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SAND MY FLOORSLTDFloor Sanding Specialists

Finish guide

Choosing the right finish

The finish sets the look, the feel and how the floor wears. Here's how the options compare – with real floors we've finished.

6 finishes

From natural to high-gloss

Long open-plan Battersea flat with a light, wide-plank oak floorMatt

Matt & Extra-Matt Lacquer

Gives the look of raw, freshly sanded timber while fully protecting it – the most requested finish in modern homes.

  • Natural, just-sanded look
  • Hides everyday marks well
  • Excellent protection
  • Less reflective 'wow' than satin or gloss

Best for: Family homes, oak and engineered floors

Victorian pine floorboards in a Putney living room sanded and lacquered to a warm honey toneSatin

Satin Lacquer

A soft sheen that catches the light – practical, elegant and at home in period and modern rooms alike.

  • Gentle sheen
  • Brings out warm tones
  • Easy to keep clean
  • Shows a little more wear than matt

Best for: Period pine and living rooms

High-gloss amber floor finished by Sand My Floors at The Bohemians venue in Deptford, with cast-iron columnsGloss

Gloss Lacquer

A classic mirror-like finish full of depth and reflection – as seen at The Bohemians in Deptford.

  • Maximum reflection and depth
  • Rich, luxurious look
  • Tough protective film
  • Shows scratches and dust more readily

Best for: Statement rooms and venues

Hardwax oil being applied by hand to freshly sanded oak floorboardsLow lustre

Hardwax Oil

Penetrates the timber to enrich the grain, feels warm underfoot and can be spot-repaired without re-sanding.

  • Natural look and feel
  • Spot-repairable
  • Enhances grain and colour
  • Needs periodic maintenance coats

Best for: Oak, parquet and herringbone

Dark charcoal-toned wide-plank oak floor completed in a London Bridge apartmentAny sheen

Colour & Stains

Change the character of a room completely – from smoked and grey tones to walnut, charcoal and near-black.

  • Chosen from samples
  • Unifies repaired boards
  • Huge range of tones
  • Pine absorbs stain unevenly – needs an experienced approach

Best for: Oak and engineered floors

Surbiton pine floorboards sanded back to pale, natural timberMatt

Whitewash & Pale Finishes

Keeps pine light, fresh and Scandinavian – and stops it ambering over time.

  • Pale, airy look
  • Stops pine yellowing
  • Lovely on period boards
  • Best on light-coloured timbers

Best for: Pine floorboards

Free quotes · Merton, Sutton, South West London & Surrey

Not sure which finish to choose?

We'll talk you through the options for your floor and how you live – and show you samples.