What Is The Difference Between A Satin And A Matt Finish?
15th Mar 2013 @ 16:08
When looking to finish up your flooring, we always recommend doing so with an hard wax oil. Whilst there are many different brands available, of which we take a look at in our guide to oak floor finishes, all of them offer their products in either a satin or a matt finish.
Firstly it is important to note that the different brands have their own terms to describe their products. Blanchon have their Natural or Satin finishes, Osmo have their Matt or Satin-Matt whilst Fiddes have Clear Matt or Clear Satin. Despite the naming all of these are effectively a Matt or Satin finish respectively.
So what exactly is the difference between these two finishes, and which is best for me?
When finished onto oak, the satin hard wax oil finish will leave it with a warm, almost honey colour. This finish will also have a slight sheen, making it a popular choice for home owners for creating that warm feel.
A Matt finish on the other hand is often seen as providing a more natural, unstated feel to your oak. More recently the Matt finish has become increasingly popular and is often chosen for the inside of more contemporary environments. That said, the Matt can look often look equally as great when used in more classical settings.
So which finish is right for me? In the end this really does come down to your own personal preference and the room environment. What you plan to coat up with the oil can also make a huge difference, as proved with our brown oak flooring. These special boards consist of deep stripes which is caused by naturally occurring fungus within the oak tree. To really bring out these stripes, we recommend that the brown oak boards are finished with a satin finish. This can leave the oak boards with a real dramatic look.
If you require any more information regarding satin and matt finishes, then please do not hesitate to give us a call on 01538 304584.
6 Comments
Hi there, I have just had several doors treated in Osmo Oil. Could you tell me please what to clean them with as in just when I am doing my normal housework each week. Do you just dust them with a dry or damp cloth?
Look forward to hearing from you, Lynne
Lynne February 27, 2023 at 10:15am
Hi Lynne,
Yes a general dusting will a dry cloth will help to keep the surface clean. One product that may be of use is the Osmo Spray Cleaner ([link awaiting verification]) which will help to clean the surface. The Osmo Wash & Care ([link awaiting verification]) is also an option that will both clean and feed the surface.
Hope this helps.
Peak Oak February 27, 2023 at 12:31pm
Hi, I added Osmo clear satin to my new oak engineered wood floor but don't like the finish.
Can I paint over with Matt to reduce the shine?
Freddie April 20, 2023 at 12:53pm
Hi Freddie,
Typically, it is possible to put the satin over the top of the matt to add sheen to the floor. However the reverse doesn't typically tend to work.
It is worth noting that as time progresses, the finish will naturally dull due to wear and tear.
Hope this helps, please let us know if we can assist any further.
Peak Oak April 20, 2023 at 12:58pm
Nice article on sheen. I am currently playing around with Osmo samples to determine my preferences on white oak stair treads. Following on your exchange with the previous poster, Freddie, I was told by an Osmo US rep to use the satin as the first coat and let the second coat determine the sheen. I am very much leaning towards a matte finish. His instruction flies directly contrary to your advice. I guess I will hash that out with him.
Question: Can matte and satin be mixed at whatever ratio gives the desired sheen? Thank you in advance for your help, sir.
Rick September 11, 2023 at 2:40pm
Hi Rick,
We cannot comment on the advice provided, but this is not something that we have found in the UK. We wouldn't particularly recommend mixing either, to achieve a matt finish, the matt oil should be used.
Hope this helps.
Peak Oak September 11, 2023 at 2:44pm
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