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Cabot gives you all the information you need for a professional quality job.
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Choosing the Right Sheen
To achieve the look you want, there are several important factors to consider before choosing a stain. Color and opacity may be the first things you think about, but don't forget about sheen—the degree of gloss—or lack of gloss—you see on the finished surface.
Cabot polyurethanes are available in three levels of sheen: Gloss, Semi-gloss, and Satin. When choosing a sheen, consider all aspects of the project. In addition to thinking about the way it looks, there are some other factors to consider:
Function—Think about the use of the item you're finishing. For example, a gloss finish will transform a tired table into a bright centerpiece in a room; a satin finish is ideal for enhancing a wood's natural beauty.
Durability—In general, higher (glossier) sheens are more durable and provide greater protection.
To help you make the right choice, here's a quick overview of each sheen and its appropriate application.
Satin Description: A traditional choice for a natural
appearance.
Application: Apply in high-use areas such as windowsills,
floors and tabletops.
Semi-gloss Description: The perfect combination of natural
beauty and durable performance.
Application: Floors, tables and furniture,
depending on the desired look you want.
Gloss Description: The premium choice for a lustrous finish
with added depth and brilliance.
Application: Floors, tables and
furniture. Use when you want a glass-like reflection.
Finishing a floor? Never use furniture finishes on a floor. Due to the pounding floors take, they require finishes that are specially formulated for strength and durability, such as Cabothane Water-borne Floor Finish.
For easy reference, you may print this article.
Cabot Polystain
A premium one-step interior wood finish that makes wood finishing beautifully simple.
Stain colors for your floor
Choose from a variety of custom colors to enhance your floor's wood grain.
Ideas for your floor
With Cabot's wide range of Ready Mix and custom tint colors, you are sure to find the right color.
The Leader in Wood Care Since 1877
When Samuel Cabot opened the doors to his workshop in 1877, he had one mission: top-quality wood care.
Today, the Cabot heritage is alive and well in everything we do. Count on us for:
- Easy-to-use wood preparation products
- Long-lasting deck stains
- Beautiful wood finishes and preservatives for outdoors
- Rich wood stains and durable topcoats for indoors
- Experts to answer any question, 7 days a week
- At Cabot, we do wood care. And we're here to help.
