Satin or semi-gloss..is there a difference?

[DrDread]

Is there a difference between water base satin and semi gloss paints? Some experts tell me they're the same thing, others tell me its matte, satin then semi gloss and full gloss...now I'm confused. There is a scrubability issue too I think. I was after an acrylic semi gloss, preferably a paving paint to paint wooden floors. I have almost settled on an industrial two pack acrylic but its a full gloss (and expensive) and I would prefer an off the shelf no-mix product.

Hope I haven't doubled up here...did a quick search and have never seen so many posts in a forum

Thanks,
Dread

[echnidna]

Theoretically satin is 30% gloss while semigloss is 50% gloss.

But from a practical visual aspect they are near enough the same.

[Honorary Bloke]

But from a practical visual aspect they are near enough the same.

I love you like a brother, but you are wrong. I can easily tell the difference.

[echnidna]

Hey Bob, I agree if it was oil paint or lacquer
But the acrylics are a wee bit different. Most acrylic full gloss is only just semigloss and the lower gloss levels get harder to pick.

[Slobba]

your local paint shop should have a sheen graph that will show what is what....and that depends on the paint brand

[keepontruckin]

Being a 4th year apprentice painter and decorator there is no difference between satin and semi-gloss. I asked my boss and a trade teacher and they said the name semi-gloss is now dissapearing because clients hear the word gloss and think its the same as full gloss.