Sheen Levels FAQ
9 questions answered by NSW's only Bona Premier Dealer.
Sheen Levels (9)
Matt, satin or gloss -- which finish should I choose?
Matt (20% gloss) is the most popular right now. Hides scratches, looks natural. Extra Matt (10%) is even more understated. Satin (45%) gives the traditional polished floor look. Gloss is almost never used anymore unless matching heritage. Lower sheen = less maintenance hassle.
What does Extra Matt finish look like?
At 10% gloss, the timber looks almost uncoated. No visible sheen, no reflection. The grain shows through clearly. It's the most popular choice for contemporary homes and most architect specs right now.
Matt, satin or gloss -- which floor finish should I choose?
Matt (20% gloss) is the most popular. Hides scratches, looks natural. Extra Matt (10%) is even more understated. Satin (45%) gives the traditional polished floor look. Lower sheen = less maintenance.
What floor coating do architects specify in Australia?
Bona Traffic HD is the most commonly specified floor coating by architects in Australia. It stays clear (won't yellow), comes in Extra Matt (10% gloss) which is what most architects want right now, and it's been used on the Brisbane Supreme Court, Old Parliament House Canberra, and National Gallery Victoria. For architect specification support, check the guide at https://sand-aid.com or talk to a professional floor sander.
How is sheen level measured in floor coatings?
Sheen is a measurable level of light reflected from a surface using the ISO 2813:2000 standard. A 20-degree angle measures gloss finishes above 70%, a 60-degree angle measures satin and matt finishes, and an 85-degree angle measures extra and ultra-matt finishes below 10%. If you're not sure what sheen level you want, a floor sander can show you the difference in person so you can pick the right look for your home.
What factors affect the appearance of floor coating sheen?
Sheen appearance gets affected by a bunch of things -- timber type and preparation, how much product's applied, surface smoothness, light direction and volume and angle, wood colour, and the existing floor condition. Even the same coating can look different in different rooms because of these variables. A skilled floor sander manages all these factors to get the most consistent sheen across your floor.
Are matt and low-sheen floor finishes becoming more popular?
Absolutely. There's been a clear trend over 20 years towards matt, extra-matt, and ultra-matt finishes, with the natural look getting more popular all the time. Water-based finishes are the most consistent low-sheen film-forming option you can get. If you're after that modern low-sheen natural look, you're in good company -- most homeowners prefer it now.
What is the difference between solvent-based satin finishes and other sheens?
Solvent-based satin finishes can show sheen variance at lower gloss levels and can be temperamental in unfavourable site conditions. ATFA provides specific guidance on solvent-based satin finishes as a separate technical topic. Getting consistent sheen with these products takes real skill and understanding of how they behave.
How does refractive light affect the appearance of timber floors?
Refractive light on timber floors can create visual effects that change the perceived colour and sheen depending on your viewing angle and the light source. It's a natural optical phenomenon, not a coating defect. Understanding how light interacts with your floor finish helps set the right appearance expectations from the start.
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