Mastering the Spectrum of Sheen Options to Select the Ideal Finish for Your Project
Are you often overwhelmed by the multitude of sheen options available for wood finishes? Making an informed choice about the sheen that best complements your project is essential for achieving the desired aesthetic and durability. This guide will help clarify the differences between various sheens, including satin, semi-gloss, matte, and more, so you can select the perfect finish with confidence.
What exactly distinguishes satin from semi-gloss? Does a matte finish truly lack shine? To answer these questions, I collaborated with Waterlox to conduct a series of practical tests on all their available sheens. This hands-on approach allows you to see the real-world effects of each finish before you commit, eliminating guesswork and ensuring satisfaction with your final result.
Exploring Different Sheen Levels Across Various Finishes
For an accurate comparison, I prepared samples on seven different wood species, chosen to showcase a range of grain patterns, textures, and natural colors. These species include:
- Birch (a typical butcher block scrap)
- Pine (a soft and beginner-friendly choice)
- Poplar (a cost-effective and versatile wood)
- Alder (with warm reddish undertones)
- Walnut (a rich, dark hardwood)
- Hard Maple (a very light, dense wood)
- White Oak (a popular, character-rich species)
All samples were finished using the same meticulous process, ensuring consistency in application and sanding, so the differences observed truly reflect the impact of each sheen. Below, I detail the application procedures for each product line from Waterlox, followed by close-up images illustrating the distinct sheens on each wood type.
Waterlox H2OLOX Water-Based Finish
The H2OLOX is a low-VOC, waterborne finish ideal for indoor projects, especially where non-toxicity and food safety are priorities. When fully cured, it’s non-toxic, making it suitable for surfaces that come into contact with food. Its elastic properties, especially when used with the Universal Tung Oil Sealer (UTOS), provide a durable, flexible coating that resists water and wear.
Sheen Variants in H2OLOX
- Matte: 8-12% gloss level
- Satin: 30-40% gloss level
- Semi-gloss: 55-60% gloss level
- Gloss: 75-80% gloss level
Applying H2OLOX Finish
The process begins with applying the Universal Tung Oil Sealer, which seals the wood surface, minimizes grain raise, and enhances color. It’s recommended to sand the wood to 100-150 grit, clean thoroughly, then apply the sealer with a lint-free rag, allowing 24 hours to dry. Follow with two coats of H2OLOX using a foam brush or paint pad, allowing each coat to dry for 24 hours in well-ventilated conditions. Light sanding between coats ensures a smooth finish.
Waterlox Original Finish
Dating back to 1910, the Waterlox Original Finish is renowned for enhancing the natural beauty of wood. When paired with a Waterlox sealer, it penetrates deep into the grain, creating a waterproof, elastic barrier that resists moisture and wear. Its warm, rich appearance makes it a favorite for furniture and countertops.
Sheen Options for Original Finish
- Satin: 20-25% gloss level
- High Gloss: 85% gloss level
Application Steps
Start by sanding the wood to 100-150 grit, then clean with mineral spirits. Apply the Original Sealer with a natural bristle brush or lamb’s wool pad, allowing 24 hours to dry. Follow with two coats of the finish, applying each with a brush or pad, and allowing 24 hours between coats. Although sanding between coats isn’t mandatory, light sanding can improve adhesion and appearance.
TrueTone Tung Oil Finish
The TrueTone Tung Oil Finish offers a unique matte, buffed-in finish that provides a truly flat appearance. It’s ideal for those seeking a natural, unfinished look with minimal gloss. Available only in a flat sheen, it is perfect for projects where a subtle, understated finish is desired.
Color-Infused Tung Oil
- Natural: No added color, enhances the wood’s natural tone
- White or Pickled White: Lightens the wood, preventing darkening over time
Application Process
After sanding the surface to 100-150 grit and cleaning, apply the TrueTone stain with a lint-free cloth or buffing pad. Rub the stain into the wood, allowing 10-15 minutes, then buff off excess. The finish is cured by letting it dry for 24 hours in a well-ventilated space. For the buffed-in finish, apply one coat of the color-infused Tung Oil, then follow with additional coats if desired, each dried thoroughly for 24 hours.
