Matt, satin or gloss: which finish to choose?

The gloss level of a topcoat is measured in gloss units and goes far beyond appearance. Making the right choice impacts maintenance, elegance, and even how the wood grain is perceived. ## Matt (5-15 gloss) Modern and elegant finish, without reflections. Advantages: hides fingerprints and micro-scratches, conveys sophistication, highlights the natural texture of the wood. Ideal for: contemporary furniture, modern kitchens, surfaces subjected to frequent contact. ## Satin (20-50 gloss) The most popular middle ground. It has a soft and silky sheen. Advantages: perfect balance between elegance and ease of cleaning, versatile for almost any style. Ideal for: most residential and commercial furniture. ## Gloss (80-100 gloss) Maximum reflection and color depth. Advantages: luxurious look, enhances intense colors, easy to clean. Considerations: highlights surface imperfections more and requires impeccable preparation. Ideal for: luxury furniture, pianos, automotive-type finishes. ## Professional advice The gloss is controlled by the type of topcoat, not by the amount applied. At ICLA, we handle the entire range—matt, satin, and gloss—in our polyurethane and water-based topcoats, ensuring batch consistency thanks to our production method, and color consistency thanks to our ICLA CHROME system. Do not know which gloss level suits you? Ask us for a physical sample.