The 10 Best Semi Gloss Hardwood Floor Finishes (2022 reviews)
We consider a semi gloss hardwood floor finish to be a worthy investment in the long run.
Let’s take you step by step, type by type, and find the best semi gloss hardwood floor finish for you.
Our review process:
Our Top Picks:
Best Overall: Buy: General Finishes Best Urethane Finish READ REVIEWBest With Low Odor: Buy: Varathane One Coat READ REVIEWBest For Cabinet: Buy: Minwax Clear Top Coat READ REVIEWBest For Uv Protection: Buy: Varathane Semi Gloss Hardwood Floor Finish READ REVIEWBest For Superior Durability: Buy: Rustoleum Floor Finish READ REVIEWBest For Easy Application: Buy: Minwax Semi Gloss Hardwood Floor Finish READ REVIEWBest For Pine: Buy: Vermont Natural Coatings Semi Gloss Hardwood Floor Finish READ REVIEWBest For Bare Wood: Buy: Zar Semi Gloss Hardwood Floor Finish READ REVIEWBest For Stair: Buy: General Finishes Semi Gloss Hardwood Floor Finish READ REVIEWBest For Excellent Flow: Buy: Rustoleum Semi Gloss Hardwood Floor Finish READ REVIEWBest Overall: General Finishes Best Urethane Finish
Buy on Amazon The General Finishes Best Urethane Finish's high-end materials makes sure that it ages well with use. The general finishes best urethane finish has great results, has excellent results and it is very forgiving. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. In addition, the finish is great with high-gloss, has read directions and it leaves a nice. look. Above all, the general finisheses best urethane finishes are formulated to be wiped on with a cloth or applied with a foam brush, thus eliminating drips and sags.Almost all customers found that the finish has almost no odor and goes on really smoothly when wiped. In addition, a few say that the finish is set, to smooth out any dripping down the front. Also, they say that this wiping varnish, which contains oil, does a good job " popping the grain " as any oil finish would.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is much nicer looking and does not peel.
- This is super easy and it never go back.
- This is easy to work with and it results in a professional finish.
- The old finish ( varnish ) is removed and the wood sanded.
Best With Low Odor: Varathane One Coat
Buy on Amazon Compared with other glosses in this category, the Varathane One Coat has a convenient design. The varathane coat is silky smooth and it gives a nice. look look look look look. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. And, it is ideal for interior projects like furniture, doors, cabinets and trim. The finish provides for great protection and it is very happy. Also, it went on nice, is good for several coats and it goes on milky. Above all, the varathane coat is affordable, dried clear and it works perfectly.Most customers found that the gloss can leave paper fibers from the application. In addition, a few also found that the gloss is perfect to seal up the interior of a bamboo tea set case. Further, they say that this glaze leaves a beautiful, glossy finish to polymer clay sculptures. To sum up, many have used the gloss for more than a few months without any issues, and it shows no sign of giving up.Top Customer Quotes:
- Semi gloss finish creates a smooth and classy look.
- This does not absorb light, therefore it does not yellow.
- This finish is great for dining tables and surfaces that need extra protection.
- This protects your surface whether be stained or painted.
Best For Cabinet: Minwax Clear Top Coat
Buy on Amazon The Minwax Clear Top Coat's high-end materials makes sure that it ages well with use. The minwax clear top coat is America’s leading brand of wood finishing and wood care projects. Get more done, faster, with a minwax one - coat polyurethane protective finish. The advanced formulation in this clear top coat provides the same level of durability in one coat which is comparable to three coats of conventional polyurethane. The gloss makes for excellent coverage, stays clear and it protects wood surfaces. Further, it cleans up easily with just soap and warm water. Finally, the minwax clear top coat has a nice shine, is good for exterior use and it is smooth to apply.Most customers agree that the finish includes outdoor wood furniture all the way to mod - podge items. In addition, a few say that the finish can be used within 30 years after finishing. Further, they also found that the finish can be used in warmer temps to get the clearest possible result.Top Customer Quotes:
- Use it to easily protect and add beauty to your wood projects.
