Low Sheen Varnish: Also known as Matte Varnish and has a 10% sheen.<\/p>\n
Standard Varnish: Also known as Semi-Gloss Varnish and has a 30% sheen.<\/p>\n
High Gloss (which we do not offer at DutchCrafters) has a 60% sheen.<\/p>\n
How Does Low Sheen Varnish Look on Wood Furniture?<\/h2>\n
The concern with low sheen varnish is that when it is used on a dark finish, it can appear dull and flat and actually create a hazy, dusty look. It\u2019s not the best choice for an elegant finish on dark wood<\/a>. We do not recommend a low sheen varnish on a dining room table<\/a> that is the centerpiece of the room. For a lighter table that\u2019s not at the center of things or for light colored bedroom furniture<\/a> kept in more private quarters, a low sheen varnish is fine.<\/p>\n There\u2019s often a concern that standard varnish will look too shiny and that there will be a lot of reflection or glare and therefore, low sheen varnish would look better. It doesn\u2019t. Standard varnish creates a smooth finish that\u2019s a little shiny but not glossy. Standard varnish is not like a urethane or lacquer. It is more like a satin finish. You will not get a mirrored reflection. With standard varnish you can easily get to see the wood grain better as it enhances the beauty of the wood on all finishes, light or dark.<\/p>\n You are the best judge of what look you like. We always recommend you order samples<\/a> that you can see up close to get a good idea of how low sheen varnish and standard varnish compare.<\/p>\n \r\n This post was originally published on July 25th, 2013. It was updated on January 30th, 2025. If you have spoken Read more<\/a> <\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n You Put Cherries On Top For A Reason! Why cherry wood? There are so many wood choices, is there really Read more<\/a> <\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Low](\"https:\/\/www.dutchcrafters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Low-Sheen_Furniture_5-300x200.jpg\")
<\/p>\nImage of a dining table with a dark finish and low sheen varnish. The low sheen creates a hazy appearance and fingerprints will show.<\/h5>\n
![\"Low](\"https:\/\/www.dutchcrafters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Low-Sheen_Furniture_8-300x200.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThis dining table doesn’t show the detail of the wood grain with a dark stain and low sheen varnish.<\/h5>\n
Low Sheen (Matte) Varnish:<\/h2>\n
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![\"Barnwood](\"https:\/\/www.dutchcrafters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/BarnwoodMetalTable_19-300x200.jpg\")
<\/p>\nBarnwood with a low sheen varnish works fine.<\/h5>\n
![\"Light](\"https:\/\/www.dutchcrafters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/Low-Sheen_Furniture_12-300x200.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThe Transitions Sleigh Bed by Keystone features light colored wood with low sheen varnish.<\/h5>\n
Standard (Semi Gloss) Varnish:<\/h2>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.dutchcrafters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pid52775_KingstonTable_36-300x200.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThe Kingston Dining Table wears a standard varnish beautifully.<\/h5>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.dutchcrafters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pid52775_KingstonTable_32-300x200.jpg\")
<\/p>\nStandard varnish on the Kingston offers a smooth finish that’s a little shiny, but not too glossy.<\/h5>\n
![\"Close](\"https:\/\/www.dutchcrafters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/pid52775_KingstonTable_20-300x200.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThe wood grain pattern is easy to see in standard varnish.<\/h5>\n
![\"What](\"https:\/\/www.dutchcrafters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/07\/Amish-Language-Pennsylvania-Dutch.jpg\")
\r\n\r\n <\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"CHERRY](\"https:\/\/www.dutchcrafters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/01\/CHERRY-WOOD-INFOGRAPHIC.png\")
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![\"amish](\"https:\/\/www.dutchcrafters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/APPLE-SPONGE-PUDDINGcrop.png\")
\r\n\r\n <\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"AmishMakersSteven\"](\"https:\/\/www.dutchcrafters.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/20140605-PEP_6743.jpg\")
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