Matte, Semi-Gloss, or High-Gloss: Which Sheen is Best for Your Floors?

How do you decide which sheen is best for your customers' floors? The main difference between matte, semi-gloss, and high-gloss finish is the level of sheen or reflectivity produced. Matte finishes produce a low sheen and appear more subdued, while semi-gloss finishes have a moderate sheen that is smoother and more lustrous than matte but less reflective than glossy finishes. Glossy finishes, the most reflective of the three sheens, can almost create a mirror-like effect between the floor and its surroundings.

When it comes to choosing the best finish, the specific requirements of the space need to be examined.

Here are the key factors to consider:

1. Aesthetics: Because glossy finishes create an enormous amount of reflectivity, they work well in rooms with large windows or bright artificial lighting, as they enhance brightness and add visual interest. Glossy finishes, especially high gloss, can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to a space.

Another important reason to choose a high gloss finish is that there is a common perception that "shiny = clean", notably in healthcare environments. In other words, if a floor is reflective, then it is often believed that it is well-maintained and free from dirt, dust, and debris.

On the other hand, matte finishes offer a more natural, relaxed look with minimal light reflection. They provide a neutral character and highlight the materials for a raw, organic appearance.

Semi-gloss and matte finishes offer a subtle sheen without being overly reflective. This option is a great compromise between wanting shine but also needing a slip-resistant solution.

2. Maintenance: Glossy finishes tend to show dirt and debris more easily compared to semi-gloss or matte finishes. They require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep their pristine appearance.

Alternatively, a semi-gloss sheen disperses light and is better at concealing dust and flaws, so it is easier to maintain. Because matte finishes are excellent at hiding soil and imperfections like scuffs or scratches, they can be more suitable for high-activity areas.

3. Safety: Perhaps the most important factor to consider when choosing a coating is the safety of the floors in a given space. For example, in long-term care facilities, the lower shine of matte coatings is safer for residents with visual and/or neurological impairments, because it prevents any glare from natural and artificial lighting that may cause loss of balance and potential slips, trips, and falls. Floors coated with a finish mixed with a traction additive are, by nature, less reflective. These additives are also instrumental in areas that are prone to the presence of moisture, especially near building entrances. To learn more, see our page on Health and Safety

A High-Gloss sheen is associated with cleanliness and can positively impact building occupants' impression of how well buildings are maintained. This floor has fine grit added for traction, but it still remains shiny.

A Matte sheen is often used to decrease reflectivity for safety reasons, hide flaws, and impart an organic aesthetic. 

How to Achieve Matte, Semi-Gloss, and Gloss Finishes

Ultra Durable Technologies offers its supreme clear coating, EPIC High-Performance Floor Finish, that protects and beautifies floors for 3 to 5 years or longer. EPIC is available in high-gloss and matte formulas. Additionally, the type of sheen such as semi-gloss can easily be customized by mixing EPIC with its proprietary traction additives, either Ultra Grip or UDT Aggregate Additive.

Coarser grits typically offer higher traction than finer grits. However, when mixed into EPIC High Gloss, coarser grits yield a higher sheen than the finer grits that tend to reduce gloss levels more significantly.

Ultimately, the choice between matte, semi-gloss, and high-gloss finishes for your flooring depends on your customers' aesthetic preferences and the practical considerations of maintenance and floor safety. 

UDT can help you choose the best sheen for your floors.

UDT Continues to Grow! Q&A with Dan Gorecki, Production Manager

Recently, Ultra Durable Technologies welcomed Dan Gorecki, UDT's new Production Manager. Here are his thoughts when asked about this new opportunity and what experience he brings to the job:

Q: How many years of production manager experience did you bring to UDT, and in what type of facility/facilities did you work?

A: My background consists of 25+ years in the manufacturing industry, I have played many roles within production through management for worldwide industry leaders such as Caterpillar and Cargill. My experience has taught me to always strive toward meeting high-quality standards. I have also learned the importance of continuous improvement and I plan to bring that expertise to UDT.

Q: What is a goal you have for the production department that may contribute to the growth of the company?

A: I feel our overall production strategy lies in streamlining and perfecting processes. Readily adapting to change as UDT continues to grow will also be an important factor.

Q: Anything you have learned so far at UDT that you’d like to share?

A: I have been impressed by the amount of knowledge that is contained within the UDT team. It is also amazing how much they care about the community, the customers, the products, and one another to such a high degree.

Welcome aboard, Dan! We are so fortunate to have you join the UDT family!

Ultra Durable Technologies Earns Gold Status

from the Green Business Bureau

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