- This can char also, possibly from a very hot skillet being placed on it.
- It covers it well and you can see through it really well.
- This comes dries in two hours and it is great with great stuff.
Best For Uv Protection: Varathane Semi Gloss Hardwood Floor Finish
Buy on Amazon Best part: Varathane Semi Gloss Hardwood Floor Finish costs comparatively cheap and it is available to ship in 24 hours. The varathane semi gloss hardwood floor finish goes on well, works for tons of bubbles and it is suitable for a coffee table. A water-based, non - yellowing spar varnish formulated to provide outstanding uv protection, durability and phenomenal resistance to the elements. In addition, there is much more and it protects you well. Finally, the varathane semi gloss hardwood floor finish is faded and it has dried clear.Most customers found that the gloss does one thing very well. And, a few strongly agree that the gloss is great for outside decor, too. To sum up, buyers found this to be one of the best finishes for daily purposes.Top Customer Quotes:
- This is easy to apply with a synthetic brush.
- This is sold as working on painted surfaces outdoors.
- This is perfect for very little odor and it does the trick.
- It is odorless, looks great and it works well.
Best For Superior Durability: Rustoleum Floor Finish
Buy on Amazon The Rustoleum Floor Finish's material feels more premium than its price would suggest. The rustoleum floor finish has superior durability, abrasion resistance and scuff resistance. I want a water-based finish for hardwood floors. Further, it provides a crystal clear finish. Lastly, the rustoleum floor finish has foam brushes and it is perfect for very little odor.Almost all customers agree that the finish is easy to apply, nice hard finish, packaging is not great. Furthermore, a few also found that the gloss is easy to apply with a large paintbrush, dries in one hour with almost no odor. Moreover, they also found that the first coat is the most difficult as it is quickly absorbed into the thirsty wood. Obviously, this finish passed the test and had very satisfied buyers eager to share their experience.Customers also found that its wise to buy a waterborne polyurethane floor finish, along with this finish.
Top Customer Quotes:
- Highest solids of any water-based floor finish.
- This dries very quickly, dried clear and it is made with household chemicals.
- This is great for easy cleanup, looks better and it has no odor.
- It is manufactured in the United States.
Best For Easy Application: Minwax Semi Gloss Hardwood Floor Finish
Buy on Amazon Best part: Minwax Semi Gloss Hardwood Floor Finish costs comparatively little and it is available to ship in 24 hours. The minwax semi gloss hardwood floor finish is one of the leading brands of interior wood stains in the United States. Give your wood projects a sleek finish with this semi-gloss clear varnish. This clear coat features an advanced anti - settling formula that ensures less stirring and fewer highs and lows across large surfaces, resulting in an even, beautiful sheen. The finish makes for easy application, is great with beautiful results and it works well. In addition, this works for very nice results and it is very happy. Lastly, the minwax semi glosshardwood floorfinish is America’s leading brand of wood finishing and wood care projects.Almost all customers agree that the finish does dry quickly, so there's no need to puddle the finish. Furthermore, a few also found that the gloss can be applied over minwax wood finish or gel stain. In addition, a few say that this clear, oil - based protective finish is specifically formulated for hardwood floors. In conclusion, at the price, they believe that they got a steal of a deal with it.Why We Like This:
- This dries clear, looks great and it is more durable.
- This is followed, no sanding between coats is needed.
- This has great results and it blends well.
- Allow 3-4 hours to dry before you sand.