Waterlox Urethane Finish
The Urethane Finish provides a durable, crystal-clear protective layer that resists scratches, stains, and yellowing over time. Its satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss options allow you to tailor the appearance to your preference while ensuring maximum protection.
Application Guidelines
Apply directly onto the surface without a sealer, using a paint pad or foam brush. Each coat should be dried for 6-10 hours, with light sanding if more than 10 hours pass between coats. Three coats are recommended for optimal durability. Ensure good ventilation during application and drying. Light sanding between coats enhances adhesion and smoothness.
Waterlox Marine Finish
Designed for outdoor and marine environments, this finish offers excellent UV protection and flexibility. It creates an elastic barrier that shields your project from harsh weather and sunlight. Use it with the Marine Sealer or UTOS for maximum effectiveness.
Sheen Levels for Marine Finish
- Satin: 30-40% gloss level
- High Gloss: 90-95% gloss level
Application Procedure
Start with the Marine Sealer, applying it with a natural bristle brush or lamb’s wool pad, and allowing 24 hours to dry. Follow with two coats of Marine Finish, applied similarly, with 24 hours drying time between coats. Light sanding can be performed if necessary to achieve a smoother finish. Maintain good airflow and ventilation during the process.
Waterlox Urethane vs. Marine and Other Finishes: How They Impact Wood Appearance
Each finish interacts differently with wood, affecting color, gloss, and texture. To illustrate these effects, I prepared a visual comparison of all finishes applied to the same wood species, highlighting how each enhances or alters the wood’s appearance.
Wood Species and Finish Effects
Birch
As a light-colored, fine-grain hardwood, birch shows noticeable ambering with H2OLOX, Original, and Marine finishes, creating a warmer tone. The clear Urethane maintains its natural, lighter appearance, while darker finishes add depth.
Pine
Soft and easy to work with, pine displays significant ambering with warm finishes, emphasizing its golden hue. The effects are more pronounced due to its lighter base tone, making finish choice crucial for desired aesthetic.
Poplar
Known for its pale greenish undertones, poplar’s color is warmed by ambering finishes, which enhance its character. Using TrueTone stains before finishing allows for a broader palette of colors while preserving the natural grain.
Alder
With reddish undertones, alder looks particularly rich with ambering finishes, gaining a deep, luxurious appearance. The clear Urethane brings out its warm hue without additional coloring.
Walnut
Dark and luxurious, walnut’s rich brown tones are intensified by finishes, especially glossy ones. Ambering is less noticeable on its darker surface, but the gloss level plays a more significant role in visual impact.
Hard Maple
This very light and dense hardwood exhibits minimal color change across finishes; ambering effects are subtle, maintaining its pristine, natural look.
White Oak
With prominent grain and character, white oak becomes warmer and more vibrant with ambering finishes, sometimes resembling red oak, which adds visual interest to furniture and cabinetry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which finishes do not add warmth or amber to the wood?
The TrueTone Tung Oil Finish and Urethane finishes are designed to preserve the wood’s original color, avoiding any ambering or darkening. For a truly natural, bare-wood appearance, applying the TrueTone White or Pickled White stain prior to finishing can prevent darkening over time.
Which finishes are the most glossy?
The Marine Finish in High Gloss offers the highest sheen, closely followed by the Original Finish in High Gloss and the H2OLOX Finish in gloss. The Urethane Finish in gloss provides a less glossy appearance compared to these options.
Which finishes are the least shiny or matte?
The TrueTone Buffed-in Tung Oil Finish provides a flat, matte look. The H2OLOX Matte and Urethane Satin finishes also offer low-sheen options, ideal for achieving subtle, understated effects.
Can I apply these finishes over stained wood?
Absolutely. All Waterlox finishes can be applied over TrueTone color-infused tung oil stains. Use the appropriate sealer, such as the TrueTone Natural stain, applied as a sealer coat before finishing.
If you have further questions about the sheen options or application techniques, feel free to ask. I recommend conducting small test patches before tackling large projects to ensure the final appearance aligns with your vision. It’s always easier to test first than to correct mistakes later.
Happy finishing! Thank you to Waterlox for sponsoring this post. I only endorse products I trust and use myself. All opinions expressed are my own. For more details, please read my full disclosure policy.