is a matter of personal preference—there is no functionally superior sheen level, though each has practical trade-offs.

Matte finishes (10–25% reflectivity) scatter light diffusely and are the best choice for hiding dust, pet hair, and minor scratches between cleanings. They give floors a more natural, raw-wood appearance and are popular in modern and Scandinavian-influenced interiors. The trade-off is that they can look dull in lower-light spaces.

Satin finishes (25–40% reflectivity) are the most popular choice in residential settings because they balance shine with practicality—they look polished without showing every footprint and dust particle. Most manufacturer-finished floors ship in satin.

Semi-gloss (40–70%) and high-gloss (70%+) finishes reflect the most light and create the most dramatic, formal appearance. They are common in commercial settings, vintage-style interiors, and on painted floors. The trade-off is that they show surface scratches, dust, and footprints most visibly, and require more frequent cleaning to maintain their look.

Sheen level does not affect the durability or longevity of the finish—it is purely an aesthetic choice. We can match any sheen level exactly during a recoat project.