Best For Pine: Vermont Natural Coatings Semi Gloss Hardwood Floor Finish
Buy on Amazon Next on the list, we've got yet another finish that manages to win our hearts. It's the Vermont Natural Coatings Semi Gloss Hardwood Floor Finish and it's widely considered as one of the most convenient finishes you can buy. The vermont natural coatings semigloss hardwoodfloor finish can be applied over oil-based stain or finish, as well as other waterborne finishes. Please note that this item can only be shipped by ground to addresses within the continental United states. This professional, water - based polyurethane not only enhances the innate beauty of wood, it preserves it with a durable shield that is environmentally safe. The gloss has used three coats, went on smooth and it is great for easy cleanup. Moreover, the finish never goes back and it is suitable for coffee table. Above all, the vermont natural coatings semi gloss hardwood floor finish works well for food stains and it goes on easily.Almost all customers agree that the finish is easy to apply, thin coats seemed to work very well. In addition, a few also found that the gloss can be sanded in messed-up spots and feathered to make a uniform surface. In conclusion, most buyers agree that the gloss suits best, and no one questions it.Few customers got hardwood floor water based polyurethane, along with the gloss.
Top Customer Quotes:
- This is great with the end result, is great with beautiful results and it works well.
- A durable, non-yellowing coating seals & protects and is scratch & chemical resistant.
- It smells good and it is made for satin sheen.
- Easy single product application with dry time under 2 hours.
Best For Bare Wood: Zar Semi Gloss Hardwood Floor Finish
Buy on Amazon Zar line of gloss comes in a pretty wide variety of styles, so you can definitely find one that suits your individual preferences and needs. The Zar Semi Gloss Hardwood Floor Finish comes dries in two hours, is designed for interior use and it has added depth. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. And, it is great for floors and it is more durable. Lastly, the zar semi gloss hardwood floor finish is an incredibly fast-drying, oil-based polyurethane that dries to a smooth finish on bare wood, in just two hours, with no brush marks.One customer says - "If you want a very durable finish then this stuff is for you. ". Almost all buyers opine that the gloss is easy to apply, lasts a long time and most solvents won't harm it. With no doubts, this gloss passed the test and had very satisfied buyers eager to share their experience.Why We Like This:
- Good brand reputation.
- New and hot releases.
Best For Stair: General Finishes Semi Gloss Hardwood Floor Finish
Buy on Amazon The general finish semigloss hardwoodfloor finish should be able to handle its purpose and duties with ease. The general finish semi glosshardwood floorfinish is a single-component water-based floor-grade urethane for hardwood floors that does not require a catalyst. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. And, the gloss is a voc - compliant, water clean-up, clear drying, durable, self-cross-linking urethane/acrylic, making it a leader among single-component technologies. Finally, the General Finishes Semi Gloss Hardwood Floor Finish can be applied with a pad applicator, britstle brush, microfiber roller, or a t-bar applicator."It's a poly, but different enough that you can't mix with other polys. " - says, one customer. To sum up, most buyers found the finish is functionally comfortable and no one questions it.Customers say that buying a semi gloss hardwood floor finish, with this finish made their life much easier.
Why We Like This:
- This can be used over raw, stained, or previously finished hardwood.
- Water cleanup, low odor, fast drying, voc compliant, and self - sealing.
- Good investment for the long term.
Best For Excellent Flow: Rustoleum Semi Gloss Hardwood Floor Finish
Buy on Amazon If you often find yourself confused about convenient and suitable finish, Rustoleum Semi Gloss Hardwood Floor Finish is your solution. The rustoleum semi gloss hardwood floor finish is good for good quality and it is great for long - lasting beauty. This product cannot be shipped to the following states. Further, it has excellent flow and has self - leveling properties. Most importantly, the rustoleum semi gloss hardwood floor finish is much better and it delivers great scratch.Almost all customers quickly discovered that the gloss would slightly yellow in color, so then water based should be used. Moreover, they also found that the gloss is oil based so it has a strong chemical smell, but the smell will dissipate in 3-4 hours if the room is well ventilated. Further, they strongly agree that the " heavy duty or high traffic " varnish is excellent for outdoor wood items as well as applied to metal furniture to inhibit rusting. Consequently, buyers were very happy to recommend it to friends and would-be buyers.Top Customer Quotes:
- Delivers great scratch & mar resistance.
- Oil-based wood floor finish - classic clear gloss.
- This is great for all wood surfaces and especially hardwood floors and stairs.
- This is really dry first, plus it will adhere to old finishes.