When choosing a finish for exterior wood projects like doors, railings, shutters, and furniture, two popular options are satin and gloss. Both satin and gloss finishes have advantages and disadvantages when used outdoors. This article will compare satin and gloss finishes on key factors like durability, maintenance, appearance, and cost to help you decide which is better for your specific project.
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Durability
One of the most important considerations for an exterior wood finish is durability. The finish needs to stand up to sun, rain, snow, temperature swings, dirt, pollen, and more. Both satin and gloss finishes are durable, but gloss has a slight edge.
Gloss finishes tend to be more resistant to moisture, mildew, and UV damage from sunlight. The higher sheen of gloss reflects more UV rays, protecting the wood underneath. Gloss is also harder and forms a tougher protective film than satin.
However, satin finishes are also formulated to withstand exterior conditions. Modern exterior satin finishes contain UV inhibitors and water repellants. While they may require reapplying more often than gloss, satin finishes can still hold up well outside.
Durability Comparison
| Finish | Durability |
|---|---|
| Gloss | Excellent durability, most resistant to sun, rain, and moisture damage |
| Satin | Good durability, contains UV inhibitors but requires reapplying more often |
Maintenance
The amount of required maintenance is another key factor when choosing an exterior wood finish. Gloss finishes tend to need less frequent maintenance than satin.
Due to its harder surface, gloss doesn’t tend to show wear and minor scuffs as noticeably. Its higher sheen also makes the wood below appear “newer” longer before needing a refresh coat. Satin finishes, on the other hand, will show signs of wear sooner.
However, satin is easier to touch up and spot repair than gloss. Fixing flaws in gloss requires buffing and blending adjacent areas to match the high-gloss level. Satin is more forgiving to work with for maintenance coats.
Maintenance Comparison
| Finish | Maintenance Needs |
|---|---|
| Gloss | Less frequent maintenance needed, harder to spot repair |
| Satin | More frequent touch ups needed, easier for spot repairs |
Appearance
The different sheens of satin and gloss finishes also provide different visual looks. It’s a matter of personal preference which finish looks best for your project.
Gloss finishes provide a bright, shiny, wet appearance. They really make wood grain and colors “pop” with depth and dimension. Gloss also looks cleaner when new, hiding more grain texture.
Satin delivers a subtler sheen with some reflective highlights but more visible grain and brushstrokes. It has a more natural, muted look. Satin finishes come in satin, semi-gloss, and low-lustre versions from low to higher sheen.
For a traditional wood look, most prefer a satin or low-lustre finish. Modern, contemporary projects often suit a bolder gloss finish. Both finishes enhance and protect the wood, just with different aesthetic styles.
Appearance Comparison
| Finish | Appearance |
|---|---|
| Gloss | High-shine, wet look, hides grain |
| Satin | Muted sheen, visible grain and brushstrokes |
Cost
Gloss and satin finishes have similar costs per gallon. The price can range based on the specific brand and quality level. However, because gloss finishes tend to last longer before needing to be reapplied, they can cost less in the long run.
With the harder surface and UV reflectance of gloss, you can often get years longer before needing to refinish compared to satin. Even though satin costs a similar amount per gallon upfront, you’ll need to repurchase and reapply more often.
Cost Comparison
| Finish | Cost |
|---|---|
| Gloss | Higher upfront cost per gallon but lasts longer before reapplying |
| Satin | Similar upfront cost but needs reapplying more frequently |
Conclusion
For most exterior wood projects, a high-gloss finish is the best choice. Gloss provides excellent protection from outdoor elements, requires less frequent maintenance, and gives a bright, wet wood appearance. While satin finishes are also durable options and offer easier touchups, their shorter lifespan gives gloss the advantage for long-term performance.
However, for projects where you prefer a more natural, muted wood look, satin finishes may be the better option. Test samples of both gloss and satin finishes on your specific wood to see which finish look you like best. Consider your project’s location, your desired maintenance frequency, and cost when deciding between gloss and satin for your exterior wood.