Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
Durability of gloss vs. satin finish
Yonak
Some while back I was advised that a gloss finish was more durable than satin. I'm now painting some thresholds and have the ability to put several coats of gloss paint, of the same color, down first and cover with a few coats of satin, which I want on top. I'm wondering about the credence of the advice I was given.
Re: Durability of gloss vs. satin finish
kneale brownson
I've used a poly gloss on thresholds that held up well. But if folks are going to step on the threshold itself, I'd include something gritty to avoid slipping.
General durability of gloss vs. flat is for things like trim that might need washing more often.
Re: Durability of gloss vs. satin finish
TomD
The big issue underlying that belief in my world is that on boats, the sun is the main enemy, can kill your varnish in 6 months, you are painting all the time in the tropics. Gloss reflects light at higher angles. The failure mode is often at the wood, or in the film, from light in either case. From what the literature says. 2 pack is very glossy, and hard, and holds the gloss.
Mostly the satin has fine particulates in it that should improve wear, and compression, but not tensile strength (if there is any difference). But it can also be specific to a given use. So a gloss bar varnish will be harder wearing than a gloss spar, because spar is softer to move over wood. Assuming there is actually any truth to the advertised categories.