When it comes to choosing the right paint finish, understanding how sheen levels affect the final look and performance is essential. The type of finish you select can dramatically influence the appearance of a surface. Whether you're working on a high-end joinery project, kitchen respray, refurbishing furniture, or finishing interior woodwork, the right sheen can make all the difference.
At Ultrimax, we offer a wide selection of professional-grade joinery paints available in various finishes to suit any application. From our water-based Aquimax Topcoat, known for its fast-drying and environmentally friendly properties, to the premium Sayerlack Polyurethane Topcoat TZ99, which offers exceptional durability and a silky-smooth finish, there’s a solution for every project.
In this guide, we break down the key differences between our most popular paint finishes — Matt, Satin, and Gloss — to help you choose the best option for your specific needs. Whether you’re after a bold, high-shine effect or a soft, muted look, understanding sheen levels will ensure your finished result is exactly what you envisioned.
Matt Finishes
Dead Matt and Matt finishes are quickly gaining popularity, especially in the kitchen and interior joinery sectors, as more designers and homeowners opt for a sophisticated, ultra-flat look with zero shine. With a sheen level typically 5%-10%, matt paints offer a smooth, light-absorbing surface that delivers a highly contemporary, understated aesthetic. This finish is ideal for achieving a minimalist style, where subtle textures and clean lines are preferred over reflective surfaces.
At Ultrimax, we offer a selection of matt paints and lacquers from trusted brands like Sayerlack, formulated for professional use and long-lasting performance. These include:
· Sayerlack Water-Based Natural Look Lacquer (AT601): Designed to preserve the natural appearance of wood while providing excellent protection and a dead matt finish.
· Sayerlack Water-Based Topcoat (AT99): A versatile option for interior joinery, delivering a durable, ultra-matte finish.
· Sayerlack Acrylic Clear Lacquer (TZ70): A solvent-based lacquer that offers excellent clarity and a dead matt sheen, perfect for wood surfaces requiring a hard-wearing yet invisible finish.
Matt finishes provide the perfect blend of modern aesthetics and they are available in both water-based and solvent-based systems, allowing you to choose the right product based on your environmental and project requirements.
Satin Finishes
Satin finishes strike a balance between matt and gloss and usually have a 30% sheen level, offering a soft sheen that is both attractive and practical. Satin is a versatile option for joinery work, especially when you want a refined finish that resists scuffs and is easy to clean - making it a go-to for kitchen units, internal doors, and bespoke wardrobes.
Satin is a popular option and at Ultrimax we offer a number of different coatings that come with a Satin finish including; Ultrimax Polyurethane Topcoat which can also be tinted to any colour using our Colormax technology, it is a hard-wearing two-pack system perfect for high-traffic areas. It delivers long-lasting colour retention and chemical resistance, ensuring that your joinery projects remain pristine over time.
Gloss Finishes
If your project requires a striking, reflective surface, a gloss finish is the ideal choice. With a 90% sheen level, high-gloss paints are commonly used in traditional joinery, high-end furniture, and feature pieces where visual impact is key. Gloss is also extremely durable and easy to wipe clean, making it suitable for areas which have regular use and that are prone to scuffs and marks. The glossy finish elevates the visual appeal and provides enhanced durability over time.
Selecting the Perfect Paint Finish for Professional Joinery
Choosing the right paint finish — whether Dead Matt, Matt, Satin, or Gloss — plays a crucial role in achieving the desired aesthetic and performance for your joinery project - Each finish offers unique benefits.
At Ultrimax, we understand the demands of professional joinery and offer a comprehensive range of high-performance paint finishes from trusted brands like Sayerlack and our own Ultrimax and Aquimax. Whether you're looking for water-based solutions with environmental benefits and lower VOC levels or robust solvent-based systems for heavy-duty applications, we have the products and expertise to support your success.
If you have any questions about sheen levels or suitability of products for you project, please contact our Total Paint Shop Support team for more technical assistance.